Voided warranty for normal wear and tear?

Question

Level 1

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Voided warranty for normal wear and tear?

I was just told that my warranty was voided because there was "corrosion" in the connection port. I can't see it, myself--I've looked. And the iPod still works charges and transfers files just fine.

Does anyone know of any way to avoid the corrosion? Tech support didn't, aside from the high unhelpful comment "don't leave the iPod near the open bathroom door, where steam might get to it." Are there plugs I should have gotten? Given that I kept the iPod mostly covered, and live in a dry climate, what can I do to avoid more corrosion? I'm worried that it will stop connecting the computer and Apple will just claim voided warranty.

thanks

taimi ames clark
colorado

iPod Classic

Posted on Jan 5, 2008 1:00 PM

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Answer 1

Ziatron

Level 5

4,220 points

Jan 5, 2008 2:01 PM in response to taimic

Who told you your warranty was voided? Not Apple!!

How do you know that the part was not corroded when manufactured? That long ocean voyage from China has a lot of salt air.

How do you know that the corrosion did not occurr do to a defect in the connector?

I have never seen any corrosion on my many Apple products.

Continue to pursue your case. What you are describing should not void your warranty.

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Answer 2

taimic Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 6, 2008 8:16 AM in response to Ziatron

Thanks for the reply--it helps to know I'm not crazy in thinking that was a bad reason to void the warranty. Yes, Apple tech support told me my warranty was voided.

I'll be calling tech support again to pursue this; can you (or anyone!) suggest any other ways I might continue to press my case?

Many thanks!!

taimi

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jan 6, 2008 8:47 AM in response to taimic

So Apple has not actually seen the iPod?
They won't simply void it based on a conversation.

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Answer 4

Jan 6, 2008 10:06 AM in response to Ziatron

Ziatron wrote:

How do you know that the part was not corroded when manufactured? That long ocean voyage from China has a lot of salt air.

I'm pretty sure that iPods are flown from their manufacture location.

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Answer 5

taimic Author

Level 1

0 points

Jan 6, 2008 3:19 PM in response to Chris CA

They did see the iPod--they would not void the warranty without looking at the iPod first. That's when they took pictures of the corrosion. I guess what most upsets me is that there is nothing out there to help people prevent the corrosion--as far as I know! If the iPod is used responsibly, how can the corrosion be prevented? If it can't be prevented, why is the damage not labeled normal wear and tear?

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Answer 6

taimic Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 4, 2008 9:48 AM in response to taimic

Good news! I continued my fight for a second opinion, and Apple agreed to have another look--and they have replaced the iPod because of the battery problems.

However! The possibilities for that miniscule corrosion within the connection port still exist. I've bought a new connector cable and a new carrying pouch, as moisture reaching either of these will indirectly affect the iPod as well. Just a warning to all out there: check your accessories for moisture! It can cause problems.

Thanks, all, for your support! I am once again a happy camper :>

taimi

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Answer 7

Jenn A

Level 1

0 points

Feb 7, 2008 1:03 PM in response to Jon Thornburg

Not much is sent via air freight when manufactured in China, unless it's a rush situation for inventory purposes. But the things are wrapped in plastic and boxed, wrapped again and boxed again in master packs, so I think it's doubtful the sea air did it.

Apple should include a plug to protect the connector when not in use if they're going to claim that as reason to void a warranty.

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Answer 8

Feb 7, 2008 7:28 PM in response to Jenn A

I don't know about iPods sent to stock stores but everytime I've purchased an iPod online at the Apple Store it has been shipped FedEX and the starting location is China. I'll bet they've got a great deal from FedEx. Interestingly enough the last iPod I bought did have a plastic plug over the dock connector. Of course I took it off and threw it away! 🙂

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