PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#7): Some replacement batteries defective

We continue to report on Apple's massive recall of portable batteries manufactured by Sony, the confusion caused by initially vague serial number ranges, issues with replacement terms and more.

We previously reported that some of the replacement batteries shipped by Apple are physically damaged, but not defective on an operational level.

Since then, we've received some reports indicating receipt of replacement batteries that do not function correctly.

MacFixIt reader Sean Gustilo initially received one of the defective batteries, then promptly received another working battery:

"I have a 12" PowerBook that qualified for the recently announced battery exchange. I ordered the battery the same day the recall was announced, and I received the replacement yesterday (Wednesday).

"I charged the replacement battery overnight, but when I tried to start the computer on just the battery, the computer would power on for about a minute and then shut down. I checked the gauge on the battery itself and it showed 5 solid lights, indicating that it was charged.

"I plugged the computer back into the power supply, and it booted up fine. I checked the battery gauge within OS X and it showed that it was fully charged. So I unplugged the power supply, and the computer remained on for about a minute before powering off.

"I zapped the PRAM and reset the PMU, still the same problem.

"The old battery still works fine.

"I took my laptop with me to work so that I could take it to the Apple Store near me for them to check it out, but I just received another package from Apple with another replacement battery. They must have read my mind! '

'This newest replacement battery seems to be working fine so far, it came only 40% charged. I'm currently charging it all the way. I have unplugged it from the power supply and the computer remained on after a few minutes, so this is promising."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#6): Some countries require dealer exchange
• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#5): Some replacement batteries damaged; Shipping discrepancies
• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#4): Some countries apparently require original battery before replacement
• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#3): Replacement may take a month or more; Serial number ranges updated to exclude some models; more
• PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#2): Some iBook G3s also eligible; continuing problems with serial number, date ranges
• Apple announces recall of 1.8 million PowerBook G4, iBook batteries; Recall system not working for some; Serial number range discrepancies

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