Manufacturer

Sony

Product Types

Computer Equipment

Recall Date

4th Sep 2010

Serial Numbers

See the text below

Contact Details

Sony UK

Manufactured Dates

Not applicable

Investigator Name

~

Sony VAIO F11 and CW2 Series Notebook PCs - safety notice

The manufacturer has issued the following notice (please see the Sony website to download and install the recommended update):

Important Safety Notification for the Sony® VAIO® F11 and CW2 Series

Dear Sony customers,

Sony takes pride in the quality of its products. Recently, we became aware of a potential issue affecting certain units within the VPCF11 and VPCCW2 series of notebook PCs.

In rare instances, these notebook computers may overheat due to a potential malfunction of the internal temperature management system, resulting in deformation of the product's keyboard or external casing, and a potential burn hazard to consumers.

If you have one of the VPCF11 or VPCCW2 series models, Sony recommends that you download and install a firmware update specifically designed to prevent the potential overheating symptom.

Notebook Computers - Where can I find the Model Name, Product Code and Serial Number and Service Tag?

Model Name:

Notebook computer model names begin with the letters "PCG", "VGN" or "VPC" and are located on a small label on the frame around the LCD display or above the keyboard. The label is normally the same color as the case with contrasting letters.

NOTE: Do not use the "Model" listed on the grey label on the back of the computer as this will not provide the correct information.

Combination Label:

Some models may have all model information combined on one white barcode label located on the bottom of the computer. The label may be located anywhere on the bottom of the computer so it may be necessary to look carefully to locate it.

Separate Product Code / Serial Number and Service Tag Labels:

On other models, the Product Code and Serial Number are located on a small white barcode label and the Service Tag (only on some models) is located on a second label on the bottom of the computer or behind the battery. The labels may be located anywhere on the bottom of the computer so it may be necessary to look carefully to locate them.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance with the firmware update installation, call Sony technical support at (866) 496-7669 for assistance.

The satisfaction of our customers is our number one priority, and we will work diligently to ensure that your VAIO notebook is in top working order. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your support in this matter.

Sincerely,

Mike Lucas,

Senior Vice President, VAIO

Sony Electronics Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which models in the VPCF11 and VPCCW2 series of notebook PCs may be affected?

A1: Certain units within the VPCF11 and VPCCW2 notebook series are affected by this potential overheating issue. Sony recommends that all units in the VPCF11 and VPCCW2 series be updated with the firmware download. Specific model numbers in each series include:

VPCF11 Series: VPCF111FD, VPCF111FD/B, VPCF111FX, VPCF111FX/B, VPCF111FX/H, VPCF112FX, VPCF112FX/B, VPCF112FX/H, VPCF113FX, VPCF113FX/B, VPCF113FX/H, VPCF114FX, VPCF114FX/B, VPCF114FX/H, VPCF115FM, VPCF115FM/B, VPCF115FM/BL, VPCF116FX, VPCF116FX/B, VPCF116FX/H, VPCF117FX, VPCF117FX/B, VPCF117FX/B, VPCF117FX/H, VPCF1190X, VPCF119FX, VPCF119GX, VPCF119HX, VPCF11AFX, VPCF11AFX/B, VPCF11BFX, VPCF11BFX/B, VPCF11CGX, VPCF11CGX/B, VPCF11DGX, VPCF11DGX/B, VPCF11EGX, VPCF11EGX/B, VPCF11FGX, VPCF11FGX/B, VPCF11GGX, VPCF11GGX/B, VPCF11HGX, VPCF11HGX/B, VPCF11JFX, VPCF11JFX/B, VPCF11KFX, VPCF11KFX/B, VPCF11KFX/H, VPCF11LFX, VPCF11LFX/B, VPCF11LFX/H, VPCF11MFX, VPCF11MFX/B, VPCF11NFX, VPCF11NFX/B, VPCF11NFX/H, VPCF11PFX, VPCF11PFX/H, VPCF11QFX, VPCF11QFX/B and VPCF11QFX/H

VPCCW2 Series: VPCCW21FX, VPCCW21FX/B, VPCCW21FX/L, VPCCW21FX/P, VPCCW21FX/R, VPCCW21FX/W, VPCCW22FX, VPCCW22FX/B, VPCCW22FX/L, VPCCW22FX/P, VPCCW22FX/R, VPCCW22FX/W, VPCCW23FX, VPCCW23FX/B, VPCCW23FX/L, VPCCW23FX/P, VPCCW23FX/R, VPCCW23FX/W, VPCCW26FX, VPCCW26FX/B, VPCCW26FX/L, VPCCW26FX/P, VPCCW26FX/R, VPCCW26FX/W, VPCCW27FX, VPCCW27FX/B, VPCCW27FX/L, VPCCW27FX/P, VPCCW27FX/R, VPCCW27FX/W, VPCCW29FX, VPCCW29GX, VPCCW2AFX, VPCCW2AFX/B, VPCCW2BFX, VPCCW2BFX/B, VPCCW2CGX, VPCCW2CGX/B, VPCCW2DGX, VPCCW2DGX/B, VPCCW2EGX, VPCCW2EGX/B, VPCCW2FGX, VPCCW2FGX/B, VPCCW2GGX, VPCCW2GGX/B, VPCCW2HGX, VPCCW2HGX/B, VPCCW2JGX, VPCCW2JGX/B, VPCCW2KGX, VPCCW2KGX/B, VPCCW2LFX, VPCCW2LFX/B, VPCCW2LFX/L, VPCCW2LFX/P, VPCCW2LFX/R, VPCCW2LFX/W, VPCCW2MFX, VPCCW2MFX/PU, VPCCW2MFX/WJ, VPCCW2MGX, VPCCW2MGX/B, VPCCW2NFX, VPCCW2NFX/LU, VPCCW2PFX, VPCCW2PFX/L, VPCCW2PFX/R. VPCCW2PFX/W, VPCCW2QGX, VPCCW2QGX/B, VPCCW2RGX, VPCCW2RGX/B, VPCCW2SGX, VPCCW2SGX/B, VPCCW2TGX, VPCCW2TGX/B, VPCCW2UFX, VPCCW2UFX/B, VPCCW2VFX, and VPCCW2VFX/B

Q2: Can customers who have affected models continue to use their notebook?

A2: Consumers should install the firmware update as soon as possible to prevent the small possibility of overheating.

Q3: What is the cause or basic problem with these units?

A3: In rare cases, internal cooling system and protection circuits may malfunction, causing localized overheating.

Q4: Is there any risk of burn or injury?

A4: There is a risk of burns if the affected part is touched while hot.

Q5: Are any other VAIO notebook models at risk?

A5: No, the only notebooks affected are the above mentioned models.

Q6: Can consumers return affected models to the stores where they purchased them?

A6: Customers should download the firmware update available.

Published on the 28/07/2010

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