Battery packs used with Compaq Armada notebook computers

CPSC Recall #01-022 — October 26, 2000

Recall #01-022 Date: October 26, 2000 Remedy: Replace

Product

Battery packs used with Compaq Armada notebook computers

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Compaq Computer Corp., of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling for replacement about 55,000 battery packs used with Compaq's Armada notebook computers. These battery packs can short circuit, causing them to overheat, release smoke and possibly catch fire. Compaq has received one report of a battery pack overheating, and damaging the notebook computer. No injuries were reported. The recalled battery packs were sold with Compaq's Armada E500 and V300 notebook computers. Writing on the batteries include "Compaq" and "Assembled in Taiwan." The battery pack can be identified by a date code and serial number on the white label to the right of the battery connector. - Date code TCGK with a serial number from 00001 to 10500, 20001 to 21800, and 40001 to 83100, or - Date code TCHK with a serial number from 40001 to 44700 Compaq dealers sold these battery packs worldwide with notebook computers and separately from June 2000 through July 2000. The notebook computers sold for between $1,800 and $3,800, and the individual batteries sold for about $165. Consumers should immediately stop using these battery packs and contact Compaq to learn how to discharge them and return them. Consumers with the recalled batteries will receive two free battery packs for each recalled battery pack they return. For more information, call Compaq at (800) 889-7613 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's battery recall website at http://www5.compaq.com/newsroom/pr/2000/pr2000102701.html. 

Hazard

These battery packs can short circuit, causing them to overheat, release smoke and possibly catch fire.

Incidents / Injuries

Compaq has received one report of a battery pack overheating, and damaging the notebook computer. No injuries were reported.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using these battery packs and contact Compaq to learn how to discharge them and return them. Consumers with the recalled batteries will receive two free battery packs for each recalled battery pack they return. 

Units Affected

About 55,000

Sold At

Compaq dealers sold these battery packs worldwide with notebook computers and separately from June 2000 through July 2000. The notebook computers sold for between $1,800 and $3,800, and the individual batteries sold for about $165.