May 20 2005
Apple recalls iBook and PowerBook batteries
Evidently, an internal short in certain rechargeable batteries used in Apple portables can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Apple has received six reports worldwide of batteries overheating, including two reports in the United States. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Apple, today announced a voluntary recall of these batteries, manufactured by LG Chem Ltd., of South Korea.
The recalled lithium ion batteries are used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. The recalled batteries include those with model numbers A1061, A1078 and A1079 and serial numbers that begin with HQ441 through HQ507 or 3X446 through 3X510. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.
Recalled 12-inch iBook G4 battery (click to enlarge image)
Recalled 12-inch PowerBook G4 battery (click to enlarge image)
Recalled 15-inch PowerBook G4 battery (click to enlarge image)
Consumers are instructed to stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple ((800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple’s web site) to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.
Note: