Description
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, on October 14, 2005, HP announced a worldwide voluntary recall and replacement program for battery packs used in certain HP notebooks. HP customers affected by this program will be eligible to receive a replacement battery pack for each verified, affected, recalled battery pack, at no cost.
The computer industry has recently experienced battery pack recalls by other computer manufacturers. However, HP believes that this current battery pack recall is unrelated to any of those recalls.
HP and the battery pack cell manufacturer identified a defect in assembled battery packs manufactured between March 2004 and September 2004. HP considers the defect to pose a potential safety hazard to customers.
An internal short can cause the battery cells to overheat and melt or char the plastic case, posing a burn and fire hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HP recalling its notebooks? Why?
No. HP is not recalling its notebooks. HP is only recalling the battery packs, based on an issue with these products. The issue has been identified as being contained within the removable battery pack. The notebook will still function under A/C power, as designed, until you receive your replacement battery pack.
If my battery pack has been identified as eligible for replacement, and I have had no issues with it, could the battery pack have caused any damage to my notebook?
No. The issue identified is with the battery pack only and not with the notebook.
What notebooks are affected by the battery pack replacement program?
Please refer to the list of notebooks above.
Is it safe to buy HP notebooks?
Absolutely. HP fully stands behind the products it makes. HP has taken a proactive approach to this situation to ensure the safety of our customers and the integrity and quality of our products.
I own an HP notebook that is affected by the replacement program. I recently bought a replacement battery pack for it. Could I have one of the recalled battery packs?
HP recommends that you visit the program
Web site
to determine whether the battery pack you purchased is part of this program. If so, follow the guidelines to determine if the battery qualifies for a FREE replacement.
I have more than one of the recalled battery packs. Will HP replace all of my recalled battery packs?
Yes. For each battery identified as part of the replacement program, HP will provide you with a FREE replacement battery pack.
How do I order my replacement battery pack?
Can I continue to use my current battery pack as a backup?
No. To reduce the likelihood that a battery pack failure will cause damage, HP strongly encourages all customers to immediately cease use of the affected battery packs. You must ship the original battery pack back to HP in the prepaid return package, using the authorization label you receive upon receipt of a replacement battery pack.
Can I use my HP notebook without the battery pack in it?
Yes. After you remove the affected battery, just plug the AC adapter into the notebook and then into an AC outlet.
Where do I find the product number of my HP notebook?
The product number is located on the bottom of the notebook.
What should I do if I have a battery pack that shows signs of overheating?
If your battery pack shows signs of overheating, such as discoloration or deformity, stop using the battery pack immediately and contact HP at the in-country telephone numbers listed in this document.
Can I take my recalled battery pack to an HP service partner and exchange it for a new battery pack?
Do I have to return my recalled battery pack before I can receive a replacement battery pack?
No. HP will send you the replacement battery pack first, and then you will return the recalled battery pack to HP.
I've never had any problems with my battery pack. Should I have it replaced?
If your battery pack has been identified as part of the replacement program, in the interest of safety, it should be replaced. Please visit the designated
Web site
to determine whether your battery pack qualifies for FREE replacement.
How long will it be before I receive my FREE replacement battery pack?
You should receive the replacement battery packs within 3 to 5 business days for orders within the U.S. and Canada, and within 7 to 10 business days for international orders.
Will HP provide a container to ship back the recalled battery pack?
Yes. HP will provide prepaid return packaging to ensure the proper transit of the battery pack to the appropriate disposal locations.
What is HP doing with the returned battery packs? What is the environmental impact?
The battery packs will be responsibly disposed of in accordance with applicable in-country laws and regulations.
It is safe to handle the recalled battery pack outside of the notebook?
Yes. However, HP recommends discharging the battery pack before removing it from the notebook.
Discharge the battery pack using the following instructions:
| CAUTION: | All data must be saved and all active programs closed before discharging the battery pack. When the battery pack is discharged, any unsaved data may be lost when the notebook shuts down. |
Disconnect the notebook from its external power source, but do not turn off the notebook.
Run the notebook on battery power until the battery pack is fully discharged. When the battery pack is fully discharged, the battery light is turned off and the notebook shuts down.
Remove the battery pack from the notebook.
