Battery packs used with Compaq Armada notebook computers
CPSC Recall #01-022 - October 26, 2000
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 01-022 |
| Recall Date | October 26, 2000 |
| Remedy Type | Replace |
| Units Affected | About 55,000 |
Where It Was Sold
| 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. |
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 Instructions
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.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Replace) at no cost to you.
If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident, they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.
If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.