Apple Recalls Flaming 15-inch PowerBook G4 Battery

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other international safety authorities, Apple is voluntarily recalling certain lithium ion rechargeable batteries that were sold worldwide from January 2004 through August 2004 for use with 15-inch PowerBook G4 (Aluminum) notebook computers. These batteries were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea.

The affected batteries could overheat, posing a fire hazard. Apple received four reports of these batteries overheating. No injuries have been reported. Apple urges you to stop using your battery and to order a replacement battery immediately. If you continue to use your battery, do not leave it unattended and check for signs of overheating.

Apple has initiated an exchange program and will provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge.

No other PowerBook or iBook batteries are part of this recall.

The recalled batteries have the Model Number: A1045 and serial numbers that begin with: HQ404, HQ405, HQ406, HQ407, or HQ408. Batteries with the affected serial numbers contain cells that were manufactured by LG Chem, Ltd. of South Korea during the last week of December 2003 only.

The model and serial numbers are located on the label on the bottom of the battery, and can be viewed by removing the battery from the computer.

The serial number is printed in black lettering beneath a barcode. The battery is approximately 4.75-inches long by 3.25-inches wide by .75-inches high. Or, in metric measurements, the battery is approximately 12 cm long by 8 cm wide by 1.9 cm high. The label located on the bottom of the battery reads in part, 15-inch PowerBook G4 Rechargeable Battery and Model No: A1045.

A new battery will be shipped to customers free of charge.

Source: Apple