Replace an NVDIMM - AFF A800

08/16/2023 Contributors

You must replace the NVDIMM in the controller module when your system registers that the flash lifetime is almost at an end or that the identified NVDIMM is not healthy in general; failure to do so causes a system panic.

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 your provider.

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

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

When you see Do you want to disable auto-giveback?, enter y.

Take the impaired controller to the LOADER prompt:

If the impaired controller is displaying… Then…

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`.

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 the controller module or replace a component inside the controller module.

If you are not already grounded, properly ground yourself.
Unplug the controller module power supplies from the source.
Release the power cable retainers, and then unplug the cables from the power supplies.
Loosen the hook and loop strap binding the cables to the cable management device, and then 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.
Remove the cable management device from the controller module and set it aside.
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.

Locking latch

Locking pin
Slide the controller module out of the chassis.

Make sure that you support the bottom of the controller module as you slide it out of the chassis.
Place the controller module on a stable, flat surface, and then open the air duct:
1. Press in the locking tabs on the sides of the air duct toward the middle of the controller module.
2. Slide the air duct toward the fan modules, and then rotate it upward to its completely open position.
Air duct locking tabs

Slide air duct towards fan modules

Rotate air duct towards fan modules

Step 3: Replace the NVDIMM

To replace the NVDIMM, you must locate it in the controller module using the NVDIMM map label on top of the air duct, and then replace it following the specific sequence of steps.

If you are removing or moving an NVDIMM, unlock the locking latch on the riser, and then remove the applicable riser.

Air duct cover

Riser 2

NVDIMM in slots 11 and 23
Note the orientation of the NVDIMM in the socket so that you can insert the NVDIMM in the replacement controller module in the proper orientation.
Eject the NVDIMM from its slot by slowly pushing apart the two NVDIMM ejector tabs on either side of the NVDIMM, and then slide the NVDIMM out of the socket and set it aside.

Carefully hold the NVDIMM by the edges to avoid pressure on the components on the NVDIMM circuit board.
Remove the replacement NVDIMM from the antistatic shipping bag, hold the NVDIMM by the corners, and then align it to the slot.

The notch among the pins on the NVDIMM should line up with the tab in the socket.
Locate the slot where you are installing the NVDIMM.
Insert the NVDIMM squarely into the slot.

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

Visually inspect the NVDIMM to verify that it is evenly aligned and fully inserted into the slot.
Push carefully, but firmly, on the top edge of the NVDIMM until the ejector tabs snap into place over the notches at the ends of the NVDIMM.
Reinstall any risers that you removed from the controller module.
Close the air duct.

Step 4: Reinstall the controller module and booting the system

After you replace a FRU in the controller module, you must reinstall the controller module and reboot it.

If you have not already done so, close the air duct:
1. Swing the air duct all the way down to the controller module.
2. Slide the air duct toward the risers until the locking tabs click into place.
3. Inspect the air duct to make sure that it is properly seated and locked into place.
  
  Locking tabs
  
  Slide plunger
Align the end of the controller module with the opening in the chassis, and then gently push the controller module halfway into the system.

Do not completely insert the controller module in the chassis until instructed to do so.
Recable the system, as needed.

If you removed the media converters (QSFPs or SFPs), remember to reinstall them if you are using fiber optic cables.
Plug the power cord into the power supply, reinstall the power cable locking collar, and then connect the power supply to the power source.
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.
  
  Do not use excessive force when sliding the controller module into the chassis to avoid damaging the connectors.
  
  The controller module begins to boot as soon as it is fully seated in the chassis.
2. Rotate the locking latches upward, tilting them so that they clear the locking pins, and then lower them into the locked position.
3. If you have not already done so, reinstall the cable management device.

Step 4: 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.