iPod Social Outreach Program

iPod repair log.

Model:
4G 20GB
(Windows formatted)

Initial Condition:
iPod operational.
Click-wheel controls are intermittent. Operation seems better when the iPod is first turned on and gets progressively worse with use. Scrolling becomes jumpy and unresponsive. Buttons function as normal.

Action:
Reset iPod
– no change in condition

Owner notes that iPod’s data has not been backed up (not enough space on their computer).
– backed up iPod playlists using Senuti (a very good Mac iPod manager)
– backed up files on iPod

Opened iPod

Replaced iPod’s front panel with known working click-wheel and cable.
– iPod operates normally

Replaced click-wheel cable with original
– iPod operates normally

Reassembled iPod
– problem returns
– must be a fault with the click-wheel assembly

Disassembled click-wheel and peeled off plastic front.

This is what is behind the 4G click-wheel, pretty.

Reassembled iPod
– problem remains

The click-wheel has a small amount of black substance at the top edge; maybe this is shorting the outside ring to the inner segments.

Removed some of the adhesive surrounding the area and cleaned the click-wheel edge with a cotton swab.

Reassembled iPod (without click-wheel face)
– controls function normally

Replaced click-wheel face and reassembled iPod
– iPod functioning normally

Report:
A very small amount of black substance between the click-wheel’s contact surfaces appears to have been affecting the controls. Once removed the click-wheel returned to normal.

iPod now operational.

Notes:
The black substance on the click-wheel circuit may have been residue from liquid seeping under the edge of the click-wheel.

Component Summary:

HD

Battery (working condition unknown)

Logic Board

Screen

Click-wheel (cleaned and now working)

iPod has been returned.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS