Applicable Systems
S7-1200
S7-1500
S7-300
S7-400
LOGO!
SINAMICS
Symptoms
The SF LED flashes red. The CPU remains in STOP mode and cannot be switched to RUN. A firmware update or repair is indicated in the diagnostic buffer.
Possible Causes
- Firmware update was interrupted or failed to complete
- Corrupt firmware image on the memory card
- Insufficient power during firmware write operation
- Incompatible firmware version with the hardware revision
Troubleshooting Steps
- Step 1: Check the TIA Portal diagnostic buffer for firmware-related entries
Confirm whether a firmware update was in progress and where it failed - Step 2: Attempt to re-flash the firmware using a known-good image file on the memory card
Firmware update completes successfully without interruption - Step 3: Ensure stable 24V DC power supply throughout the firmware update process
No voltage dips or interruptions during the write cycle - Step 4: If re-flashing fails, replace the memory card and retry
Firmware update completes with a new memory card
How to Reset
To reset: 1) Power off the CPU. 2) Remove and reinsert the memory card with a valid firmware image. 3) Power on the CPU and wait for the firmware to load. 4) If the update was completed, clear the diagnostic buffer and switch to RUN mode. Caution: Do not power off during a firmware update.
Common Replacement Parts
- 6ES7954-8LP02-00AA0: SIMATIC Memory Card 4MB (Required for firmware updates and data storage)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why did the firmware update fail?
The most common cause is an interrupted power supply during the write cycle, or an incompatible firmware version for the hardware revision.
- Q: How do I fix a corrupted firmware image?
Replace the memory card with a new one containing a verified firmware image, then retry the update with stable power.
Source: Siemens S7-1500 System Manual, Edition 08/2023
Category: PLC & VFD