What are "restricted part numbers"?

[Tõnis]

I had two nine cell batteries for my daily driver. A few months ago, one (the older one with more than 700 cycles on it), got a critical battery error and was immediately retired. I started to use the second battery exclusively; that had around 400 cycles on it. Now it has over 500 cycles, and its remaining capacity is down to 18%. I called IBM to order a new one, gave them the FRU# (I knew from looking on line that the cost would be ~$179), and was told that that part has a "restriction code" and that it's "only available for emergency orders." Anyway, I was told there was an equivalent part with a different FRU# (42T4619) and that that part was $105. Of course, I was thrilled that the cost was significantly less than what I expected to pay, and I ordered one. It came today and is working great. I'm excited to finally have some good battery time since the other one could barely power the machine for an hour. But, I am wondering, what is this mysterious restriction code on the other part and why is the cost of the one I got so much less? Is it inferior? It looks exactly the same and has similar specs according to power manager. TIA for your replies.

Tony

[Harryc]

There were a couple of recalls on IBM Thinkpad batteries that have since been withdrawn. Perhaps yours was originally part of a recall.

[Tõnis]

Thanks, Harry. I'm not sure whether mine was part of the recall. But I do wonder why the batteries are still available, for whom if the recall is over (maybe for warranty on ones that have been handed out?), and why their price is so much higher anyway.

[Harryc]

Lenovo sold the batteries with new notebook computers or as optional or replacement batteries on the models listed below.

* ThinkPad R60 and R60e Series
* ThinkPad T60 and T60p Series
* ThinkPad Z60m, Z61e, Z61m, and Z61p Series

These models may have shipped with either 6-cell or 9-cell batteries; only the 9-cell batteries with the part number FRU P/N 92P1131 are being recalled.

If your battery part number is FRU P/N 92P1131, use the Automated Solution below to verify your battery part number and order a replacement battery.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... ATT-LENOVO

[Tõnis]

I'll have to check, Harry. Thanks for the link. For now, I'm just glad to have a battery with 4.5+ hours battery life instead of 45 minutes (if I was lucky). Got 11 cycles on the new one and the full wh capacity is still higher than the design capacity.