Troubleshoot Generation 2 Prime Infrastructure Appliance FlexFlash Faults

Introduction

This document describes a problem that is encountered with some of the new Cisco Generation 2 Prime Infrastructure Appliance units and provides a workaround for the problem in order to avoid the need for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).

Problem

Some of the new Generation 2 Prime Infrastructure Appliance units (Cisco part number PI-UCS-APL-K9 or PI-UCS-APL-K9=) might report a moderate fault and/or display an illuminated amber LED when powered up for the first time.

This issue involves two onboard flash cards, called Cisco FlexFlash, that are used in order to hold small images (less than 32 GB) for bootups in certain configurations. The FlexFlash is typically composed of two 32-GB flash cards that are mirrored to each other. If the two become un-mirrored, a moderate fault is generated on the unit:

Note: This issue is currently tracked with Cisco bug ID CSCuv50800.

Solution

Complete these steps in order to use the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) for verification and rectification of this situation:

1. Access the CIMC and check the Overall Server Status on the CIMC:
   
   
   
   
2. Navigate to Storage > Cisco FlexFlash > Virtual Drive Info and verify the Virtual Drive Status:
   
   
   
   In this case, the status shows Degraded. The physical drive might also show unhealthy:
   
   
   
   
3. Navigate to Controller Info > Configure Cards in order to configure the Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) mirror:
   
   
   
   
4. In the Mode field, click the Mirror radio button. In the Select Primary Card field, choose Slot 1 from the drop-down list. Click Save once complete:
   
   
   
   
5. Click Yes in order to continue:
   
   
   
   
6. Navigate to Virtual Device Info > Sync Virtual Drive in order to manually sync the RAID mirror:
   
   
   
   
7. Click Yes when this prompt appears:
   
   
   
   
8. Check the status of the Operation In Progress:
   
   
   
   In this case, the progress shows Syncing(Manual). After some time (up to two hours), the sync operation completes and all of the status indicators become green: