Purpose

Provide a standard troubleshooting procedure when an Ambient Temperature alert is triggered on a node.
This guide helps L1 and L2 engineers verify the alert and take appropriate action.

When to Use

Use this KB when the monitoring system generates an alert for:

Alert Name: Ambient Temperature

Alert Description

What the Alert Means

This alert indicates that the ambient air temperature around the device or chassis has crossed the defined threshold (30°C or higher).

It usually indicates one of the following:

• Temporary rise in rack temperature

• Data center cooling fluctuation

• Blocked airflow in the rack

• Sensor reading spike

In many cases, the alert auto-resolves once the temperature stabilizes.

L1 Engineer Actions

Follow the steps below when the alert is received.

Step 1 – Log the Alert

• Record the alert in the Alert Summary Sheet

Step 2 – Wait and Monitor

• Wait 25–30 minutes

• Many ambient alerts auto-resolve after cooling stabilizes

Step 3 – Check BMC Sensors (If Access Available)

• Log in to BMC

• Verify temperature sensor readings

Step 4 – Check Other Nodes in Same Rack

• Determine if the issue is isolated to one node or multiple nodes

Step 5 – Escalate if Alert Persists

If the alert does not clear after monitoring:

• Create an internal ticket

• Inform L2 Engineer

Step 6 – Documentation

After confirming with L2:

• Update the Issues Master Sheet

L2 Engineer Actions

If the alert persists or is escalated, perform the following checks.

Step 1 – Login to BMC

• Access the node BMC interface

Step 2 – Verify Sensor Data

Check the following sensors:

• Ambient temperature

• Chassis temperature

• Other thermal sensors

Step 3 – Check Chassis Inlet Temperature

Verify if the inlet temperature is within acceptable limits.

Step 4 – Verify Data Center Cooling

Check the following:

• CRAC / cooling system status

• Rack cooling efficiency

Step 5 – Check Other Nodes in Same Rack

Determine whether the issue affects:

• Single node

• Entire rack

Step 6 – Inspect Rack Airflow

Look for possible airflow issues:

• Blocked vents

• Cable obstruction

• Improper airflow direction

Step 7 – Coordinate with Data Center Team

If temperature remains high:

• Inform the operations team

• Request cooling verification

Expected Outcome

The alert should clear once:

• Ambient temperature falls below 30°C

• Rack airflow is restored

• Data center cooling stabilizes