Skip to main content

iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement

What you need

  1. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement, Rear Panel: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position.

  2. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

  3. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

  4. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

  5. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

  6. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the same procedure listed in the previous step to free the five clips along the headphone jack side of the iPod.

  7. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • After ensuring all tabs are free, separate the two halves of the iPod.

    • The rear panel is now free from the iPod.

  8. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement, Battery & Logic Board: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

    • During reassembly, make sure to put back any tape or plastic you remove. This will prevent any shorts between the logic board and the rear panel. If your tape is unusable, kapton tape can be purchased online.

  9. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Peel up the ground strap connecting the battery to the logic board.

  10. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the flat end of a spudger between the battery and the headphone jack side of the front case to pry the battery up off the adhesive securing it to the front case.

    • Rotate the battery out of the iPod and lay it next to the iPod. The battery is still soldered to the logic board by three wires, so don't remove it entirely.

  11. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Gently lift up on the dock connector end of the logic board to ensure the logic board is free.

  12. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Grasp the end of the logic board near the battery connector with one hand, and hold onto the rest of the iPod with your other hand.

    • Make sure the logic board is lifted slightly above the white plastic notch on the battery side of the board. This notch prevents the board from sliding out in the next step.

    • Slide the logic board out of its holding brackets on the rear of the display.

    • The logic board is still connected to the iPod by two ribbon cables.

  13. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Disconnecting the following two ribbon cables may be challenging. To prevent straining the cables or connectors, you can only separate the two halves of the iPod about 1/2 inch during the process.

    • Use a spudger to flip up the black plastic tab holding the orange display ribbon in place. The black tab will rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the ribbon cable.

  14. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Use a spudger to slide the display ribbon out of its connector.

  15. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Use a spudger to flip up the black plastic tab holding the orange click wheel ribbon in place. The black tab will rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the ribbon cable.

  16. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • Use a spudger to slide the click wheel ribbon out of its connector.

  17. iPod Nano 1st Generation Battery & Logic Board Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • The logic board and battery are now free from the iPod.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

17 other people completed this guide.

iRobot

Member since: 09/24/09

1 Reputation

636 Guides authored

One Comment

Okay this was really tough for me. Heck give me an iPod video or an iPhone 3 anytime compared to the Nano. I used tweezers as well as a magnifying work lamp, still not an easy task. Just had to remember " Haste makes Waste"

oldturkey03 - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 2

Past 7 Days: 18

Past 30 Days: 77

All Time: 100,841