20GB ipod dead - please help!

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20GB ipod dead - please help!

My son told me that his 20GB ipod is dead and not responding to anything at all. I did a quick search and all I could come up with was the solution to toggle the hold button to on-off-on then hold the menu and center button for 6-8 seconds. I tried this, and a battery symbol came up with a little Z-shape on the left side for a few seconds, then the apple logo came up for a bit then a little picture of the ipod with an exclamation mark and in real tiny print "www.apple.com/ipod/support" , shortly after that the screen goes blank again. This is all done while I have it plugged into the back of my PC with the USB, and the screen is not backlit when this is happening. I also do not have itunes or any other ipod software installed on this PC

Is this the case of a totally dead battery? I have also tried it using the AC/USB adapter, with the same results.

I don't think his ipod id totally kaput, at least I hope not! This unit is just over 3 years old.

thanks in advance

ASUS, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Jan 19, 2008 10:37 AM

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Answer 1

Glen_S Author

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Jan 19, 2008 2:41 PM in response to Glen_S

update - after some more playing and leaving it plugged into ac power for a few hours, I did manage to get it into disk mode once or twice, but then after awhile it just goes back to the little sad ipod icon. And sometimes after that it goes back to the battery icon that just flashes, according to Apple this icon means that the battery is extremely low. is this normal?

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Answer 2

makmak11

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Jan 19, 2008 3:02 PM in response to Glen_S

I also have the 20GB iPOD classic and have same problems, saw the same "sad face" icon of the iPOD. I will be listening for advice as well. I bought this "remanufactured", but it came in a new box looking unused. It worked ok in its first month, 10/07, but gave me troubles since then intermittently.

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Answer 3

Jan 20, 2008 8:59 AM in response to Glen_S

Sounds like the iPod needs a new battery. My son's 20GB click-wheel model began doing the same thing several months back. I did a little research and concluded that it needed a battery. ifixit.com has tutorials on how to replace the battery, as well as selling them. You have to get the wiring and the plug from the new battery to the logic board in a clear and uncompressed area, working the wiring from under the logic board, but once you do the iPod should work like new. ifixit will send you the case-cracking tools, but you'll need a small allen wrench, a torx screwdriver, or a small flat screwdriver to loosen the logic board.

John

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Answer 4

Glen_S Author

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Jan 20, 2008 10:28 AM in response to John B Black

Thanks - thats what I was suspecting. I haven't looked at the battery replacement tutorial, and I am wondering if it would be just easier to take to an apple shop next time I am in the city and get them to pop one in, or do they charge a proverbial arm & leg for this?

In any case, I'll be having a look at the tutorial and deciding what to do next, I would like to know if there is a way of knowing for sure thats what the problem is though.

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Answer 5

Jan 20, 2008 11:59 AM in response to Glen_S

Check this article, Glen. I think this was how I concluded the battery was the problem. I don't know about the service you'd get or how much you'd have to pay, though I'm sure the cost would be higher than the $15 I paid at ifixit.com for a replacement battery.

John

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Answer 6

Glen_S Author

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Jan 20, 2008 1:40 PM in response to John B Black

Yeah I think it is the battery alright, so I think I'll order a new one. I just have to find out for sure what model it is, I'm pretty sure its the 20GB 4th gen, it has the wheel for controls and nothing else, and I think it displays photos, but not video. I got it in Oct of 05, so I am not sure what the model was then.

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Answer 7

Jan 20, 2008 3:05 PM in response to Glen_S

Here's the iPod page for older models. See if it's the version you have. Otherwise, go here for a look at all the iPods, where you can pick the one that matches yours.

John

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Answer 8

Glen_S Author

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Jan 20, 2008 7:41 PM in response to John B Black

Thanks much John!

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