My Problem

My iPod was only playing in mono. I tried several sets of headphones, tried cleaning the jack, then found iFixit.

My Fix

This is the first time I've ever tried to fix anything electronic, so it was pretty daunting at first. The step-by-step instructions and photos were really helpful. I had some trouble getting the iPod open, because I was being too careful, I think. I finally got it open after I got mad and twisted the opening tools a little. Everything else was smooth sailing. It took me about 30 minutes just to get the thing open, and then another 20-30 minutes to complete everything and put it back together.

My Advice

I would get an extra set of the opening tools, because by the time I got the iPod open, both my sets were broken. Also, when it says to "wiggle" the tools, you should actually twist them slightly, to about a 30-45 degree angle. It helps to leave one tools wedged in while working on the next side of the iPod.

Finally, those screws are SUPER tiny. Be very careful about picking them up, moving them, etc., because if you drop one you will never ever find it again.

My Problem

The usual headphone jack problem: one of the speakers didn't do it anymore (the phones themselves ok).

My Fix

Ordered the jack, opend the iphone classic with a tool usually used tho measuer a slit's width - and replaced the jack as shown in this site's tutorials. Happy now!

My Advice

Just this: Don't just throw Your pod away, it either can be repaired or otherwise still be a usefull resource!

My Problem

So i had one of the 30gb 5th gen ipod videos which seems to have notoriously annoying flaw with the headphone jack. One day, for no apparent reason, the ipod decided to go mono, that is to say, i could only get audio out of one ear. So of course i do the necessary troubleshooting and swap out different headphones, even tried the voodoo trick like adding tape to the inside of the jack with the idea to hold the connection more steadily or wrapping the headphone connector in place with a rubber band. Suffice it to say, no dice. I then remembered that i have used iFix for guides and nerdvana for teardowns so i decided to look for both the guides and the parts, and of course, they had em.

My Fix

The process went fairly smoothly. The only thing was that in my opinion, or error (which could totally be the case), was the the plastic opening tool was fragile and actually snapped and called it quits. This is not to say that the tools were faulty, far from it. They did get it propped open enough to then get a flathead in the gaps to pry it open the rest of the way, it could have also been user error....most likely, however, take it for what it is. The guides and replacement part were beyond fantastic. I am a former apple employee who worked the genius bar for a short time and to be honest, we used these guides more often then the ones provided by apple. Why? Because the images and clarity of labeled steps and parts are top notch. They really get it. Apple understands UI and products, iFixit understands guides. iFixit is the Apple of guides. Amazing job guys. Life saver. The replacement jack is alive and kicking as well. Couldn't ask for more. Oh, and the price for parts? Unbeatable for what you get. $24 for a replacement part and guides vs a $250 iPod or used iPod on craigslist. Or even yet, another part from somewhere else with no guides. These guys are the real deal. Props to these guys. Look nowhere else.

My Advice

When tearing apart the iPod, when trying to get the back plate detached from the white front, wiggle the plastic tool or flathead up and down, not side to side and out. That was my mistake but quickly learned the ways.

My Problem

My boys are musicians. They rely heavily on their iPods for entertainment and research. When the headphone jack began to fail on one of the units, borrowing one of the other iPods became a frequent occurrence. When the second units jack lost the left channel only one working iPod remained. You can imagine the frustration that ensued!

A fourth iPod was purchased to help alleviate the demand, but it left us with 2 unusable iPods: a 30BG 5th generation iPod Video and a 120GB iPod classic (thin).

I found the ifixit site online and ordered replacement jack and hold switches along with spudgers, opening tools and a putty knife. Everything arrived within about a week.

My Fix

This was my first experience trying to repair an iPod. I started with the 30GB iPod Video because it looked like it would be the easiest to open.

The tools and the guides really made opening the device simple. I was surprised. I've made it through step 11, removing the tape holding the ribbon cables to the inside of the case. I've been stymied by the screws holding the switch in place. I didn't purchase the screw driver because I thought the small metal screwdriver set I already have would do. It doesn't. The screws in the iPod require an extremely small Phillips screwdriver. I've been unsuccessful in finding a sufficiently small screwdriver to get the job done.

My Advice

I wish I had ordered the screwdriver with the other tools and parts. The cost is small, but ordering the screwdriver now will nearly double it's price because of shipping costs.

It would have been helpful if the guide had mentioned that the screws required a very fine screwdriver. It might have prompted me to purchase that tool, too.

My Problem

Broken headphone jack. Needed my tunes at work.

My Fix

Fine i've had plenty of experience prior, but i managed to lose two out of for screws and i believe they are gone for good. Do y'all have any spares?

My Advice

Don't take screws out on dark carpet.

My Problem

There was only sound on one ear when using the headphone jack. How did it happen no idea but it happened around 2 years ago.

My Fix

Not very spectacular. I had some trouble removing the battery and, as always when I take anything apart, I had something left over after reassembling it but despite this it went very smooth and my 5 year old iPod works like new again.

My Advice

Don't be afraid to use some force when removing the batter, the glue is pretty good.

My Problem

Right channel stopped working

My Fix

Easy, took about 10 minutes. I've had my Ipod apart so many times it's ridiculous so it's no big deal. 4 screws, a little tape, snap and it's working.

My Advice

This was the second headphone jack I'd replaced - the first had nothing wrong with it, but the factory battery was glued to it and I couldn't get the battery out without breaking the cable.

So, if you're replacing the battery for the first time, beware you might want to pick up a headphone jack too while you're at it. After the first time, all the glue from the factory is gone and you have nothing to worry about.

My Problem

Sound cutting out in the right earbud. Bad enough to have consistently left only sound, but sometimes it gave that static-y KSSH sound, which is really annoying.

My Fix

Pretty well. The guides were excellent, the part was perfect, no problems there. But did take several tries to get it right.

My Advice

Battery connection is HARD! Took about three tries to get the little connector in its slot. That could be covered a little better.

If you get a message like "Low power - charging" with the USB plugged in, check this connector. It really has to be pushed down in there. You might need a tool, but go easy.