Q: How to replace the battery inside the XServe RAID Cache Backup Battery Module.

How to replace the battery inside the XServe RAID Cache Backup Battery Module.

We still have some XServe RAIDs in use, mostly for Archives and recently one of the Cache Backup Battery Modules failed, it reported "Battery Failed" and the RAID Admin reports some crazy number where it should report the charge level. Finding these EOL parts is difficult and expensive, here's how to keep your existing module and just replace the battery inside.

Here's what you'll need:

Temp resistant tape such as kapton tape.

Replacement battery -- NewerTech NuPower 56 Watt-Hour Battery NWTBAPIB1V52RS, $69.00

X-Acto blade, Spludger, flat blade screw driver

First remove the XServe RAID Cache Backup Battery Module from the RAID Chassis

Then unscrew the 4 screws in the rear of the module

Slide the metal bracket to free it from the connector

Slide the cover off the module to expose the inside.

There are 2 screws holding the battery in place near the rear of the module, unscrew them and move the bracket to the side to slide the battery out. (This bracket also houses the led light for the battery module)

You'l need to do a little surgery on the  new replacement battery, nothing scary. This is an ibook G4 battery so you'll need to remove the white plastic shell with a spludger/flat blade screwsriver, it's glued down so work your way around to loosen it up, it'll come right off. then you'll have to remove the foot that is used for the laptop. First pry up the plastic corner with the foot, it's glued down, then use an X-Acto to carefully cut around the foot to remove it all together. Be careful as the batteries are directly below it and you don't want to puncture them.

Once that's removed use some kapton tape to cover the batteries where you removed the white plastic shell.

Don't use more than 1 piece as there's not much clearance once you put it back together.

Now reinstall the battery the same way it came out, reinstall the bracket wih the 2 screws, mind the led light cable and re-attach the tape on the side of the batteries from the circuit board to the Light.

Now slide the cover back on, replace the metal bracket and put the 4 screws back.

Now put it back into the XServe RAID.

I've seen USED XServe RAID Cache Backup Battery Modules as high as $199  and NEW for $499.

This is an easy inexpensive way to keep your XServe RAID fully functional

LJS