Apple recalls 1.8 million PowerBook G4, iBook batteries; Online system not working for some; Serial number range discrepancies

UPDATE #3 Several users who were previously experiencing erroneous rejection of their serial numbers are now reporting that the same serial numbers are now being accepted, indicating that Apple has resolved the initial issue.

UPDATE #2 In addition to the issues with rejected serial numbers (noted below), there appear to be discrepancies between the serial number ranges listed on Apple's site and those listed by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

For instance, the CPSC page lists one iBook range as: 6C510-6C552, while Apple's page lists the (assumed) same range as: 6C519-6C552.

MacFixIt reader Rick Montgomery writes:

"My wife's battery has a serial number starting with 6C514, which is in the CPSC range range but not in the Apple range. I think I'll wait until they get the bugs worked out."

UPDATE: Some users are having issues using the online support system in order to request replacement batteries. Many users with batteries inside the stated range of serial numbers are receiving apparently erroneous messages indicating that their batteries are not covered by the recall when attempting to use the online request method.

Meanwhile, some users calling the Apple recall hotline are also experiencing difficulties, having their phone calls terminated without ever talking to a human.

We suggest that users experiencing this problem wait several hours, at which point these issues will hopefully have been resolved

[original story continues below]

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Confirming our earlier speculation that some Mac-portable batteries used Sony components shared with a batch of faulty Dell batteries, Apple has announced a fairly massive (though not as far-reaching as Dell's) recall potentially affecting 1.8 million lithium-ion notebook batteries. Dell's recall implicated 4.1 million batteries.

The recall affects 1.1 million US and 700,000 overseas iBook and PowerBook G4 batteries sold from October 2003 to August 2006.

MacBook Pro batteries, while not affected by this recall, are subject to a separate battery "exchange" program for similar overheating and swelling issues.

Unlike the MacBook Pro battery exchange program, this PowerBook/iBook 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.

To check if your PowerBook or iBook is affected, visit https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange/.

Affected ranges of serial number prefixes are as follows:

12-inch iBook G4, battery model: A1061

• ZZ338 through ZZ427
• 3K429 through 3K611
• 6C510 through 6C626

12-inch PowerBook G4, battery model: A1079

• ZZ411 through ZZ427
• 3K428 through 3K611

15-inch PowerBook G4, battery models: A1078 and A1148

• 3K425 through 3K601
• 6N530 through 6N551
• 6N601

The serial number can be located on most models by removing the battery and looking at its underside.

Additional information is available via Apple's Recall Hotline: (800) 275-2273

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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