I just received notice of a recall on certain Hewlett Packard laptop
batteries. If you own an HP laptop, it might be prudent to see if you are one of
those affected:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2006
Release #06-145
HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the
following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products
immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: HP and Compaq Notebook Computer Batteries
Units: About 4,100 (about 15,700 batteries worldwide)
Importer: Hewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif.
Hazard: An internal failure can cause the battery to overheat and melt or
char the plastic case, posing a burn and fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating,
including two in the United States. One minor burn injury has been reported.
Eleven cases of minor property damage were reported, including one in the United
States.
Description: The recalled lithium ion rechargeable batteries are used with
various HP and Compaq notebook computers. The recalled batteries are a subset of
those manufactured in early January 2005, and will have a bar code label
starting with L3. HP and Compaq Notebook Model Series that may contain a
recalled battery include:
| HP Pavilion Family | HP Compaq Family | Compaq Presario Family |
| dv1xxx | nx48xx | V2xxx |
| ze2xxx | M2xxx |
The notebook model is located on the display screen bezel or in the labeling
on the bottom of the notebook.
Sold at: National and regional computer and electronics stores, online
stores, and at hp.com and hpshopping.com from January 2005 through December 2005
for between $1,000 and $3,000. The battery packs also were sold separately for
between $100 and $130.
Manufactured In: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the "L3" coded batteries immediately and
contact HP to determine if the specific battery is one of the ones being
recalled, and if it is, receive a free replacement battery. After removing the
recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers should plug in the AC
adapter to power the notebook until a replacement battery arrives.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit the HP Battery
Replacement Program Web Site at
www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement , or contact HP at (888)
202-4320 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
To view this recall online, please visit our website at:
