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Install and maintain

Replace the NVMEM battery - AFF A250

Contributors thrisun dougthomp netapp-ivanad netapp-martyh
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To replace an NVMEM battery in the system, you must remove the controller module from the system, open it, replace the battery, and close and replace 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

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.

Step 2: Remove the controller module

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

Make sure that you label the cables so that you know where they came from.

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

  2. Unplug the controller module power supplies from the source.

  3. Release the power cable retainers, and then unplug the cables from the power supplies.

  4. Insert your forefinger into the latching mechanism on either side of the controller module, press the lever with your thumb, and gently pull the controller a few inches out of the chassis.

    Note If you have difficulty removing the controller module, place your index fingers through the finger holes from the inside (by crossing your arms).
    Opening the latching mechanism

    Callout number 1

    Lever

    Callout number 2

    Latching mechanism

  5. Using both hands, grasp the controller module sides and gently pull it out of the chassis and set it on a flat, stable surface.

  6. Turn the thumbscrew on the front of the controller module anti-clockwise and open the controller module cover.

    Opening the controller module cover

    Callout number 1

    Thumbscrew

    Callout number 2

    Controller module cover.

Step 3: Replace the NVMEM battery

To replace the NVMEM battery, you must remove the failed battery from the controller module and install the replacement battery into the controller module.

Use the following video or the tabulated steps to replace the NVMEM battery:

Animation - Replace the NVMEM battery

  1. Locate and replace the impaired NVMEM battery on your controller module.

    Note It is recommended that you follow the illustrated instructions in the order listed.
    Removing the NVMEM battery

    Callout number 1

    Squeeze the clip on the face of the battery plug.

    Callout number 2

    Unplug the battery cable from the socket.

    Callout number 3

    Grasp the battery and press the blue locking tab marked PUSH.

    Callout number 4

    Lift the battery out of the holder and controller module.

  2. Locate the battery plug and squeeze the clip on the face of the battery plug to release the plug from the socket.

  3. Grasp the battery and press the blue locking tab marked PUSH, and then lift the battery out of the holder and controller module and set it aside.

  4. Remove the replacement NV battery from the antistatic shipping bag and align it to the battery holder.

  5. Insert the replacement NV battery plug into the socket.

  6. Slide the battery pack down along the sheet metal side wall until the support tabs on the side wall hook into the slots on the battery pack, and the battery pack latch engages and clicks into the opening on the side wall.

  7. Press firmly down on the battery pack to make sure that it is locked into place.

Step 4: Install the controller module

After you have replaced the component in the controller module, you must reinstall the controller module into the chassis, and then boot it.

You can use the following illustration or the written steps to install the replacement controller module in the chassis.

  1. Close the controller module cover and tighten the thumbscrew.

    Closing the controller module cover

    Callout number 1

    Controller module cover

    Callout number 2

    Thumbscrew

  2. Insert the controller module into the chassis:

    1. Ensure the latching mechanism arms are locked in the fully extended position.

    2. Using both hands, align and gently slide the controller module into the latching mechanism arms until it stops.

    3. Place your index fingers through the finger holes from the inside of the latching mechanism.

    4. Press your thumbs down on the orange tabs on top of the latching mechanism and gently push the controller module over the stop.

    5. Release your thumbs from the top of the latching mechanisms and continue pushing until the latching mechanisms snap into place.

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

    The controller module should be fully inserted and flush with the edges of the chassis.

  3. Cable the management and console ports only, so that you can access the system to perform the tasks in the following sections.

    Note You will connect the rest of the cables to the controller module later in this procedure.

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.