Recall #06-245 · Published August 24, 2006

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony for certain previous iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 notebook computers only

Apple Announces Recall of Batteries Used in Previous iBook and PowerBook Computers Due to Fire Hazard

CPSC published a recall notice for Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony for certain previous iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 notebook computers only from Sony on August 24, 2006. CPSC identifies this hazard: These lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The official remedy states: Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.

PowerBook G4 Computer
PowerBook G4 Computer
Image: CPSC recall notice

What to check on the product label

Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.

The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.

Additional identifying details

Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial numbers 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 ZZ338 through ZZ4273K429 through 3K6116C519 through 6C552 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 ZZ411 through ZZ4273K428 through 3K611 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 and A1148 3K425 through 3K6016N530 through 6N5516N601 No other Apple notebook computers are involved in this recall.

Which products are included?

The recalled lithium-ion batteries were used with the following computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4. Consumers should remove the battery from the computer to view the model and serial numbers labeled on the bottom of the unit. Computer model name Battery model number Battery serial numbers 12-inch iBook G4 A1061 ZZ338 through ZZ4273K429 through 3K6116C519 through 6C552 12-inch PowerBook G4 A1079 ZZ411 through ZZ4273K428 through 3K611 15-inch PowerBook G4 A1078 and A1148 3K425 through 3K6016N530 through 6N5516N601 No other Apple notebook computers are involved in this recall.

Confirm these details on the official CPSC notice

Why it was recalled

These lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents and injuries

Apple 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.

Official remedy

Consumers should stop using the recalled batteries immediately and contact Apple to arrange for a replacement battery, free of charge. After removing the recalled battery from their iBook or PowerBook, consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives.

Product and sales details

Brand
Sony
Manufacturer
Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan, Apple Computer Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.
Recall number
06-245
Units
About 1.1 million battery packs (an additional 700,000 battery packs were sold outside the U.S.)
Manufactured in
Japan, Taiwan, China
Sold at / sales period
Apple's online store, Apple retail stores nationwide, and Apple Authorized Resellers from October 2003 through August 2006 for between $900 and $2300. The batteries also were sold separately for about $130.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with cells manufactured by Sony for certain previous iBook G4 and PowerBook G4 notebook computers only

CPSC product type: Adapter/Power Supply/Charger/Battery

Recall contact information

Contact Apple at (800) 275-2273 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Sunday or log on to Apple's Web site at www.apple.com to check the battery's serial number and request a replacement battery.

Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.

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