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Install and maintain

Replace the NV Battery - AFF A1K

Contributors netapp-driley dougthomp

To replace the NV battery, you must remove the controller module, remove the battery, replace the battery, and then reinstall the controller module.

All other components in the system must be functioning properly; if not, you must contact technical support.

Step 1: Shut down the impaired controller

Shut down or take over the impaired controller using one of the following options.

Option 1: Most systems

To shut down the impaired controller, you must determine the status of the controller and, if necessary, take over the controller so that the healthy controller continues to serve data from the impaired controller storage.

About this task
  • If you have a SAN system, you must have checked event messages (cluster kernel-service show) for the impaired controller SCSI blade. The cluster kernel-service show command (from priv advanced mode) displays the node name, quorum status of that node, availability status of that node, and operational status of that node.

    Each SCSI-blade process should be in quorum with the other nodes in the cluster. Any issues must be resolved before you proceed with the replacement.

  • If you have a cluster with more than two nodes, it must be in quorum. If the cluster is not in quorum or a healthy controller shows false for eligibility and health, you must correct the issue before shutting down the impaired controller; see Synchronize a node with the cluster.

Steps
  1. If AutoSupport is enabled, suppress automatic case creation by invoking an AutoSupport message: system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=<# of hours>h

    The following AutoSupport message suppresses automatic case creation for two hours: cluster1:> system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=2h

  2. Disable automatic giveback from the console of the healthy controller: storage failover modify –node local -auto-giveback false

    Note When you see Do you want to disable auto-giveback?, enter y.
  3. Take the impaired controller to the LOADER prompt:

    If the impaired controller is displaying…​ Then…​

    The LOADER prompt

    Go to the next step.

    Waiting for giveback…​

    Press Ctrl-C, and then respond y when prompted.

    System prompt or password prompt

    Take over or halt the impaired controller from the healthy controller: storage failover takeover -ofnode impaired_node_name

    When the impaired controller shows Waiting for giveback…​, press Ctrl-C, and then respond y.

Option 2: Controller is in a MetroCluster

To shut down the impaired controller, you must determine the status of the controller and, if necessary, take over the controller so that the healthy controller continues to serve data from the impaired controller storage.

  • If you have a cluster with more than two nodes, it must be in quorum. If the cluster is not in quorum or a healthy controller shows false for eligibility and health, you must correct the issue before shutting down the impaired controller; see Synchronize a node with the cluster.

  • You must have confirmed that the MetroCluster Configuration State is configured and that the nodes are in an enabled and normal state (metrocluster node show).

Steps
  1. If AutoSupport is enabled, suppress automatic case creation by invoking an AutoSupport message: system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=number_of_hours_downh

    The following AutoSupport message suppresses automatic case creation for two hours: cluster1:*> system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=2h

  2. Disable automatic giveback from the console of the healthy controller: storage failover modify –node local -auto-giveback false

  3. Take the impaired controller to the LOADER prompt:

    If the impaired controller is displaying…​ Then…​

    The LOADER prompt

    Go to the next section.

    Waiting for giveback…​

    Press Ctrl-C, and then respond y when prompted.

    System prompt or password prompt (enter system password)

    Take over or halt the impaired controller from the healthy controller: storage failover takeover -ofnode impaired_node_name

    When the impaired controller shows Waiting for giveback…​, press Ctrl-C, and then respond y.

Step 2: 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 2

    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

    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 3: Replace the NV battery

Remove the failed NV battery from the controller module and install the replacement NV battery.

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

    Relpace the NV battery

    Callout number 1

    NV battery air duct cover

    Callout number 2

    NV battery plug

  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, and then set it aside.

  5. Remove the replacement battery from its package.

  6. Install the replacement battery pack into the controller:

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

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

  7. Close the NV air duct cover.

    Make sure that the plug locks into the socket.

Step 4: Reinstall 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. Return the impaired controller to normal operation by giving back its storage: storage failover giveback -ofnode impaired_node_name.

  5. If automatic giveback was disabled, reenable it: storage failover modify -node local -auto-giveback true.

  6. If AutoSupport is enabled, restore/unsuppress automatic case creation: system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=END.

Step 5: Return the failed part to NetApp

Return the failed part to NetApp, as described in the RMA instructions shipped with the kit. See the Part Return and Replacements page for further information.