The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers only:
- 12-inch iBook G4
- 12-inch PowerBook G4
- 15-inch PowerBook G4
You'll need to contact an Apple Service Centre to have affected batteries exchanged.
As a service to our
customers, we are happy to exchange affected batteries for
you.
Please
see bottom for update if you've requested a
replacement.
Apple expects up to 4 to 6
weeks wait on replacement batteries as at August 25, 2006.
Note:
This web page
does not
cover the
following:
- 14-inch iBook G4
- 15-inch MacBook Pro
Please follow these steps:
Step 1
Confirm if your battery is affected here:
https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange/
You will need your computer and battery's serial numbers.
Where you purchased a extra iBook G4 12-inch battery for your iBook G3, just use your iBook G3's serial number.
If your battery's serial number falls within the serial number range but is still declared invalid, contact Apple on 133622 (press 5) for clarification.
Once you've confirmed you have an affected battery, continue to step 2, else your journey ends here.
Step 2
Click on this link with your following details:
Contact Name:
E-mail or Phone Number:
Computer Model: (ie iBook G3 or G4 12-inch; PowerBook G4 12-inch or 15-inch)
Computer Serial Number: (11-digit number)
Battery Serial Number: (12-digit number)
Click here for battery removal instructions for the 12-inch PowerBook G4. Works similarly for the other affected models.
We will send you a confirmation e-mail once we've received your details.
Step 3
Wait for us to contact you to exchange your battery at our store on campus. As at August 25, Apple expected up to 4 to 6 weeks for your replacement battery to arrive.
When your replacement battery is ready, discharge your affected battery (see below). Please make sure you bring your affected battery with you to our store otherwise there will be no exchange.
Delivery is available at extra cost, but we will need to receive your battery first before sending out the replacement. There will be a delivery charge of $10 inc GST.
What to do in the meantime?
We urge our customers to exercise some common sense regarding continued use of affected batteries. While the chances of the batteries overheating are slim, you should use the Power Adaptor instead. If you do need to use battery power, ensure your laptop is sufficiently cool. Continued use of your affected battery is at your own risk.
Note this offer to exchange batteries on your behalf is completely optional. You are most welcome to make alternative arrangements if it suits you better. The validity of your battery's status is subject to confirmation by our service partner.
For more information, please see:
http://www.apple.com/support/batteryexchange/2006/faq/
or contact appleoncampus@mac.com.
Discharging your battery
- Insert the recalled battery in your iBook/PowerBook, disconnect the power adaptor, and turn on your computer.
- Go to the Apple Menu, open System Preferences, and select Energy Saver. You’ll see an Optimize Energy Settings pop-up menu; select Highest Performance.
- Let your computer run on battery power until the computer goes to sleep. This will take about four hours or less depending on the charge level of your battery.
Tips for faster discharge: Play a DVD movie, a CD in iTunes (turn on the Visualizer), or the Chess game (set to play computer vs. computer).
Important: Be sure to disconnect the power adaptor before discharging your recalled battery. Do not leave your PowerBook unattended while it is discharging.
Update
We now have most of the replacement batteries that were ordered up till September 11, 2006. Note however not all of these have been fulfilled. If you have not yet received an e-mail confirmation from us when you first ordered it or in the last few days, please e-mail us to clarify: appleoncampus@mac.com
Please also review Step 3 above before bringing your battery in for exchange.
This page will be updated as new information comes to hand. Updated 11/10/06.