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Install and maintain

Replace the real-time clock battery

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You replace the real-time clock (RTC) battery in the controller module so that your system's services and applications that depend on accurate time synchronization continue to function.

  • You can use this procedure with all versions of ONTAP supported by your system

  • 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.

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=_number_of_hours_down_h

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

  2. If the impaired controller is part of an HA pair, 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 Remove controller module.

    Waiting for giveback…​

    Press Ctrl-C, and then respond y.

    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.

  4. If the system has only one controller module in the chassis, turn off the power supplies, and then unplug the impaired controller's power cords from the power source.

Step 2: Remove controller module

To access components inside the controller, you must first remove the controller module from the system and then remove the cover on the controller module.

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

  2. Loosen the hook and loop strap binding the cables to the cable management device, and then unplug the system cables and SFPs (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.

  3. Remove and set aside the cable management devices from the left and right sides of the controller module.

    Inserting or removing the cable management arm

  4. Squeeze the latch on the cam handle until it releases, open the cam handle fully to release the controller module from the midplane, and then, using two hands, pull the controller module out of the chassis.

    Opening the cam handle latch

  5. Turn the controller module over and place it on a flat, stable surface.

  6. Open the cover by sliding in the blue tabs to release the cover, and then swing the cover up and open.

    Opening or closing the controller module

Step 3: Replace the RTC battery

To replace the RTC battery, locate it inside the controller and follow the specific sequence of steps.

  1. Locate the RTC battery.

    Removing the RTC battery

  2. Gently push the battery away from the holder, rotate it away from the holder, and then lift it out of the holder.

    Note Note the polarity of the battery as you remove it from the holder. The battery is marked with a plus sign and must be positioned in the holder correctly. A plus sign near the holder tells you how the battery should be positioned.

  3. Remove the replacement battery from the antistatic shipping bag.

  4. Locate the empty battery holder in the controller module.

  5. Note the polarity of the RTC battery, and then insert it into the holder by tilting the battery at an angle and pushing down.

  6. Visually inspect the battery to make sure that it is completely installed into the holder and that the polarity is correct.

Step 4: Reinstall the controller module and set time/date after RTC battery replacement

After you replace a component within the controller module, you must reinstall the controller module in the system chassis, reset the time and date on the controller, and then boot it.

  1. If you have not already done so, close the air duct or controller module cover.

  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.

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

  3. 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.

  4. If the power supplies were unplugged, plug them back in and reinstall the power cable retainers.

  5. Complete the reinstallation of the controller module:

    1. With the cam handle in the open position, firmly push the controller module in until it meets the midplane and is fully seated, and then close the cam handle to the locked position.

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

    2. If you have not already done so, reinstall the cable management device.

    3. Bind the cables to the cable management device with the hook and loop strap.

    4. Reconnect the power cables to the power supplies and to the power sources, and then turn on the power to start the boot process.

    5. Halt the controller at the LOADER prompt.

  6. Reset the time and date on the controller:

    1. Check the date and time on the healthy controller with the show date command.

    2. At the LOADER prompt on the target controller, check the time and date.

    3. If necessary, modify the date with the set date mm/dd/yyyy command.

    4. If necessary, set the time, in GMT, using the set time hh:mm:ss command.

    5. Confirm the date and time on the target controller.

  7. At the LOADER prompt, enter bye to reinitialize the PCIe cards and other components and let the controller reboot.

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

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

Step 5: Complete the replacement process

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.