Removing and replacing the cache battery pack for the 8248-L4T, 8408-E8D, or 9109-RMD

Learn how to remove and replace the cache battery pack.

To remove and replace the cache battery pack, complete the following steps:

1. Perform prerequisite tasks. For instructions, see Before you begin.
2. Begin with the power on.

   To prevent data loss, the cache battery pack must be in an error state before the 175 MB Cache RAID – Dual IOA Enablement card is removed from the system.

   If you have powered the system off, power it on before you continue.

3. Select your operating system:
   • AIX®: Go to step 4.
   • IBM® i: Go to step 8.
   • Linux: Go to step 6.
4. Force the cache battery pack into an error state on the AIX operating system (to prevent possible data loss), as follows:
   1. Navigate to the IBM SAS Disk Array Manager by completing the following steps:
      1. At the command prompt, type smit and press Enter.
      2. Select Devices -> Disk Array -> IBM SAS Disk Array.
      3. Select IBM SAS Disk Array Manager from the menu that has options for configuring and managing the IBM SAS RAID Controller.
   2. Select Diagnostics and Recovery Options -> Controller Rechargeable Battery Maintenance -> Force Controller Rechargeable Battery Error.
   3. Select the PCI Express x8 Planar 3 Gb SAS RAID Adapter whose battery you want to replace.

      This option places the battery into the error state, which requires it to be replaced.

   4. Determine whether it is safe to replace the cache battery pack. See the following Displaying rechargeable battery information procedure. It is safe to replace the cache battery pack when Yes is displayed next to Battery pack can be safely replaced. You might need to reselect the option Display Controller Rechargeable Battery Information multiple times because it might take several minutes before it is safe to replace the cache battery pack.
   5. Verify that the cache present LEDs are not flashing.
   6. Display rechargeable battery information

      1. Navigate to the IBM SAS Disk Array Manager by using the previous procedure.
      2. Select Diagnostics and Recovery Options -> Controller Rechargeable Battery Maintenance -> Display Controller Rechargeable Battery Information -> IBM SAS RAID Controller.
5. Go to step 9.
6. Force the cache battery pack into an error state on the IBM i (to prevent possible data loss), as follows on the system or partition that contains the adapter:
   1. Be sure that you are signed on to the system with at least service level authority.
   2. Type strsst on the command line, and press Enter.
   3. Type your service tools user ID and service tools password on the System Service Tools (SST) Sign On display. Press Enter.
   4. Select Start a Service Tool from the System Service Tools (SST) display, and press Enter.
   5. Select Hardware Service Manager from the Start a Service Tool display, and press Enter.
   6. Select Work with resources containing cache battery packs from the Hardware Service Manager display, and press Enter.
   7. Select Force battery pack into error state for the embedded SAS RAID adapter in the system enclosure that you are working with from the Work with Resources containing cache battery packs display, and press Enter.
   8. On the Force Battery Packs Into Error State display, verify that the correct I/O adapter has been selected, and press the function key that confirms your choice.
   9. Return to the Work with Resources Containing Cache Battery Packs display, and select Display battery information. Ensure that the Safe to replace cache battery field is set to Yes. This might take several minutes and you might need to press the Refresh key to see the updated field.
7. Go to step 9.
8. Force the cache battery pack into an error state on the Linux operating system (to prevent possible data loss), as follows:
   1. Run the iprconfig utility by typing iprconfig.
   2. Select Work with disk unit recovery -> Work with resources containing cache battery packs.
   3. Select your adapter and type 2. Then press Enter to force the battery error.
      Note: This option places the battery into the error state, which requires it to be replaced.
   4. If you are sure you want to force a battery error, type c to confirm. If you do not want to force a battery error, type q to cancel.
   5. Determine whether it is safe to replace the cache battery pack. See Displaying rechargeable battery information.

      It is safe to replace the cache battery pack when Yes is displayed next to Battery pack can be safely replaced. You might need to reselect the option Display Controller Rechargeable Battery Information multiple times because it might take several minutes before it is safe to replace the cache battery pack.

   6. Verify that the cache present LEDs are not flashing.
   7. Display rechargeable battery information

      1. Return to the Work with resources containing cache battery packs.
      2. Select your adapter, and type 1.
      3. Press Enter to display the battery information.
9. Remove the front cover. For instructions, see Removing the front cover from the 8248-L4T, 8408-E8D, or 9109-RMD.
10. Locate the cache battery pack slots P2-C9-C1-E1 and P2-C9-C1-E2.
    Figure 1. Slot locations of the cache battery pack P2-C9-C1-E1 and P2-C9-C1-E2

    
11. Check the cache battery LEDs by examining the green LEDs (C) that is located above the cache battery pack.
    Figure 2. Cache battery LEDs

    

    Is the cache battery LED flashing?
    Yes, the LED is flashing.	No, the LED is not flashing.
    ↓	Go to step 13.

12. Stop removing the cache battery pack.
    Note: The flashing LED indicates that there is cached data on the battery that has not been saved. This data will be lost if the battery is removed at this time. Complete this service procedure without replacing the battery, and then retry it to ensure all cache data is saved before the battery is replaced and go to step 18.
13. Remove the cache battery pack as follows:
    Attention: Do not remove the cache battery if the green LED (C) in Figure 2 is flashing, because this indicates cache data exists.
    Note: This card has two cache battery packs. Replace only the specific failing battery.
    If you have a pull label on the battery pack, see Figure 3 and complete the following steps:

    1. Push the tab (A) fully to the right to disengage the battery retaining tab.
    2. Pull on the label tab of the cache battery pack (B) to remove it from the controller.

    Figure 3. Removing the cache battery pack in a rack-mounted model with the pull label

    
    If you have release lever on the battery pack, see Figure 4 and complete the following steps:

    1. Squeeze the release lever (C) together to disengage the battery pack.
    2. Pull the cache battery pack (D) to remove it from the controller.

    Figure 4. Removing the cache battery pack in a rack-mounted model with the release lever

    
14. Replace the cache battery pack as follows:
    Attention: Ensure that the cache battery pack is disconnected for at least 60 seconds before you connect the new battery. This is the minimum amount of time needed for the card to recognize that the battery has been replaced.

    1. Slide the new replacement cache battery pack into the controller until it is fully seated.
    2. Verify that the tab (A) returns to the latched position.
    Figure 5. Installing the cache battery pack

    
15. Restart the adapter's write cache by completing the following steps:

    Select your operating system:

    • AIX: Go to step 16.
    • IBM i: Go to step 17.
    • Linux: Go to step 18.
16. Complete the following steps for the AIX operating system:
    1. Navigate to the IBM SAS Disk Array Manager by using the information in step 4a.
    2. Select Diagnostics and Recovery Options -> Controller Rechargeable Battery Maintenance -> Start Adapter Cache.
    3. Select the controller with the battery you just replaced, and press Enter.
    4. Go to step 19.
17. Complete the following steps for IBM i:
    1. Return to the Work with Resources containing Cache Battery Packs display by using the information in steps 8a - 8f and select the Start IOA cache. Press Enter.
    2. Ensure that you receive the message Cache was started.
    3. Go to step 19.
18. Complete the following steps for the Linux operating system:
    1. Run the iprconfig utility by typing iprconfig.
    2. Select Work with disk unit recovery. -> Work with resources containing cache battery packs.
    3. Start the I/O adapter cache on the adapter for the battery that you just replaced by typing 3, and press Enter.
    4. Go to step 19.
19. Install the front cover. For instructions, see Installing the front cover on the 8248-L4T, 8408-E8D, or 9109-RMD
20. Close the rear door on the unit you are servicing.
21. Verify that the new resource is operational. For instructions, see Verifying the installed part.