3rd Generation iPod is not recognized in iTunes or Finder with FireWire

I have the same issue with my 3rd Gen iPod. Any lucky soring it out?

Same problem here. Noone seems to have gotten an answer?????

Same problem here. Anybody out there with any kind of answer?

Seems the only way to use a 3rd generation ipod on a new mac / Mac os x is to use USB. iTunes won't let you restore via USB, and an ipods charge quickly depletes whilst connected with USB. we are DOOMED. Not sure if I want a new ipod after all the troubles i've had.

Here's what happened with my 3G. I had it hooked up to my iMac(intel) and that's when it started having problems. I thought it was dead. I'm using iTunes 7.4.2. I finally got it restored, but was still crashing iTunes and even the system once. I hooked it up to my PowerBook G4 12" and using iTunes 7.4 it finally worked. Hope this helps.

Strange. Both of my Macs are PowerPC Macs running 10.4.10. My Third Generation iPod works fine. The only problem is that when charging it from the wall using the iPod Power Adapter it won't charge to 100 percent. Even after syncing it up directly to either my '17 iMac G5 1.8 GHz or '12 PowerBook G4 1.5 GHz it won't charge all the way. The Knowledge Base Articles I've read seem to indicate that in rare cases the iPod's logic board or Hold Switch may need to be replaced. So far I've replaced the 10 GB hard drive that died with a 20 GB hard drive, replaced the Hold Switch & replaced the Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. I think in my case the iPod logic board may need to be replaced. I originally bought mine refurbished & replacing the iPod costs about $299 according to Apple. Replacing the logic board only costs $65 though if you Google iPod with Dock Connector parts. The link shows up in one of the ads in the right pane of the search results. I really think Apple should recall the Third Generation iPods with defective logic boards. The least they could do is offer a logic board replacement program like they do for Macs.

I am having the same problem too.... is anyone at apple going to help us out with this one... My 3rd gen connects fine via usb but when i hook it up via firewire, all it does is charge. I want to restore the iPod but i can't without the firewire connection...Looks like i'm SOL....