CPSC, Apple Announce Recall of PowerBook Computer Batteries
CPSC recall 04201 · announced August 19, 2004 · Apple Computer · 28,000 units affected
The product
The recalled batteries are used with the 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) laptop computer. The batteries, which contain cells manufactured during the last week of December 2003 only, have the model number A1045 and serial numbers that begin with HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. The model and serial numbers can be found on a label on the bottom of the battery. The battery is approximately 4 inches long, 3 inches wide, and ¾ inches tall. No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are involved in this recall.
The hazard
An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Apple has received four reports of batteries overheating, though no injuries have been reported.
Sold at: National and regional resellers, catalogers, and Apple's online and retail stores sold the computers with the batteries, from January 2004 through August 2004, for between $2000 and $2600. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130.
Consumer contact: Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple's website at www.apple.com/support/powerbook/batteryexchange
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.