30gig iPod Video Rebuild - Water Damaged

Mein Problem

I got a call from one of my computer clients that they had a water damaged 30gig iPod, asking if I could fix it. Not having worked on one before, I thought I'd take a look.

The client had stored the iPod in a container with rice, which did a nice job drying it out. It turned on, you could see the screen however, it would not unlock and on an occasion when it did unlock, there was hardly any sound, mostly static.

I came it iFixit and was pleasantly surprised at all the information and parts that were available.

Meine Reparatur

The repairs went pretty well, The detailed pictures and instructions for removing/replacing the hold/lock switch and earphone jack was easy to follow (the pictures were extremely helpful as well). Once I had everything back together, another problem cropped up; the battery was no longer working. I wasn't sure if I had done something to it or not. Once I was back into the iPod, I found that there was a tear on one of the lines on the connection end of the battery cable. I ordered a new battery and once it was in, the iPod worked perfectly.

After testing the iPod, uploading/downloading music, testing the sound (which was great), testing using it as a storage device, and giving it a thorough checkout, I returned the iPod to a very happy owner.

Mein Rat

When I opened the iPod, I did not have the tools. I actually used my thumbnail, figuring that it would give way before any of the parts would, damaging my nail versus the iPod. I found that I still had to open the metal slots on the case to better hold the iPod closed. That was one lesson learned.

The next, test everything out, and I mean "everything" before permanently closing up the iPod. After opening it back up twice I simply held it together (without closing it up) to check for more issues. When I was sure I was done, I adjusted the metal tabs and closed it up.

Next, follow the directions on iFixit to the letter. They are perhaps the best step by step directions I have ever seen for any product.

Last, I hadn't found a better place to order parts than iFixit. My company has the same mentality for computers as iFixit has for electronics. Our goal is to keep as much computer equipment out of the dumps as possible. Any recycling that can be done, is certainly done.

If you have an iPod and are mechanically inclined, keep iFixit bookmarked and use it for all you iPod needs. The site is well organized and you can fix any problems you have with the information, tools and parts here.

Thank you iFixit!!

PS. Take photos of your repairs... Unfortunately, I didn't so I have no photos to share.