SYST-017

Check STEP indicator on teach pendant

Observe the teach pendant screen status bar. When single step mode is active, 'STEP' will be displayed in the upper status area. On newer iPendants, this appears as a dedicated STEP indicator icon near the mode/state display.

The STEP indicator remains visible across all teach pendant screens, making it easy to identify even when deep in menu structures.

Press STEP key to toggle off

Locate the physical STEP key on the teach pendant (typically on the right side button panel). Press once to toggle single step mode OFF. The STEP indicator should disappear from the status bar and the SYST-017 alarm will clear immediately.

Ensure the robot is in a safe position before disabling step mode, as the program may continue executing continuously once disabled.

Verify alarm clearance

Press the RESET button or navigate to MENU > ALARM > [F5] RESET to clear the alarm history. Confirm SYST-017 no longer appears in the active alarm list.

If the alarm immediately returns after clearing, the STEP key may be stuck or there is a hardware fault with the teach pendant button.

Access production start settings

From the teach pendant main menu, navigate to MENU > SETUP > Production Start. Review the current settings displayed on this screen for any step mode or single-cycle configurations.

Production start settings are typically password-protected at operator level (requires MONITOR or higher privilege). Ensure you have appropriate access level before attempting changes.

Check system variable $SCR.$NUM_PROG

Navigate to MENU > DATA > System Variables and locate $SCR.$NUM_PROG. If this value is set to 1, the controller is configured for single program execution mode. Set to 0 for continuous operation or verify against your production requirements.

System variable changes take effect immediately and do not require a controller restart on R-30iA/R-30iB systems.

Review program execution settings

Navigate to MENU > SETUP > Program Select and verify the 'Single Step' option is set to OFF. Also check MENU > SETUP > Step Display to confirm step mode display settings are not forcing single-step execution.

Changing these settings may affect production programs. Document original settings before making modifications.

Reset fault and test continuous execution

Clear the SYST-017 alarm, select a test program, and execute in T1 mode. Observe that program lines execute continuously without pausing. Then test in AUTO mode to confirm normal production operation.

Always test in T1 mode first with reduced speed (deadman switch active) to verify proper continuous execution before switching to AUTO mode.

Check controller startup state

After powering up the controller, observe the teach pendant immediately. If SYST-017 appears during or shortly after the boot sequence completes, single step mode is being retained from non-volatile memory.

R-30iB controllers typically display all retained states on the iPendant home screen within 5-10 seconds of successful boot completion.

Toggle STEP mode twice to reset

Press the STEP key once to disable the mode, then press again to re-enable it, and finally press a third time to disable. This sequence forces a complete refresh of the step mode flag in controller memory and ensures proper state synchronization.

This double-toggle technique is effective for clearing stuck operational mode flags on Fanuc controllers, not just for step mode.

Verify system configuration variable $AUTMENU

Navigate to MENU > SYSTEM > Variables and check $AUTMENU.$SINGLE_STEP. If this variable is TRUE, change it to FALSE using the teach pendant. This variable controls whether single step mode is automatically restored on startup.

Modifying system configuration variables requires SAFETY or higher password privilege level. Incorrect changes can affect robot safety systems.

Clear all operational flags and cold start

If the issue persists, perform a controlled shutdown (MENU > SYSTEM > Master/Cal > [F2] Controlled Start). Power cycle the controller completely. During startup, observe if SYST-017 appears again. If it does, investigate teach pendant hardware or backup/restore recent system configuration.

Before performing a controlled start, document all current program positions and I/O states. Controlled starts reset certain operational parameters to default values.

Inspect STEP button physical condition

Examine the STEP button on the teach pendant for physical damage, cracks, or debris. Press the button multiple times and verify it returns to the normal position with tactile feedback. Check for any sticking or unusual resistance.

Do not disassemble the teach pendant while connected to the controller. Power down the system and disconnect the teach pendant cable before opening the enclosure.