Removing and replacing a PCI adapter

You might need to replace a PCI adapter with the system power on in AIX. Use the procedure in this section to perform this task.

Important:

1. Use this procedure if you intend to remove a failing PCI adapter and replace it with the same type of adapter.
2. If you plan to remove a failing adapter and leave the slot empty, see .
3. This procedure should not be used to remove an existing adapter and install a different type of adapter. To install a different adapter, remove the existing adapter as described in , then install the new adapter as described in .
4. Procedures performed on a PCI adapter with the system power on in AIX®, also known as hot-plug procedures, require the system administrator to take the PCI adapter offline prior to performing the operation. Before taking an adapter offline, the devices attached to the adapter must be taken offline as well. This action prevents a service representative or user from causing an unexpected outage for system users.

To replace an adapter, do the following:

1. Perform the prerequisite tasks as described in .
2. Take appropriate precautions for avoiding electric shock and handling static-sensitive devices. For information, see and Handling static-sensitive devices.
3. If you are removing and replacing a PCI adapter in a rack-mounted system or expansion unit, follow these steps:
   1. Open the rear rack door.
   2. Remove the units cover or covers if applicable. For instructions see the Related information links at the end of the page.
4. If you are removing and replacing a PCI adapter in a stand-alone expansion unit, remove the units back cover, if applicable. For instructions see the Related information links at the end of the page.
5. Determine the location of the PCI adapter in the system.
6. Record the slot number and location of each adapter being removed.
   Note: Adapter slots are numbered on the rear of the system unit.
7. Ensure that any processes or applications that might use the adapter are stopped.
8. Enter the system diagnostics by logging in as root user or as the celogin user, type diag at AIX command line.
9. When the DIAGNOSTIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS menu displays, press Enter.
10. At the FUNCTION SELECTION menu, select Task Selection, then press enter.
11. At the Task Selection list, select PCI Hot Plug Manager.
12. Select Unconfigure a Device, then press Enter.
13. Press F4 (or Esc +4) to display the Device Names menu.
14. Select the adapter you are removing in the Device Names menu.
15. Use the Tab key to answer YES to Keep Definition. Use the Tab key again to answer YES to Unconfigure Child Devices, then press Enter. The ARE YOU SURE screen displays.
16. Press Enter to verify the information. Successful unconfiguration is indicated by the OK message displayed next to the Command field at the top of the screen.
17. Press F3 (or Esc +3) twice to return to the Hot Plug Manager menu.
18. Select replace/remove PCI Hot Plug adapter.
19. Select the slot that has the device to be removed from the system.
20. Select Replace.
    Note: A fast-blinking amber LED located at the back of the machine near the adapter indicates that the slot has been identified.
21. Press Enter. This places the adapter in the action state, meaning it is ready to be removed from the system.
22. Label, and then disconnect all cables attached to the adapter you plan to remove.
23. Lift up the PCI adapter EMC shield  A  as shown in and then rotate it up and away from the cassette as shown in .
    Figure 1. Lift up the EMC shield
    Figure 2. Rotate the EMC shield into the open position
24. Remove the cassette. Lift up the lower cassette handle  B  as shown in the following figure. Pull the PCI cassette  C  out of the system.
    Attention: A cassette containing either a PCI adapter or filler panel must be placed in the PCI adapter slot of the system unit for proper air flow and cooling.
    Figure 3. PCI adapter cassette removed from the system unit