Lenovo Offers Replacement for Malfunctioning Notebook Batteries

Lenovo is offering free replacements for batteries in six ThinkPad models that claim they're damaged or can't be recharged - but at least they aren't catching on fire.

Computer maker Lenovo is offering replacements for batteries in six of its Thinkpad notebook computer models that claim they cannot be charged or are “irreparably damaged.” The impacted models include the ThinkPad R60, R61, T60, T61, X60, and X61, and the batteries span a range of part numbers; Lenovo has posted a battery diagnostic tool to help users determine if their battery is affected. Lenovo is offering replacement batteries for free.

Unlike several other notebook computer battery recalls over the years, this Lenovo battery replacement program isn’t about batteries overheating or posing a burn or fire dangers to users or property. Instead, the batteries report (via the Power Manager or Message Center) that they cannot be charger or have irreparable damage, or they exhibit inordinately low battery capacities.

To use the battery diagnostic tool, users must have the battery installed in the computer and have an active Internet connection.