April 25, 2007

Acer America Corporation Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries 

Name of product: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries containing Sony-made cells used in Acer notebook computers.

Units: About 27,000

Computer Importer and Distributor: Acer America Corporation, of San Jose, Calif.

Computer Manufacturer: Acer Inc., of Taiwan

Battery Cell Manufacturer: Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan

Hazard: The lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Description: Only lithium-ion batteries with the following part numbers and battery week codes and used in the following Acer notebook models, are included in the recall:

Acer Notebook System
Series Beginning with:
Acer Battery Pack No. (Part of Barcode) Battery Pack Serial Week Code Range (Part of Barcode) Battery Week Code Range (in front of Barcode) Battery Week Code Range on Red Sticker
TravelMate 321x BT00604001     0521-0545
  Aspire 980x BT00804016   63V, 63W, 63X, 63Y  
TravelMate 242x, TravelMate 330x Aspire 556x BT00604005 601-626    
TravelMate 561x Aspire 930x, Aspire 941x BT00807010 614-630    
TravelMate C20x BT00604002   5BR-5BZ; 5C1-5C9; 5CA-5CZ; 611-619; 621-629; 62A  
TravelMate 422x, TravelMate 467x Aspire 560x, Aspire 567x BT00804011     0551-0626
TravelMate 320x BTT4807001 418-552    

Sold through: Authorized electronics retailers nationwide from May 2004 through November 2006 for between $500 and $1,500.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled batteries immediately and contact Acer to receive a free replacement battery. Consumers can continue to use the notebook computers safely by turning the system off, removing the battery, and using the AC adapter and power cord to power the system until the replacement battery is received.

Consumer Contact: For assistance in determining if their battery packs are covered by this program and to request a free replacement battery pack, consumers can visit the firm’s Web site at www.acerbatteryrecall.com/AcerWeb -- consumers also can contact Acer toll-free at (800) 503-2330 anytime.