Isilon A2000 – Battery disabled after replacement (Fault state 11)

Question

Hello team,

I am facing a persistent issue with the BBU on an Isilon A2000 (OneFS 9.5.0.8 LTS) node that I have been unable to resolve and would appreciate your assistance.

After replacing the BBU, the system continues to report the following error values:

M-1# isi_hwmon -b BatteryMonitoring | grep -E "Fault|Status|Storage"
NOTICE: Battery 1 Status: Not ready and disabled
NOTICE: Status: 11 01
NOTICE: Fault state: 11
NOTICE: Temperature 0 Faults: 00
NOTICE: Temperature 1 Faults: 00
NOTICE: Storage capacity: 0.00 WHr
M-1#

I have tested both with a new BBU and with the original one (which was previously working correctly), but the result remains the same in both cases.

From my understanding, this issue can only be resolved with Dell Support intervention by executing the internal command:

isi_hwtool --bbu clearfault
or an equivalent procedure to clear the BBU controller fault latch.

I am attaching the output of:

isi_hwmon -b BatteryMonitoring

M-1# isi_hwmon -b BatteryMonitoring
NOTICE: Battery 1 Status: Not ready and disabled
NOTICE: Status: 11 01
NOTICE: BIST result: 00 00
NOTICE: Self test results: 00 00
NOTICE: Fault state: 11
NOTICE: watchdog reset count: 00
NOTICE: Battery faults: 00
NOTICE: State of charge: 100.00 %
NOTICE: Discharge cycle Count: 52.00 cycles
NOTICE: Service life: 2232.00 days
NOTICE: Unpowered storage life: 0.00 days
NOTICE: Input faults: 00
NOTICE: Battery output faults: 00
NOTICE: Battery output voltage: 9.96 V
NOTICE: Battery output current: 0.00 A
NOTICE: Temperature 0 Faults: 00
NOTICE: Temperature 0: 31.05 C
NOTICE: Temperature 1 Faults: 00
NOTICE: Temperature 1: 32.95 C
NOTICE: Cell faults/warnings: 00 00
NOTICE: Cell 0 voltage: 3.32 V
NOTICE: Cell 1 voltage: 3.32 V
NOTICE: Cell 2 voltage: 3.32 V
NOTICE: State of health: 96.00 %
NOTICE: Storage capacity: 0.00 WHr
NOTICE: Time to full of charge: N/A
NOTICE: Time to empty: N/A
M-1#

and the related HW_INFINITY_BATTERY_BACKUP_FAULT event logs for your analysis.

MIT-1# isi batterystatus list
Lnn Status1 Status2 Result1 Result2
------------------------------------------------------
1 Not ready and disabled N/A failed N/A
------------------------------------------------------
Total: 1
M-1# isi batterystatus view
Lnn: 1
Status1: Not ready and disabled
Status2: N/A
Result1: failed
Result2: N/A
Last Test Time1: Wed Oct 15 15:08:51 2025
Next Test Time1: Sun Oct 26 02:08:51 2025
Last Test Time2: N/A
Next Test Time2: N/A
Supported: Yes
Present: Yes
M-1#

Please advise on the next steps or to re-enable the BBU functionality.

Many thanks in advance for your support.

Kind regards,

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello edwinpallo,

With the error that you are getting you will need to open a support case, so support can run some internal commands to clear the error. The commands that support will run is only for support and partners.

Phil.Lam · Answer

@edwinpallo , how was BBU tested? check this KB:

000081425 : https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000081425/isilon-gen6-addressing-generation-6-battery-backup-unit-bbu-test-failures-event-id-900160008

edwinpallo · Answer

Hello everyone,

Thank you for the instructions. I’ve already reviewed and tried the procedure, but unfortunately, it didn’t work.

("000081425 : https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000081425/isilon-gen6-addressing-generation-6-battery-backup-unit-bbu-test-failures-event-id-900160008")

While checking the documentation, I came across a manual titled “Isilon Generation 6 – Replacing a Battery Pack”, which states that the entire kit should be replaced.

My question is: would this process also work if only the battery is replaced, or is it mandatory to change the whole kit?

I’d like to be sure before attempting to replace just the battery, as I want to avoid causing further damage to the unit, which is already in a critical condition due to the state of the existing batteries.

Could someone please confirm whether it’s possible to carry out this procedure using only the battery, or if it simply won’t work?

Thank you in advance for your help.

Kind regards,

DELL-Sam L · Answer

Hello edwinpallo,

You can just replace the batteries for the BBU. Here are the steps to follow as well as a video that shows how to replace the batteries.

To replace the battery in an Isilon A2000, follow these steps:

1. Identify the Battery Backup Unit (BBU): Locate the BBU in the chassis of the A2000.

2. Power Down the Node: Ensure that the node is powered down before proceeding with the battery replacement to avoid any data loss or hardware damage.

3. Remove the Old Battery: Carefully disconnect the old battery from the BBU. Make sure to handle the battery with care, following safety guidelines for lithium batteries.

4. Install the New Battery: Connect the new battery to the BBU, ensuring that it is securely attached.

5. Power Up the Node: Once the new battery is installed, power up the node.

6. Run a Battery Test: After the node is powered on, initiate a battery health test to verify that the new battery is functioning correctly. This can be done using the command:

# isi_hwmon -s

7. Check the Status: Monitor the battery status using the command:

# isi_hw_status

8. Log Results: Review the logs to confirm that the battery test has passed and that the new battery is recognized by the system.

For further assistance or detailed instructions, refer to Dell's official documentation or contact Dell support.

https://www.dell.com/support/contents/en-us/videos/videoplayer/FRU-Video-Replace-Battery-Backup-Unit-in-6th-Generation-nodes/1705820058803924202

Isilon

Isilon A2000 – Battery disabled after replacement (Fault state 11)

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