Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position.

The rear panel is secured to the front case by eleven clips permanently attached to the rear panel. These clips lock onto small tabs machined into the front case.

To free the tabs, they must be pushed down and away from the iPod's case. Note the location of all tabs on the rear panel. When using an iPod opening tool to free the rear panel, be sure to work the tool at the location of these clips.

Opening the iPod can be challenging. Don't get discouraged if it takes you a few tries before the iPod is opened.

Insert the large iPod opening tool into the seam between the front case and rear panel of the iPod, below the dock connector. Run the tool back and forth to create an opening. The tool's edge should point toward the rear panel to prevent any accidental scratching of the aluminum front case.

Insert a small iPod opening tool into the seam on the Hold button side of the iPod, with the edge of the tool pointing toward the rear panel.

The large iPod opening tool is no longer needed to gain access to the left side of the iPod.

Gently enlarge the existing gap by pressing/wiggling the small iPod opening tool into the gap near each of the two tabs attached to the rear case, pushing the clips toward the center of the iPod until both have been freed.

Repeat the same procedure listed in the previous step to free the five clips along the headphone jack side of the iPod.

After ensuring all tabs are free, separate the two halves of the iPod.

The rear panel is now free from the iPod.

Remove any kapton tape over the screws, if necessary.

Remove the following 3 screws:

• Two 3 mm Phillips screws near the dock connector.
• One 4 mm Phillips screw along the edge of the logic board.