Storage array alert condition for fan module

Products

• Security Analytics

Issue/Introduction

The fan module for the U840 and U144, (also known as ME4084 and ME4012), may report that a fan, PSU, or root expander has failed.  The error found in the audit logs will look like the following:

"An Enclosure Management Processor (EMP) reported an alert condition on a fan. Type: fault. (enclosure: 0, WWN: 500C0FE0000B453C) fan 8 (Fan 0, Enclosure 0, Fan Module 4), fan status: Failed;"

"A root expander experienced a communication fault. (enclosure 1, path: B, errorCode: 156)"

The message will report as failed in the array but the problem will be resolved within a minute.  This may be repeated many times during the day.

 

Environment

Component : U840 ME4084 and U144 ME4012

Cause

This is due to a bug in the firmware for the storage array which has not been released by the manufacturer.

Resolution

Upgrade the firmware for the management controller to release GT280R009-02 or newer once the release is available.  The update can be done while the system is in production.  The instructions on how to update the firmware are found at Upgrading firmware on the Dell U144 and U184 storage arrays. 

This article will be updated when the firmware is released.  (Last updated 05/20/2022)

As an example from the event logs:

B167       2022-03-14 09:17:57  552   ERROR          An Enclosure Management Processor (EMP) reported an alert condition on a fan. Type: fault. (enclosure: 0, WWN: 500C0FE0000B453C) fan 8 (Fan 0, Enclosure 0, Fan Module 4), fan status: Failed
B168       2022-03-14 09:17:57  200   INFORMATIONAL  Auto-write-through trigger event: fan failed.
A155       2022-03-14 09:18:02  552   ERROR          An Enclosure Management Processor (EMP) reported an alert condition on a fan. Type: fault. (enclosure: 0, WWN: 500C0FE0000B453C) fan 8 (Fan 0, Enclosure 0, Fan Module 4), fan status: Failed
A156       2022-03-14 09:18:02  200   INFORMATIONAL  Auto-write-through trigger event: fan failed.
B169       2022-03-14 09:18:57  552   RESOLVED       An Enclosure Management Processor (EMP) reported an alert condition on a fan. Type: resolved. (enclosure: 0, WWN: 500C0FE0000B453C) fan 8 (Fan 0, Enclosure 0, Fan Module 4)
B251       2021-07-08 13:24:34  556   WARNING        A root expander experienced a communication fault. (enclosure 1, path: A, errorCode: 156)
B254       2021-07-08 13:24:44  556   RESOLVED       A previous Warning or Error condition a root expander has been resolved. (enclosure 1, path: A)