The "%SYS-3-PKTBUFFERFAIL_ERRDIS: Packet buffer failure detected" and “%SYS-4-PKTBUFFERFAIL_WARN:Err-disabled ports with packet-buffer failure” error message is received in Catalyst 6500 Series Switches that run CatOS system software

The error message may look similar to this:

%SYS-3-PKTBUFFERFAIL_ERRDIS:Packet buffer failure detected. Err-disabling port [Module/Port].

%SYS-4-PKTBUFFERFAIL_WARN:Err-disabled ports with packet-buffer failure. Module [Num] can be power cycled to recover from this error

The error indicates that the default error-detection packet buffer setting is an error that disables the port. Whenever a parity failure is detected on the port, ASIC ports are error disabled. 

This issue can be a transient issue or due to a fault on the module.

In order to run a complete diagnostic test on the module and check for any problems, complete these steps:

1. Issue the set test diaglevel complete command in the global configuration mode to set the diagnostics level to complete.

2. Issue the reset [Module Num] command to soft-reset the module. After the module is up again, capture the output of the show module command and the show test command to display the errors reported from the diagnostic tests.

3. Physically pull out and reseat the module firmly in the chassis to hard-reset the module. After the module is up again, capture the output of the show module command and the show test command.

If the problem persists, use the TAC Service Request Tool in order to open a case with Cisco Technical Support.

Refer to the Catalyst 6500/6000 Packet Buffer Diagnostics section of Best Practices for Catalyst 4500/4000, 5500/5000, and 6500/6000 Series Switches Running CatOS Configuration and Management for more information.