Technical Tip: FortiManager fails to promote secondary cluster member to primary

[ckarwei]

Description

This article describes how to fix FortiManager 'Failed to change the HA device sequence.' issue

Additionally, under System Settings -> Task Monitor -> View Details: error reported is 'connect to device failed, err=-3'.

Solution

1. The reason it fails is due to the wrong FortiGate username/password on the FortiManager device manager.
   
   
2. The 'Promote' button is available in the 'HA Status' widget.
   
   

3. Once the process initiates, FortiManager will send 'set override enable' and 'set priority 130' commands to the primary unit. The secondary unit will receive 'set override enable' and 'set priority 129'.
   
   
4. FortiManager fails to promote secondary cluster members to primary.
   
   

5. Ensure the config status is synchronized.
   
   
6. Select the managing unit and select 'Edit'. Update the FortiGate 'Admin User' and 'Password'.
   

7. FortiManager successfully promoted the secondary cluster member to the primary.
   
   
8. Notice that lab_FGT_2 is now the primary unit with priority 130.