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Install and maintain

Replace a DIMM - AFF A70 and AFF A90

Contributors dougthomp netapp-jsnyder
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You must replace a DIMM in the controller when your storage system encounters errors such as, excessive CECC (Correctable Error Correction Codes) errors that are based on Health Monitor alerts or uncorrectable ECC errors, typically caused by a single DIMM failure preventing the storage system from booting ONTAP.

Before you begin

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

You must replace the failed component with a replacement FRU component you received from NetApp.

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 chassis when you replace the controller module or replace a component inside the controller module.

  1. On the front of the chassis, use your thumbs to firmly push each drive in until you feel a positive stop. This ensures that the drives are firmly seated against the chassis midplane.

    Seat disk drives

  2. Check the amber NVRAM that status LED located in slot 4/5 on the back of the impaired controller module is off. 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 storage system 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 chassis 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 module can be removed from the chassis).

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

  4. Unplug the controller module power supply cables from the controller module power supplies (PSU).

    Note If your system has DC power, disconnect the power block from the PSUs.

  5. Unplug the system cables and SFP and QSFP modules (if needed) from the controller module, keeping track of where the cables were connected.

    Leave the cables in the cable management device so that when you reinstall the cable management device, the cables are organized.

  6. Remove the cable management device from the controller module.

  7. Press down on both of the locking latches, and then rotate both latches downward at the same time.

    The controller module moves slightly out of the chassis.

    Controller remove graphic

    Callout number 1

    a Locking latch

    Callout number 2

    Locking pin

  8. Slide the controller module out of the chassis 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 chassis.

Step 3: Replace a DIMM

To replace the DIMMs, locate them inside the controller and follow the specific sequence of steps.

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

  2. Open the controller air duct on the top of the controller.

    1. Insert your fingers in the recesses at the far ends of the air duct.

    2. Lift the air duct and rotate it upward as far as it will go.

  3. Locate the DIMMs on your controller module and identify the target DIMM.

    Note Consult either the Netapp Hardware Universe or the FRU map on your controller module for exact DIMM locations for the AFF A70 or AFF A90.

  4. 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.

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

    Callout number 1

    DIMM and DIMM ejector tabs

  5. Remove the replacement DIMM from the antistatic shipping bag, hold the DIMM by the corners, and align it to the slot.

    The notch among the pins on the DIMM should line up with the tab in the socket.

  6. Make sure that the DIMM ejector tabs on the connector are in the open position, and then 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.

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

  7. 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.

  8. Close the controller air duct.

Step 4: Reinstall the controller module

Reinstall the controller module and reboot it.

  1. Ensure the air duct is completely closed by rotating it down as far as it will go.

    It must lie flush against the controller module sheet metal.

  2. Align the end of the controller module with the opening in the chassis, and then gently push the controller module halfway into the system.

    Note Do not completely insert the controller module in the chassis until instructed to do so.

  3. Recable the storage system, as needed.

    If you removed the transceivers (QSFPs or SFPs), remember to reinstall them if you are using fiber optic cables.

    Note Make sure that the console cable is connected to the repaired controller module so that it receives console messages when it reboots. The repaired controller receives power from the healthy controller and begins to reboot as soon as it is seated completely in the chassis.

  4. Complete the reinstallation of the controller module:

    1. Firmly push the controller module into the chassis until it meets the midplane and is fully seated.

      The locking latches rise when the controller module is fully seated.

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

    2. Rotate the locking latches upward into the locked position.

    Note If the controller boots to the LOADER prompt, reboot it with the boot_ontap command.

  5. Plug the power cords into the power supplies.

    Note If you have DC power supplies, reconnect the power block to the power supplies after the controller module is fully seated in the chassis.

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

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

  8. 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.