What it means
Abend 137 comes with message IEC022I, which names the job, step, DD, device, volume and data set, plus a return code. The failure happens while the system reads or writes tape labels, or positions the tape at the start or end of a data set or volume.
Low return codes (04 to 18, and 38) are I/O errors during label work or positioning. 1C and 20 mean a trailer or header label read at end of volume is not valid. 24 means a specific volume was asked for as a second or later output volume, but the first data set on it has not expired and the operator did not allow its use. Other codes cover a rejected VOL1 rewrite (28), an ISO/ANSI label version other than 1, 3 or 4 (2C), a label rejected by the label validation exit (30), and a volume rejected in an automated tape library (3C).
Typical causes
- A damaged tape, or a drive with a hardware problem.
- A volume whose labels were overwritten or never written correctly.
- Asking for a specific output volume whose first data set has not yet expired (24).
- A label that breaks its standard and is rejected by the label validation exit (30).
- An ISO/ANSI labelled tape at a label version the system cannot use (2C).
How to fix it
- Read the IEC022I return code, DD name and volume serial.
- For an I/O error code, rerun on a different drive or a different volume.
- For a bad label (1C or 20), examine the volume with a tape utility and recreate it if needed.
- For code 24, ask the operator to allow the overwrite or point the DD at another volume.
- Check that the VOL=SER and LABEL values on the DD match the tape you meant to use.
Example
Illustrative only; names and values are invented.
IEF450I TAPEJOB1 STEP020 - ABEND=S137 U0000 REASON=00000024