HP Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard

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"WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: HP and Compaq Notebook Computer Batteries

Units: About 4,100 (about 15,700 batteries worldwide)

Importer: Hewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif.

Hazard: An internal failure can cause the battery to overheat and melt
or char the plastic case, posing a burn and fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: HP has received 20 reports of batteries overheating,
including two in the United States. One minor burn injury has been
reported. Eleven cases of minor property damage were reported, including
one in the United States.

Description: The recalled lithium ion rechargeable batteries are used
with various HP and Compaq notebook computers. The recalled batteries
are a subset of those manufactured in early January 2005, and will have
a bar code label starting with L3. HP and Compaq Notebook Model Series
that may contain a recalled battery include:



HP Pavilion Family HP Compaq Family Compaq Presario
Family
dv1xxx nx48xx V2xxx
ze2xxx M2xxx



The notebook model is located on the display screen bezel or in the
labeling on the bottom of the notebook.

Sold at: National and regional computer and electronics stores, online
stores, and at hp.com and hpshopping.com from January 2005 through
December 2005 for between $1,000 and $3,000. The battery packs also were
sold separately for between $100 and $130.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the "L3" coded batteries immediately
and contact HP to determine if the specific battery is one of the ones
being recalled, and if it is, receive a free replacement battery. After
removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers
should plug in the AC adapter to power the notebook until a replacement
battery arrives.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit the HP Battery
Replacement Program Web Site at www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement ,
or contact HP at (888) 202-4320 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday
through Friday.

Media Contact: Tom Augenthaler at (281) 514-4126

To view this recall online, please visit our website at:
https://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06145.html"