IBM DS3200 Storage Subsystem manual Controller battery age timer

If the battery fails the learn-cycle test, the battery fault LED is lit, indicating a battery fault, and a Defect Battery error message is displayed in the event log.

In the Storage Manager software, if the battery age timer indicates that the battery is 2 years old, but the battery is not reported as failed, do not call your IBM technical-support representative to replace the battery. Instead, reset the battery age by using the procedure that is described in the Storage Manager software online help.

Attention: Write caching is suspended while a battery is either charging or performing learn-cycle testing.

Controller battery age timer

The controller maintains a battery age timer for the controller cache battery. The timer is set to indicate when the battery is 2 years old. Thirty days before the battery expiration date, a warning message is displayed in the DS3000 Storage Manager software.

After you replace a controller cache battery, reset the battery age timer. For information about resetting the batter age timer, see the Storage Manager software online help.

If the controller is running firmware version 07.35.41.00 or later, the controller uses a smart battery learn-cycle test. The smart battery learn-cycle determines when the cache battery is defective and needs to be replaced. The battery learn-cycle test removes the need to rely on the battery age timer to determine the expiration date of the cache battery. If the cache battery expiration message is still displayed after you replace a controller cache battery, reset the battery age timer.

62System Storage DS3200 Storage Subsystem: Installation, User’s, and Maintenance Guide