Drive Error Codes: Single-character display (SCD)

SCD drive error codes give descriptions of the errors and messages that pertain to the drive.

If you encounter problems while the tape drive is running, refer to How the library reports problems.

The SCD display appears on the inside back of an installed library and can be seen through the front window of an expansion unit. It is seen on the lower center of a full-height drive. Each drive has a status light and single-character display, that when visible provides drive informational and error conditions. The single-character display shows either a single character, a dot (in the lower right of the display), or both.
Note: The SCD can be seen through the windows of expansion units, and for full-height drives only. If you have a base unit without expansion units, or if you have half-height drives, the SCD cannot be seen.

Single-character display (SCD) codes lists the codes for error conditions and informational messages. If multiple errors occur, the code with the highest priority (represented by the lowest number) displays first. When the error is corrected, the code with the next highest priority displays until no errors remain.

The SCD is blank during normal operation.

Single-character display (SCD) codes

Table 1 gives descriptions of the errors and messages that pertain to the drive. For troubleshooting tips, see Troubleshooting Guide.

  • Make note of the SCD error code before a cartridge is removed or the SCD error code is cleared.
  • If an error occurred with a cartridge in the drive, eject the cartridge from the drive with the library Management GUI (see Locating Management functions).
Attention: If the drive detects a permanent error and displays an error code other than SCD 0, it automatically runs a drive dump. If you force a drive dump, the existing dump is overwritten and data can be lost. After you force a drive dump, do not turn OFF the power to the drive or you might lose the dump data.
Table 1. Error codes on the single-character display
Error code Meaning
0
No error occurred and no action is required. This code displays when diagnostics finish running and no error occurred.
Note: The single-character display is blank during normal operation of the tape drive.
1
Temperature problem. The tape drive detected that the recommended operating temperature was exceeded.
2
Power problem. The tape drive detected that the externally supplied power is outside the specified voltage limits (the tape drive is not operating).
3
Firmware problem. The tape drive determined that a firmware error occurred
Note: Do not force a new dump; the tape drive already created one.
4
Firmware or hardware problem. The tape drive determined that a firmware or tape drive hardware failure occurred.
Note: Do not force a new dump; the tape drive already created one.
5
Tape drive hardware problem. The drive determined that a tape path or read/write error occurred.
Notes:
  • To prevent damage to the drive or tape, the tape drive does not allow a cartridge to be inserted if the current cartridge was successfully ejected.
  • Do not force a new dump; the tape drive already created one.
6
Tape drive or media error. The tape drive determined that an error occurred, but it cannot isolate the error to faulty hardware or to the tape cartridge. Ensure that the tape cartridge is the correct media type. See LTO media.

Ensure tape drive is at the latest firmware version. See Minimum firmware levels for common library features.

7
Tape drive or media error. The tape drive determined that an error occurred, but it cannot isolate the error to faulty hardware or to the tape cartridge. Ensure that the tape cartridge is the correct media type. See LTO media.
8
Interface problem. The tape drive determined that a failure occurred in the tape drive hardware or in the host bus.
Note: The error code clears 10 seconds after the drive detected the error.
9
Tape drive or library-drive communication error. The tape drive determined that a failure occurred in the tape drive's hardware or in the library-drive connection.
A
Degraded operation. The tape drive determined that a problem occurred which degraded the operation of the tape drive, but it did not restrict continued use. If the problem persists, determine whether the problem is with the drive or the media.
Note: The drive is usable, though the single-character display continues to indicate an error and the status light flashes amber.
C
The tape drive needs to be cleaned. See Locating Management functions.
D
Fiber AL_PA conflict. Two drives on fiber loop have the same AL_PA.
e
Encryption error. Displayed when the drive detects an error that is associated with an encryption operation.
E
Fiber Port offline. Displayed when the drive fiber port received a port bypass command from another port on the Fibre Channel network.
F
Fibre Channel error. No light is displayed if the drive fiber port does not detect light.
P
Write operation to a write protected cartridge was attempted. This action includes any attempt to overwrite a WORM protected tape. Ensure that the tape cartridge is the correct media type. See LTO media.
c
The drive is performing media optimization.