Beware of Energizer Ultimate Lithiums (L91) from Wal-Mart

[dudemar]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. I purchased an 8-pack of L91s at a Wal-Mart location, and purchased another pack at a different Wal-Mart location. About a month later I noticed a few of the batteries had some corrosion on the positive ends. Seeing how these are supposed to be brand new, that is a big no-no. I checked the other unopened pack, and sure enough there was some corrosion as well.

If you do end up buying L91's at Wal-Mart, be sure you check the top and bottom of each battery before purchase. I will getting a refund and will be contacting Energizer as well.

 

[ltiu]

What is the expiry date on both the battery jacket and the battery packaging?

Pictures please?

 

[NeonLights]

I've bought dozens of lithium AA and AAA cells from Wallyworld over the last 5-10 years, never had a problem with any of them, but I'll keep an eye out for any new ones I buy.

 

[dudemar]

What is the expiry date on both the battery jacket and the battery packaging?

Pictures please?

It's funny you mention that, because there is no expiry date on the package! Wierd. On the battery jacket it carries an expiry of 03-2023.

I got an exchange already so no photos, didn't have time to take/upload them anyways (I'm on dial-up). It wouldn't have photographed well either because my digital camera won't focus properly on small objects.

What really ticked me off is I was putting these in my Heliotek HTE-1A, a $100 flashlight that is very dear to me. I unscrewed the battery case and sure enough there was a bit of brown rust on the lexan plastic.:shakehead

To any self-respecting flashaholic that's just plain wrong.

I ordered a bunch of L91's from Battery Junction and they are all fine.

 

[Buck91]

I know energizer has the two different lithiums out now, but I wasn't sure which is which. The Ultimates are the L91's, though?

 

[Black Rose]

I know energizer has the two different lithiums out now, but I wasn't sure which is which. The Ultimates are the L91's, though?

Correct.

The other Energizer Lithiums are Energizer Advanced EA91.

 

[kitelights]

I would be very interested to know the response from Energizer, although I doubt they'll be able to say much of anything without the cells. Had you contacted them, I think they would have been very interested in examining them.

If anyone has any input on this, I'm all ears. I've developed a trouble free confidence regarding L91s and L92s and I'm very interested to know if it's misplaced.

 

[matrixshaman]

I'd be interested also. Is it possible it could have just been a bad batch or possilby one stored in some extreme conditions i.e. high heat or extreme cold possibly? Maybe an upset Walmart employee stuck 'em in the microwave till they started smoking?

 

[hank]

L91 is AA, and L92 is AAA (both "Ultimate Lithium") -- see
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=204807&highlight=advanced

 

[dudemar]

Just sent a message to Energizer. I've been so busy I never got around to sending one, hopefully I'll hear from them soon.

 

[Burgess]

i'm interested to hear Energizer's response.



_

 

[Lynx_Arc]

it is possible that someone *returned* them to walmart to get something else and didn't have the receipt for them. In other words they bought them elsewhere even ebay and got walmart into accepting them as they bought them there. I was given a battery pack that was unopened and went to walmart and they gave me a gift card for it worth the full cost plus tax as they carried that pack and it was new and the person that gave me the pack had his drill stolen so it was never going to be used.

 

[dudemar]

it is possible that someone *returned* them to walmart to get something else and didn't have the receipt for them. In other words they bought them elsewhere even ebay and got walmart into accepting them as they bought them there. I was given a battery pack that was unopened and went to walmart and they gave me a gift card for it worth the full cost plus tax as they carried that pack and it was new and the person that gave me the pack had his drill stolen so it was never going to be used.

I thought the same thing until I checked their rack to see if all the other 8-packs had any rust. Sure enough, well over half of them did.

Unless someone exchanged entire pallets of L91 batteries, the fact that the same rust/corrosion was present on packs purchased from two different Wal-Marts (25 miles apart) is a bit more than coincidence.

These are also Wal-Mart specific 8-packs, so it'd be tough to exchange a "typical" 8-pack (that is, the packaging is geared for Wal-Mart). For example the Reorder No. on top of the UPC code is L91SPB-8, versus the typical L91BP-8. The Wal-Mart packaging is also incredibly difficult to open, in that you need to cut the bottom off with a good pair of scissors. This is in contrast to the simple tear-away backing for the typical packaging.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

sounds like they had a pallet stuck in the heat somewhere too long then

 

[ltiu]

Hi folks,

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up. I purchased an 8-pack of L91s at a Wal-Mart location,

Where, which Walmart exactly?

 

[dudemar]

Still no word from Energizer.

Where, which Walmart exactly?

These two Wal-Marts are in California. I won't say exactly where for the sake of my anonymity .

 

[jayflash]

I had the same problem in 2006 with rusted L91s from Walmart. They had a 2019 date code. I've had too many problems with Walmart over the years that I don't shop there anymore. Watch out for Walgreens too and be sure to check your sales receipt.

 

[dudemar]

I had the same problem in 2006 with rusted L91s from Walmart. They had a 2019 date code. I've had too many problems with Walmart over the years that I don't shop there anymore. Watch out for Walgreens too and be sure to check your sales receipt.

Interesting, sounds like I'm not the only one.oo:

 

[dudemar]

Just received a reply from Energizer:

Dear *,



Thank you for visiting Energizer's Web site. I am sorry to learn that you have experienced a problem with our batteries; however, I would be happy to assist you.



Under the terms of our guarantee, please send the batteries to our Ohio office for evaluation.



I am sending you a pre-paid return label along with a letter of instruction on how to return your batteries. You should receive it in 7-10 business days.



If you have any questions please call our toll free number at 1-800-383-7323 and speak with one of our Customer Service Representatives. You may refer to your claim by referencing the case number that will come with your letter.



Thank you for contacting Energizer. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.



Energizer Consumer Relations


Basically a cookie-cutter letter, but I suppose it's better than nothing. I'm going to give their CS a call to see if I get a refund/coupon for another pack of L91s.

 

[Burgess]

Ever receive any update on this issue ? ? ?