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Install and maintain

Replace the controller module hardware - AFF A1K

Contributors dougthomp
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To replace the controller, you must remove the impaired controller, move FRU components to the replacement controller module, install the replacement controller module in the enclosure, and then boot the system to Maintenance mode.

Step 1 Remove the controller module

You must remove the controller module from the enclosure when you replace the controller module or replace a component inside the controller module.

  1. Check the NVRAM status LED located in slot 4/5 of the system. There is also an NVRAM LED on the front panel of the controller module. Look for the NV icon:

    NVRAM attention and status LED location graphic

    Callout number 1

    NVRAM status LED

    Callout number 1

    NVRAM attention LED
    Note If the NVRAM status LED is flashing, it could mean the controller module was not taken over or halted properly (uncommitted data). If the impaired controller module was not successfully taken over by the partner controller module, contact NetApp Support before continuing with this procedure.

    The general behavior of the NVRAM status LED on the impaired controller module is as follows:

    • The NVRAM status LED flashes when power is removed from the controller module and the controller module is in the "waiting for giveback" state, or the controller module is not taken over or halted properly (uncommitted data).

    • The NVRAM status LED flashes when the controller module is removed from the enclosure and could mean the controller module is not taken over or halted properly (uncommitted data). Confirm that the controller module has been cleanly takeover by the partner controller module or the impaired controller module shows waiting for giveback. Then, the flashing LED can be ignored (and the controller can be removed from the enclosure).

  2. If you are not already grounded, properly ground yourself.

  3. On the front of the unit, hook your fingers into the holes in the locking cams, squeeze the tabs on the cam levers, and gently, but firmly rotate both latches toward you at the same time.

    The controller module moves slightly out of the enclosure.

    Controller remove graphic

    Callout number 1

    a Locking cam latches

  4. Slide the controller module out of the enclosure and place it on a flat, stable surface.

    Make sure that you support the bottom of the controller module as you slide it out of the enclosure.

Step 2: Move the fans

You must remove the five fan modules from the impaired controller module to the replacement controller module.

  1. If you are not already grounded, properly ground yourself.

  2. Remove the bezel (if necessary) with two hands, by grasping the openings on each side of the bezel, and then pulling it toward you until the bezel releases from the ball studs on the chassis frame.

  3. Press the gray locking button on the fan module and pull the fan module straight out of the chassis, making sure that you support it with your free hand.

    Note The fan modules are short. Always support the bottom of the fan module with your free hand so that it does not suddenly drop free from the chassis and injure you.
    Fan remove AFF A1K
    Callout number 1

    Black locking button

  4. Install the fan in the replacement controller module:

    1. Align the edges of the fan housing with the opening in the front of the replacement controller module.

    2. Gently slide the fan module all the way into the replacement controller module until it locks in place.

  5. Repeat the preceding steps for the remaining fan modules.

Step 3: Move the NV battery

Move the NV battery to the replacement controller.

  1. Open the NV battery air duct cover and locate the NV battery.

    NV battery remove AFF A1K
    Callout number 1

    NV battery air duct cover
    Callout number 2

    NV battery plug
    Callout number 3

    NV battery pack

  2. Lift the battery up to access the battery plug.

  3. Squeeze the clip on the face of the battery plug to release the plug from the socket, and then unplug the battery cable from the socket.

  4. Lift the battery out of the air duct and controller module.

  5. Move the battery pack to the replacement controller module and then install it in the NV battery air duct:

    1. Open the NV battery air duct in the replacement controller module.

    2. Plug the battery plug into the socket and make sure that the plug locks into place.

    3. Insert the battery pack into the slot and press firmly down on the battery pack to make sure that it is locked into place.

    4. Close the air duct cover.

Step 4: Move system DIMMs

Move the DIMMs to the replacement controller module.

  1. Open the motherboard air duct and locate the DIMMs.

    DIMM remove AFF A1K
    Callout number 1

    System DIMM

  2. Note the orientation of the DIMM in the socket so that you can insert the DIMM in the replacement controller module in the proper orientation.

  3. Eject the DIMM from its slot by slowly pushing apart the two DIMM ejector tabs on either side of the DIMM, and then slide the DIMM out of the slot.

    Note Carefully hold the DIMM by the edges to avoid pressure on the components on the DIMM circuit board.

  4. Locate the slot where you are installing the DIMM in the replacement controller module.

  5. Insert the DIMM squarely into the slot.

    The DIMM fits tightly in the slot, but should go in easily. If not, realign the DIMM with the slot and reinsert it.

    Note Visually inspect the DIMM to verify that it is evenly aligned and fully inserted into the slot.

  6. Push carefully, but firmly, on the top edge of the DIMM until the ejector tabs snap into place over the notches at the ends of the DIMM.

  7. Repeat these steps for the remaining DIMMs. Close the motherboard air duct.

Step 5: Install the controller module

Reinstall the controller module and boot it.

  1. If you have not already done so, close the air duct.

  2. Align the end of the controller module with the opening in the enclosure, and slide the controller module into the chassis with the levers rotated away from the front of the system.

  3. Once the controller module stops you from sliding it farther, rotate the cam handles inward until they latch back under the fans

    Note Do not use excessive force when sliding the controller module into the enclosure to avoid damaging the connectors.

    The controller module begins to boot as soon as it is fully seated in the enclosure.

  4. Restore automatic giveback if you disabled it by using the storage failover modify -node local -auto-giveback true command.

  5. If AutoSupport is enabled, restore/unsuppress automatic case creation by using the system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=END command.