Cisco N9164E-NS4-O Hardware Installation Guide

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Replace a fan module during operations

Updated: May 29, 2026

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Overview

Learn how to replace a fan module by ensuring the new module matches the existing airflow direction.

All fan and power supply modules must have the same airflow direction. Otherwise, the switch can overheat and shut down. You can determine the airflow direction of a fan module by checking the color of the stripe on the front of the module. If the fan module has a red stripe for port-side intake airflow, the power supplies must have red coloring for the same airflow direction. To avoid overheating the switch, ensure that fan modules with red coloring for port-side intake airflow are positioned with the ports facing a cold aisle.

Before you can replace a fan module, ensure that these conditions exist:

  • There are four functioning fan modules in the other fan slots. To replace a fan module during operations, there must be three fan modules circulating air in the chassis at all times. The other fan module is redundant and can be replaced.

  • The replacement fan module must have the same airflow direction as the other modules in the chassis.

If you need to replace the fan module during operations and these conditions are not met, leave the fan module in the chassis to preserve the designed airflow until you have the required module.

Use these steps to replace the missing fan module within two minutes to avoid a shutdown.

Procedure

1.

Remove the replacement fan module from its packing materials, and place it on an antistatic surface.

Hold the module by the handle, and do not touch the electrical connectors on the backside. To protect the electrical connectors, avoid letting them come in contact with anything other than the electrical connectors inside the chassis.
2.

Verify that you have the right fan module for the chassis. The correct fan module has one of these part numbers:

NXASFAN-190CFMPI (port-side intake airflow direction and a red stripe)

Note

Be sure that the airflow direction of the new fan module matches the airflow direction of the other fan and AC power supply modules already installed in the chassis. Port-side intake airflow is indicated with red coloring. Power supplies with dual-direction airflow (airflow direction is set by the fan modules) have white coloring.

3.

Position the fan module in front of the open fan slot. Make sure that the backside of the module with the electrical connectors is positioned to enter the slot first. Slide the module all the way into the chassis until its front side comes in contact with the chassis. For the last 0.2 inches (0.5 cm), carefully mount the module onto the chassis connectors by pushing more firmly. Do not force the module if it does not move further. Excessive force can damage the connectors.

Note

If you are not able to push the module all the way into the slot, carefully slide the module out of the slot and check its electrical connectors for damage. If damaged, contact Cisco Technical Assistance for help. If undamaged, repeat this step to reinstall the module.

4.

Verify that the STS LED turns on and becomes green.

If the STS LED does not turn on, slide the module out of the chassis, and visually check the electrical connectors on the back side of the chassis for damage. If damaged, contact Cisco Technical Assistance for help. If undamaged, repeat the previous step to reinstall the module.