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Aakash Shah Posted on Apr 26, 2009
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PE 1800 Power Supply Fan Does Not Turn Off When Shut Down

The power supply (PS) fan in my PowerEdge 1800 does not turn off when I shut down the computer. The fan stays on indefinitely and will only turn off if I unplug the server. Here are the troubleshooting steps I have taken:

1. I have updated the server with all firmware updates and patches.
2. The issue does not appear to be temperature related since this even occurs in cold weather.
3. I have tried to unplug the server, wait several hours and then plug the server back in (without actually switching on the server). Unfortunately, the PS fan immediately starts as soon as I give it power.
4. The problem is not OS related since I wiped the data from the server and the problem still persists (I am assigning this server to a different project so I was able to wipe the data).

The problem has occurred since I got the server from Dell (so it is not a new issue). Unfortunately I am out of my support contract with Dell.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks!

  • 2 more comments 
  • Aakash Shah Apr 26, 2009

    Jadestar: Thanks for responding. Strangely, I could not find a way to reset the BIOS, nor could I find any power settings in the BIOS for the PE1800. Yes, the BIOS is up to date using version A07. I couldn't find the WOL option in the BIOS either (the BIOS only includes information on boot sequence, date/time and simple things like that with no other menus visible).

    I've attempted to plug into the wall directly with no success either.

    Any other suggestions?

  • Aakash Shah Apr 26, 2009

    I reset the BIOS by removing the BIOS battery, but this did not help the PSU fan issue (I confirmed that the battery did the "trick" since the server asked me to re-enter the date and time when I started it back up).

    Ctrl+F1 did not reveal an advanced menu.

    I don't have a spare PSU that I can use. I wouldn't mind buying a new one if I knew for sure that it would resolve the issue. But, it doesn't seem like it would since it seems like some sort of setting.

    BTW, here is the PE1800 BIOS menu:http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/sy...

    Any other suggestions?


  • Aakash Shah Apr 26, 2009

    I turned off AC Power Recovery, but this did not help the PSU fan issue.

    The PSU fan stays on indefinitely until I physically unplug the server.


  • Aakash Shah Apr 27, 2009

    craigjamesbt: I unplugged the PSU from the rest of the server components and found that the PSU fan was still running. However, the fan was not spinning as fast as before. Basically, the PSU fan became slower when I disconnected the 24 pin main connector on the MB.

    I would agree that the PSU was at fault had the fan not become slower when I disconnected the main connector from the MB. But since it did, what does this tell us?

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  • Posted on Apr 27, 2009
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You may have to reomve the system cover and access the fan inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge. after reading this, run the steps below:

  1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" in Running System Diagnostics."

  2. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  3. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in your manual for guide.

  4. Ensure that the faulty fan's power cable is firmly attached to the fan power connector. Check the connecting cables for short-circuit (Bridged cables). if you find any, replace the cables.

  5. If the problem is not resolved, install a new fan. check for the replacement fan for your Server model.

If the replacement fan is working properly, close the system.
If the replacement fan does not operate, let me know.

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The fan Temp control sensor for the power supply should be internal however before buying a new one I would suggest removing the power supply from the unit and plugging it in if the issue remains unresolved you will know for sure it is in the power unit and can replace it

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I would definately check the BIOS settings and check the power settings in there. To get into the system bios, its usually either the DEL or F1 key when the system first boots.
One option you're looking for is the option to awake on power and that being disabled will prevent it from immediately powering on when its plugged in. It's quite odd that the psu still stays on when booting.
Again, check the BIOS...one thing to try is just simple resetting the bios to its default settings and see if that solves it.
When you say you tried all the firmware and drives, did that include bios firmware?
TO be honest with you, power supplies arent too expensive to replace and fairly easy to install. That's going to be your best option should these solutions I posted fail to fix your issue.
One last thing to try, a different outlet or powerbar to see if perhaps its not pc related but power related from your electrical or powerbar. Try bypassing any powerbars or battery backups aswell...

  • 2 more comments 
  • Anonymous Apr 26, 2009

    If you cant find the reset bios to defaults in the bios itself, another method is to completely unplug the system first and then remove the bios battery on the motherboard. its a silver battery a little bigger thana watch battery...hard to miss..leave it for a few minutes and hit the power button too just to make sure all the power cycles out. after a few minutes, leave the battery out and try powering on again and see if its resolved, if it is, put the battery back in and make sure you set your date/time and boot sequence settings back in.

  • Anonymous Apr 26, 2009

    one more thing, if it works good without the battery and upon putting it back in, it goes back to the way it is..you'll want to replace the battery all together.


    its quite odd that a server motherboard would only have those simple options because they usually have MORE than the standard motherboard

  • Anonymous Apr 26, 2009

    sorry for all the posts...i just keep thinking of things here...try pressing ctrl-f1 while in the bios, on some boards this will unlock the advanced mode and give you options not normally visible. again, still miffed by the fact that it contains to few options on a server board.


    if you have access to a power supply if adequete power and plugs, i would give that a shot aswell.

  • Anonymous Apr 26, 2009

    in the bios, go to System Security Screen


    then go to


    AC Power Recovery and set to OFF...that will stop the system from powering on automatically when it has power.



    question, does the fan eventually shutoff or does it stay on indefinately?

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