 If you own an Aluminum Powerbook, Apple and the Consumer Product Safety Commission want you to take a look at your battery. There’s an even chance it might get so hot, it could catch on fire.
About 28,000 batteries are affected by the recall, which could include batteries pre-installed in powerbooks or additional batteries purchased from Apple or resellers.
In a notice to customers headed by the words “Important Safety Recall” in red, bold letters, Apple said it is initiating a voluntary recall of a number of lithium ion rechargeable batteries, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The letter says that the affected batteries “could overheat, posing a fire hazard,” and that Apple has received four reports of the batteries overheating, with no reported injuries.
“Apple urges you to stop using your battery and to order a replacement battery immediately,” the letter says. “If you continue to use your battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating.”
The batteries in question were sold worldwide beginning in January 2004, and affect only Aluminum Powerbooks. They bear the model number A1045 and serial numbers that begin with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, and HQ408, and contain cells that were manufactured by LG Chem Ltd. of South Korea during the last week of December 2003. Apple says no other PowerBook or iBook batteries are being recalled.
You can check the battery information by using the locking mechanism on the underside of the Powerbook, and turning it to the unlock position. The battery will op out, and both the model and serial numbers will appear at on the underside of the battery.
If your battery is subject to recall, Apple wants you to stop using it immediately, or if you must use it, not to leave the computer unattended. Customers with affected batteries can receive a free replacement by visiting https://depot.info.apple.com/batteryexchange/ . Those without access to the site can call Apple at 800-275-2273 between 8:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. central time, seven days a week, for assistance.
You’ll be asked to complete a form by supplying the serial number for your PowerBook and battery as well as a ship to address; after verification Apple will send out a new battery. You can then use a prepaid shipping label to return the recalled battery. Apple is not offering the exchange program through its retail stores or independent service providers. For safety’s sake, Apple is reminding customers to completely drain charged batteries before sending them to Apple.
August 2004
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