PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#2): Some iBook G3s also eligible; continuing problems with serial number, date ranges
PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#2): Some iBook G3s also eligible; continuing problems with serial number, date ranges
We continue to report on Apple's massive recall of portable batteries manufactured by Sony.
As noted yesterday, the recall affects some PowerBook G4s and iBooks. Unlike the MacBook Pro battery exchange program, this recall is the result of a safety hazard, as some users have complained of actual burns and property damage from burning or bursting batteries. Apple says it has received nine reports of batteries overheating, including two reports of minor burns from handling overheated computers and other reports of minor property damage. No serious injuries were reported.
Some iBook G3s also eligible Though it's not readily apparent, some iBook G3s may also be affected by this recall. The reason is that some users have purchased replacement batteries, or received batteries through a different exchange program, that fall under the appropriate serial number range.
Apple's Web page states:
"If you participated in a previous battery recall for any of these computer models or recently purchased or received from Apple an extra battery for an iBook G3, please check your battery serial number in case you received a replacement battery that is affected by this program."
So if you own an iBook G3, check to see whether or not your battery model and serial number fall into one of the given ranges.
Continuing problems with serial number, date ranges Yesterday we noted significant issues with Apple's online replacement mechanism, with users who have valid serial numbers and battery model numbers receiving rejection notices from the system (indicating that their batteries are not eligible for the recall).
We later noted that the problem had been fixed for some numbers, but it appears there are still some issues.
MacFixIt reader James Hsieh, for instance, writes:
"I think there are still issues. I have two batteries, both which fall in the recall range. My battery starting with 3K534 is recognized for the replacement, but the battery I have starting with 6N537 is still not being recognized."
Meanwhile, MacFixIt reader Charles Bailey reports that the date ranges specified by Apple may be erroneous. He writes:
"Another issue with the battery recall info ? the date ranges appear to be wrong. Apple's site claims the batteries were sold from 10/03 to 08/06, but my 12-inch PowerBook G4/867 was purchased 02/16/03 and it has a battery within the affected serial number range. I've already run through the registration site and they've confirmed my battery is covered by the program. "
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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