Lenovo starts second battery recall

LENOVO issued a second battery recall. It is voluntarily recalling 200,000 of its nine cell lithium-ion batteries.

The batteries were manufactured for use with newer Thinkpad notebook computers that were shipped worldwide between November 2005 and February 2007. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a press release here.

The problematic batteries were sold to customers with notebooks or as optional or replacement for the ThinkPad R60, R60e, T60, T60p, Z60m, Z60m, Z61e, Z61m, and Z61p. Models may have shipped with either 6-cell or 9-cell batteries, but only the 9-cell batteries with the part number FRU P/N 92P1131 are being recalled. Unlike previous recalls, the problem is not an internal battery cell defect. The hazard that prompted this recall is that if the battery is struck forcefully on the corner, such as from a direct fall to the ground, the battery pack can overheat and pose a fire hazard.

On Lenovo's website for the battery replacement it is suggesting that, "Until a replacement for a recalled battery arrives, if you intend to transport your ThinkPad notebook PC or use it in a manner that may subject it to a strong external impact, you should turn off the system, remove the battery, and only power your ThinkPad by plugging in the AC adapter and power cord."

Users can visit the FAQ for the recall here, or contact Lenovo's technical support department here.

For users who are comfortable you can download a program provided by Lenovo here to test your system to determine if you are affected. Lenovo has thankfully created a process for corporate customers to replace multiple batteries here. µ

See Also
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