Dell recalls some of its notebook computer batteries

RP news wires, Noria Corporation

Dell announced August 14 that it has identified a potential issue associated with certain batteries sold with Dell Latitude, Inspiron, XPS and Dell Precision Mobile Workstation notebook computers. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulatory agencies, Dell is voluntarily recalling certain Dell-branded batteries with cells manufactured by Sony and offering free replacements for these batteries. Under rare conditions, it is possible for these batteries to overheat, which could pose a risk of fire.

Potentially affected batteries were sold with the following models of Dell notebook computers or separately as secondary batteries:

In addition, these batteries may have also been provided in response to service calls. The batteries were shipped to customers between April 1, 2004 and July 18, 2006. The words "DELL" and "Made in Japan" or "Made in China" or "Battery cell made in Japan, Assembled in China" are printed on the back of the batteries. If your battery does not reflect one of these markings it is not part of this recall, and you may exit the site.

There is a two (2) step process to identify if your battery is affected:

  1. Check if your battery model MAY be affected. If your battery is not listed, you are not affected.
  2. Check if your specific battery PPID (Dell Part Piece Identification) is affected. This step is necessary to identify if your battery is affected. Only some batteries within each model are affected. If the battery is subject to this recall you will be automatically connected to a replacement order form.
Step 1: Is your battery model affected?

The following battery models, only, may be subject to recall:

 1K055

 C5340

 D6024

 JD616

 U5867

 X5333

 3K590

 C5446

 D6025  JD617

 U5882

 X5875

 59474

 C6269

 F2100  KD494  W5915

 X5877

 6P922

 C6270

 F5132

 M3006  X5308  Y1333
 C2603  D2961  GD785  RD857  X5329  Y4500
 C5339  D5555  H3191  TD349  X5332  Y5466

These part numbers are printed on the back of the battery packs as illustrated below.

Step 2: Is your specific battery affected by this issue?

To determine whether your battery is affected by this issue, you should Click Here. The Web site will direct you to find and enter an identification number from the back of your battery pack so as to determine whether the battery is affected by this issue. If the battery is subject to this recall you will be automatically connected to a replacement order form. Dell will also provide a means for you to return the affected battery packs for proper disposal.

You can also write to Dell Inc., Attn: Battery Recall, 9701 Metric Blvd., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758.

Please note that only the described battery packs are subject to this recall and not the notebook computers themselves.

Batteries subject to recall should not be used while awaiting a replacement battery pack from Dell. You may continue to use your notebook computer using the AC adapter power cord originally provided with your notebook.