PowerBook G4/iBook battery recall (#8): More defective replacement batteries�

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.

In increasing numbers, users are reporting receipt of replacement batteries that do not function correctly.

MacFixIt reader Ed writes:

"I just wanted to let you know that my PowerBook G4 replacement battery arrived dead. No blinking lights nothing. I called Apple support. The first person said he was receiving a few calls reporting the same. I eventually went through 3 people (and 45 minutes) and eventually they decided it really was dead and they are sending me a replacement replacement battery."

Another reader adds:

"I too received a defective replacement battery ? would not charge.  The power cord connection would show orange for about 2 minutes then change to green and battery would show 0% charged.  I called the replacement number and was switched to Applecare tech support.  Reset the PMU to no avail.  Then had to talk with someone to replace the replacement.  This took about one half hour as the battery was showing as out of warranty and a supervisor had to tweak the system to get it to kick out a battery.  However, as this was not under the replacement program, my credit card is being charged for a new battery until Apple receives the old battery, at which time the charge will be removed.  Pleasant enough support at Apple, but it was as if I was the only person this had happened to."

On a positive note, several readers have reported that they are receiving batteries far ahead of the 4-6 week schedule initially quoted to some customers by Apple.

MacFixIt reader Mike Holliday writes:

"I should pass on kudos to Apple Canada for the promptness with which I received a replacement battery for my iBook G4 -- ordered from Apple's website on 25 August and received here in Ottawa  the day after the Labour Day holiday (i.e., 5 September). And this despite the confirmatory e-mail from Apple saying that delivery could take 'approximately 4 to 6 weeks'."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

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

Resources