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June 25th, 2025 01:50
Dell PowerEdge T340 - No POST, Crashing After PCIe Initialization, iDRAC Unreachable, Amber Blinking LED
Hello Dell Support, I am experiencing a severe no-POST failure with my Dell PowerEdge T340 server. When powering on, the server starts, the fans spin, and the Dell splash screen appears along with the BIOS progress bar. The system proceeds through BIOS Initialization, iDRAC Initialization, USB Initialization, Display Initialization, and PCIe Initialization. However, after reaching PCIe Initialization, the server either freezes, restarts, or crashes. The front panel power button LED turns solid amber and blinks once per second continuously.
I am unable to access BIOS setup (F2), Boot Menu (F11), Lifecycle Controller (F10), or iDRAC. The iDRAC web interface is completely unresponsive over the network, and connecting via the iDRAC Direct USB-A port also fails.(i see green led) The external display remains black following the crash, with no video signal available for troubleshooting.
To resolve this, I have performed a full power drain by unplugging the server and holding the power button for over 30 seconds, repeated multiple times. I also removed the CMOS battery for several minutes and reinstalled it. I performed a full NVRAM clear using the motherboard jumper as per Dell’s guidelines. Additionally, I executed an iDRAC hard reset by holding the front “i” button for over 30 seconds while the server was powered on.
Can you please advise what steps I should take next to resolve this issue?
DELL-Chris H
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June 25th, 2025 17:19
Reis123,
What I suggest is powering down the server, removing the power cables, hold the power button again, then remove everything internally and externally from the server but the following;
● Processor
● One memory module (DIMM) in socket A1
● One power supply unit
● System board
● PIB and cable
That includes the perc controller, drives, USBs, etc.
Once you do that then reinstall the power cable, but wait 2 minutes before powering on. Once you power on then see if the server posts completely, if it still doesn't then the issue is with one of the listed devices above.
Do you happen to have a known good T340, if so would you be able to test the known good motherboard in this server?
As far as the LEDs, would you be able to share a picture or video of what you are seeing, and where you see it? As I am not aware of a Dell Perc controller with LEDs.
Let me know what you see.
Dell-Martin S
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June 25th, 2025 13:29
Hi,
here a Dell PowerEdge T340 No POST – Troubleshooting Guide
Key Symptoms
- Server freezes, crashes, or restarts after PCIe Initialization on POST.
- Amber blinking power LED (once per second).
- iDRAC is unreachable (both network and USB Direct).
- No video signal after crash.
- Cannot access BIOS, Boot Menu, or Lifecycle Controller.
- Power drain, CMOS/NVRAM clear, and iDRAC reset have not resolved the issue.
Most Likely Causes
- Faulty PCIe device or slot.
- Motherboard/system board failure.
- Power supply issues.
- Severe firmware corruption (BIOS or iDRAC).
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Minimum-to-POST Configuration
- Remove all PCIe cards (RAID, network, etc.).
- Disconnect all drives (SATA/SAS cables).
- Remove all but one RAM stick (try each stick in the primary slot, one at a time).
- Disconnect all USB devices except keyboard and monitor.
- Power on and check for POST.
- If POST is successful, add components back one at a time to identify the failing part.
2. Physical Inspection
- Check for bent pins, scorch marks, or other obvious motherboard damage.
- Reseat the CPU, RAM, and any remaining components.
3. Power Supply Check
- If possible, test with a known-good PSU to rule out power issues.
4. iDRAC and Motherboard Considerations
- If iDRAC remains unreachable and the system still fails to POST with minimal hardware, the motherboard is likely faulty and may require replacement.
Additional Resources
- Dell PowerEdge T340 Owner’s Manual:
https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/poweredge-t340/
- Dell PowerEdge T340 documents:
https://www.dell.com/support/product-details/en-us/product/poweredge-t340/docs
(edited)
reis123
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June 25th, 2025 16:27
Hi Martin,
Thank you for the troubleshooting steps. Unfortunately, none of them worked. The server still doesn’t POST, and iDRAC is still unreachable.
I also noticed that on the PERC RAID controller, the LED status is:
Left LED: Blinking red
Middle LED: Blinking green
Right LED: Solid green
Can you please help me understand what this PERC LED combination means and what Dell recommends as the next step?