Inlet Temp Sensor

Hi,

The inlet temperature sensor on a PowerEdge T340 is located on the motherboard.

Given the error code "The inlet temp sensor is not responding or is not working properly," and the constant high fan speed, here's a breakdown of likely causes and troubleshooting steps:

Likely Causes:

• Faulty Inlet Temperature Sensor: This is the most probable cause given the error message. The sensor itself may have failed.
• Motherboard Issue: A failure on the motherboard could be affecting the sensor's ability to communicate readings.
• iDRAC Issue: Although you reset the iDRAC, a firmware problem or deeper iDRAC malfunction could still be a factor.

Troubleshooting Steps (beyond what you've already done):

1. Firmware Updates:
   • BIOS: Update the server's BIOS to the latest version available on the Dell support site.
   • iDRAC: Ensure the iDRAC firmware is also up-to-date. Outdated firmware can cause sensor misreporting.
2. Check iDRAC Logs:
   • Examine the iDRAC logs for any other related errors or warnings that might provide clues.
3. Reseat Components:
   • Power down the server completely.
   • Carefully reseat the CPU and memory modules. Sometimes, a slightly loose connection can cause unusual behavior.
4. Visual Inspection:
   • Carefully inspect the motherboard around the area where the inlet temperature sensor is located (if you can identify its exact location). Look for any signs of physical damage, such as bulging capacitors, burnt components, or liquid residue.
5. Test with Minimum Configuration (If Possible):
   • Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals or expansion cards.
   • Boot the server with only the essential components (CPU, one stick of RAM).
   • See if the fan behavior changes. This helps rule out a conflict with another device.
6. Consider Environmental Factors:
   • While less likely, ensure the server is in a cool, well-ventilated environment. Extreme ambient temperatures could, in rare cases, cause sensor readings to go awry.
7. Replace Hardware