Today’s post is a serious one. HP has announced recalls of batteries used in their laptops sold between March 2013 and October 2016 due to an elevated risk of overheating potentially leading to fire. Because of the severity, I apologize for seizing the opportunity to quote yet another classic rock song, “Burnin’ for You” by Blue Oyster Cult. I also should have resisted the urge to use Jeff Gordon inspired flames and colors in today’s graphic. I guess the graphic grabs your attention, which is good. It also might provide a little levity to an increasingly serious world. We could all use a good laugh now and then! If you’re an HP owner you probably aren’t laughing, however. Today we’ll let you know where the batteries in question were sold, which models are targeted, and what to do if you’re part of the recall.
So, 101,000 batteries, in all, are subject to the recall. As we mentioned earlier, the recall includes batteries that were used in laptops sold between March 2013 and October 2016. The affected computers were sold by retailers including Best Buy, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, as well as online at hp.com and at other authorized dealers. If you didn’t buy your laptop at any of these stores, I would suggest not breathing a sigh of relief, and to keep reading because I highly doubt the recall has listed them all! Most laptops are included, as the price range of those using these batteries is anywhere from $300 to $1700. The specific brands/models that these batteries are found in are as follows: HP, Compaq, HP ProBook, HP ENVY, Compaq Presario, and HP Pavilion. The batteries, which were also sold as replacement batteries, are black in color, and are between 8 and 10.5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 inch tall. Batteries sold separately retailed for between $50 and $90. On the back of the battery you’ll find a code made up of a series of letters and numbers. Batteries that are part of the recall have codes beginning with 6BZLU, 6CGFK, 6CGFQ, 6CZMB, 6DEMA, 6DEMH, 6DGAL and 6EBVA.
If you’ve found your battery is part of the recall, what should your next move be? Step one is, of course, to stop using it! Remove the battery from the computer, and contact HP. If you have no other option and need to use your laptop, make sure that the battery is removed (typically you’d squeeze or slide a clip to release it), and plug the computer into an outlet. It will operate normally as long as it’s plugged in. HP may be reached at 888-202-4320, Monday through Friday from 7 A.M. to 6 P.M. EST, or you can visit hp.com for further information. HP will send a replacement battery free of charge.
Electronics and electricity are not to be taken lightly. When a recall of this magnitude comes to pass, we need to sit up and take notice. At best, if the battery overheats, permanent damage can be done to your computer. At worst, well, let’s not think about that one. Please take the time to ensure your device is as safe as it can be, so it doesn’t start burnin’ for you!