Gateway recalls 14,000 notebook batteries

Gateway has announced a voluntary recall of approximately 14,000 lithium ion battery packs for a range of its notebook PCs in the US. 

The affected units were shipped as the primary or spare battery pack for Gateway 400VTX and 450ROG series notebooks sold from May 2003 to August 2003.

The company warned that the battery packs can overheat under certain conditions and create a potential fire hazard.

Gateway said that it is cooperating with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in the interests of customer safety. 

The recall follows four reports of battery packs overheating, resulting in minor property damage but no reported injuries.

A Gateway UK spokesperson told vnunet.com that the affected notebooks were not sold in the UK.

The battery packs were sold in the US through Gateway's professional and direct channels, including its Gateway Country stores.

Gateway is advising customers to contact the company to determine whether their battery pack is a part of this recall either through its Battery Exchange Program website or by phoning the company. 

Battery packs identified by part numbers 6500760 or 6500761 (included on a label on the underside of the battery pack) are affected.

Gateway has promised to replace the units at no cost to customers. In the interim, customers are advised to remove the battery and only power the system via AC adapter and power cord.