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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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I too had problems with the battery exchange web site. It said my G4 iBook was eligible for the exchange, but that the battery wasn't. When I called the Apple Battery Exchange 800 number, I was told that there was a problem with the serial number range posted on the web site and that my battery was not eligible for the exchange program and that there are no problems associated with this battery.
I had a similar experience through the Apple Web site. The G-4 was part of the recall but the Battery was not. My original battery was replaced on a previous recall last November. The replaced battery is serial number 6N540 which was listed as part of the new recall. When I called the 800 number and explained the situation, I was asked for the complete battery serial number and was subsequently told my serial number was not manufactured by Sony and not part of the recall.
According to the numbers posted, it looked like the battery in my PB 15" G4 was a bad one (model A1148, serial 6N537), but when I plugged the numbers into the Apple exchange program webpage I received the "serial # invalid or does not qualify for the program" message. After reading your post I decided to see if I could get through to Apple on the phone as well, and I did (using the battery recall option; it took less than 10 min, I think). In any event the guy asked for all the numbers, including the rest of the battery serial number (on the battery there are several digits that are not part of the ranges that are being advertised). Then he told me that my battery was fine. So if he's right, the message I had been getting from the battery exchange program website was also right. Thought this might be useful.
For me too, the serial of the battery was not accepted. Today I see that for several serial ranges they also posted required endings (which indeed do not match in my case).
So it is my guess that the exchange system is working correct, but the serial number information initially posted was not complete.
- by kenstee August 27, 2006 6:31 AM PDT
- The Apple has been updated to be much more specific, especially about the exact serial numbers being recalled in the 6C and 6N series.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(6 Comments)12-inch
iBook G4
ZZ338 - ZZ427
3K429 - 3K611
6C519 - 6C552 ending with S9WA, S9WC or S9WD
12-inch
PowerBook G4
ZZ411 - ZZ427
3K428 - 3K611
15-inch
PowerBook G4
3K425 - 3K601
6N530 - 6N551 ending with THTA, THTB, or THTC
6N601 ending with THTC