F5 device failure (1600)

I did this last week for a 1600 (11.5.4 HF2) here is the link from F5 https://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/12000/800/sol12880.html

high level

1. backup UCS with GUI
2. backup the license key (at the tmsh prompt its mku -K)
3. when you get the RMA you will likely need to install the right software (easies way to install the software is to get a trial license and activate the unit otherwise you have to do it all command line).
4. once the software is the right version and HF, copy the UCS file (you must load the ucs file fromthe command prompt (tmsh load sys ucs [ucs file name] no-license , https://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/13000/100/sol13132.html)
5. install the license
6. install in the data center

the SOL does a difference, you config the new box with the IP via config and then you should be able to license it already without the need for a trial license. during the RMA process F5 should have transferred the license to the new serial. afterwards you can upgrade to the version you took the UCS from.