My Problem

Very low battery on the verge of dying on my iPod 5th generation. Scratched screen and front facing as well.

My Fix

My iPod Video 5th gen battery finally died after about 3 years. The original battery had died after 8 months of barely using the iPod so I had replaced it with one purchased thru IFixit. I followed the online tutorial and easily replaced it in about 2 minutes. I also decided to replace the front face since the orig was pretty scratched. That took me about 10 minutes. I am very pleased with the cost, fast shipping and easy to follow tutorials.

My Advice

Watch YouTube videos first because there are tiny parts that can easily break. The parts you want to be careful with are the tiny levers that hold down the little cables.

My Problem

My roommate had a 30 GB Ipod Classic (5th gen.) with a cracked screen. The back panel was a bit bent up at the top by the hold button and it functioned without the back light on, so when he bought a new one with more memory I took his. It had other wear and tear, like scratches from regular use, so I decided to replace the front and back panels along with the screen.

My Fix

This Ipod Classic was considerably easier to work on than the smaller nano I had worked on before. The back panel came off with relative ease when following the directions on the guide (not even 20 minutes), and all of the connections came apart easily all the way to the display (less than an hour total for the tear-down while being very careful). I don't have any pictures, but everything looked exactly like the guide. I reassembled everything all the way to putting on the back panel, and this is when I realized the battery was swollen up to the point where the I couldn't get the panels to clip together.

My friend is a swimmer, and he always listens to music before he races. He probably exposed his Ipod to enough moisture over time that his battery reacted to it and expanded, which in turn cracked the screen. So I ordered a new battery and it was at my house in a few days (ifixit--thank you for the best shipping around). The battery even came with new adhesive and fit properly in its space behind the screen. I have the Ipod plugged in right now charging, and everything functions perfectly. Easy.

Now all I need to do is get all of this Lil Wayne off of my new Ipod.

My Advice

Order several pairs of the ipod removal tools (the plastic blue pry bars for taking the back panel off). They're cheap and make the process a lot easier. I used a micro flat-head screwdriver instead, but that was stupid and dangerous. The plastic is a lot less likely to ruin the delicate inner parts in the Ipod and won't scratch up its panel if you want to reuse it.

When taking out the small screws, I used a strip of tape stick them to so they wouldn't get lost. A magnetic bowl like mechanics use would be the best though. Just make sure you have some way to contain and keep track of them.

Next, I would say to get new front and back panels. When you take it apart the first time, it's very likely that the back panel gets bent up at least some and the front panel gets a few abrasions as well. They don't cost a whole lot, and it looks a lot nicer when you're finished. If it functions when you're done, you'll be really proud it.

Last, just be really careful with every step. Double check everything and make sure all of the connections are secure and in the right place. Don't force anything or all your work was for nothing.

My Problem

The front cover had about a million cracks in it and I wanted to replace it with a new one.

My Fix

I received the front cover a day earlier than it was scheduled so I excitedly started to install it and had a little trouble splitting the halves when I damaged the display. I ordered a new display and it arrived a day earlier also. I followed the directions and repaired the old iPod. It was well worth the time and trouble even though it is an old Gen 5 iPod.

My Advice

You guys are great. Thanks a bunch.

My Problem

When I found my daughters video iPod docked in her iHome with a cracked video display, I thought it had finally taken a drop from no return, either accidental or on purpose in attempt at an upgrade to an iPod Touch or new iPhone 4s. I had experience with battery replacement on a Video iPod so after finding the price for a color display to be very reasonable, I decided I would attempt the repair as the ifixit guides are are super easy to follow, what did I have to lose right? Before ordering the display, I decided to take the iPod apart and checked everything (or at least I thought I did), to make sure there wasn't anything else I needed. I ordered, it arrived quickly and away I went.

My Fix

You always need the right tool for the job, so if you don't have them, spend the little extra for the screwdriver. The iPod came apart easily and as expected. I replaced the front panel as well as the video display and was putting it back together but something was wrong as it would not properly close. I tried to force it, which I NEVER recommend and broke the new front panel I just purchased. Upon further investigation, I found the battery was bad. (see photos). What it appears is the battery overheated and failed, causing the battery expand which broke the video display. Fortunately I did not blame my daughter for breaking her iPod. I have come to find out that this is a known issue with these older batteries. I have since received a replacement battery and everything is back in good working order. Thanks ifixit.

My Advice

No matter how old your product, I would recommend visiting your local Apple store first and see what they are willing to do. Maybe I was lucky, but I have been overwhelmed by the level of assistance they have given me, going as far as replacing my iPhone for free when I cracked the screen. Outside of that, free yourself from distraction, take your time and you can make any of these fixes.