Ipod Video (5th Gen) No Sound / Heavy Static - Read This! - Quick Fix Found

can you tell me exactly where to place the tape??? i think i found the audio chip you were describing ...

If you pop open the ipod with a screwdriver, the bottom right corner(if it was put together and buttons were facing you) is where you want to wedge the tape or whatever you put in it. This is a design flaw and apple will not claim it or something even though it is an obvious problem for so many loyal customers who love their ipods until something like this happens and they try to take more of your money because they think we're idots or something(how inconsiderate). The chip is loose and the cold can bring it into the right place sometimes where the heat can make it loose. Anyway just wedge something in there in the corner and you should be good to go. Enjoy.

Hello, just wanted to chime in that I am also having this problem with my 5th gen 60gb iPod. It's 17 months old and has been very well taken care of. I went from hearing odd static to no sound whatsoever in about a 3 day period. Doesn't work with headphones or dock - the screen says its playing but there is no audio at all.

$180 fix? That's over half of what the thing cost in the first place, and it's not even a year and a half old! I'm not holding out much hope, but I do think Apple should replace these products; especially if they are the result of faulty manufacturing.

Thanks to all who responded, at least now I have some idea what I'm dealing with...

Wow. Just happen to see this topic.

This has been happening on my iPod since week 1. No sound. Then it comes back. Then it goes away. Etc.

Had numerous claims that "there was nothing wrong with the iPod".

Now I know what to do. Thanks.

I would like to be added to this ongoing list. I have had my Ipod for 14 months and it has acted exactly as previously described. I sent it to get fixed thinking it was the head phone jack. But when I received it, it worked for 20min and the same thing happened again. There was static sounds, to no sound at all. I am going to try to see if the Apple store can fix it. Otherwise I am going to use it as credit for another one. Just like someone mentioned before all my files are in Itunes, I have no time to change the format.

Thank you so much for this post.
I had a different and strange problem, where music playback was "sampling" each song, playing back every 5 seconds of each song on my iPod 5G, almost 2 years old. Started suddenly and completely, but I don't think it was heat related. No sound corruption, it just would play a second of a song, jump ahead by 5 seconds, play another second and continue on like that.
All other functions on the iPod worked fine. Spooky.
I am using the iPod software v 1.3 and have it set to use as a HD.
The lower right pinch fix seems to have worked.
Apple - what the...?

Add me to the list as well. I would love to try and fix it myself but I'm afraid I'll do more harm than good. And while the tape idea looks good for awhile, that is not going to hold forever. Anyway idea how I get through to customer relations without having listen the the "I can't help you without taking your money" tech bs?

Me too! Add me to the list. After holding my iPod in front of the AC in my car it started working again. Definitely heat related. I have a 5th generation 80 gig iPod Video. No sound out of the headphone jack, iHome or iTrip. Applying a little pressure to the bottom right corner helps but the sound goes away when I let go.

Well, I have some good news (albeit possibly temporary if it is indeed a 5th gen issue).

I called up Apple support, politely asked to speak with customer care (not the techies or other folk that first answer the phone that can barely speak english. Had to convince them to let me speak with customer care) and explained my situation.Of course, my situation may be different as I have bought now 2 iPods, plan on getting another in the near future and also possibly an iPhone. Anyway, I explained this and that I also have never had one issue with anything I've purchased other that the occassional freeze, etc. I told them I found it rather ridiculous to pay $180 to fix or replace this one when I could go and buy a new one for just $70 more. Got them to extend the warranty which was out for almost 5 months now. Took it to my local Apple store and had it exchanged, no hassle.

Again, this may not work for everyone depending on your situation. But it doesn't hurt to at least be polite and speak with someone who can make things happen and see where you get.

Of course, I'm crossing my fingers that I have no further issues. LOL

Same issue here. Died 2 weeks ago. 17-18months ikd.

Sincerely disappointed, Jim

I just started having this problem a few days ago, and after much Googling I found this post. I sent in my receipt and they showed a previous repair on my serial number. Since I bought it used I was not surprised, but it was 3 months out of warranty so they denied the request.

After reading the call in comments, I called into Apple Support and politely asked them to transfer me to Customer Care, which after a long hold they did. I spoke with a lovely young lady named Nichole who when I told her the situation nicely she was more than happy to arrange a mail-in replacement for me. So you do get more flies with honey rather than vinegar.

On a side note, I sent her an email with a link to this thread and told her that they really should look into this as it seems to be a very common problem. I counted 48 people not including myself. Also, I was transferred to another young lady name Melissa so she could setup the return and she told me (when I told her about this post) that their engineering department was aware of this issue and had asked that they be notified if/when someone calls in with this problem; so I guess it is being looked into.

So, potential fix... if you're having this problem, give tech support a call, briefly explain the issue and ask to speak to Customer Relations. Once you get a rep on the phone, POLITELY explain the issue, point them in the direction of this thread, and ask them to repair/replace your unit. I get the feeling that they are working towards a solution to make people with this problem happy.

If you are having this issue and haven't already posted, please do so. It will help all of us for Apple to have a general idea of just how many people are having this issue, which will in turn help us get a resolution.

Now, if only they will release a copy of OSX I can run on my PC instead of Windowz LOL.

Message was edited by: JustinEMT990662

I too have the same problem and my warranty is up. so please apple figure a way to fix all of our ipod for free. 60 gig ipod video

Add me to the list.

Have had this problem for a month or so. I bought a couple new headphones and new adapter cords and nothing solved it.

Sent it in Fri. Hope the fix will last.

hey all, guess what? I'm having the same problem too! The only thing i've found to work is the "squeeze" method between the play/pause and fast forward button. I've read probaby every comment on this problem in the discussion forum and it's good to see i'm not the only but it really upsets me that everyone is having this problem. My ipod is a little over 2 years old so guess what, i'm not up for warrenty either. I think the only solution is to send your ipod to someone to fix it. The problem is obviously internal and heat related as my ipod works fine first thing in the morning for about 15 minutes, then the sound is gone. I'm actually going to call Apple Care tomorrow and see what my options are, i've read of the 30 dollar flat rate fix on here but we'll see. I think everyone should check out rapidrepair.com though. I have a friend who sent in his 60GB. 5th Gen. for a bad headphone jack and they fixed the problem for very affordable and very fast. remember, rapidrepair.com.

I'm having the same issues with my 15 month old unit. Called Apple and they basically said oh well, we'll give you 10% off a new one. Tech even made the comment "If you had purchased the warranty I would be sending you a new one right now". My wife and 2 kids all have Ipods. You can count us out for any future purchases.