ipod's headphone jack problem?

Use this: http://www.apple.com/support/oss/

or take it to your nearest Apple Store and make a Genius Bar appointment.

While on topic, I thought I'd toss this out for discussion. Of all the electronic devices I've owned over the years, headphone jacks (up to and including the integrated amp in my home stereo system) have been a weak link. I cringe every time I pull the jack from my 160 classic (I switch between blue tooth and standard wire phones) thinking it may be the last time I hear one or both of the channels. How is the durability of this part on the iPod? Any folks out there with older models that have taken a beating over the years with no problems? I'd love to know!

Thanks!!

I will agree with you headphone jacks, particularly the minijack, have been problematic since it appeared on the market. I've had no problem with the jack on any of the iPods I've owned, but due to past issues I'm very deliberate and careful inserting and removing the headphone jack and I never leave headphones connected and then wrap the headphones around the ipod.

You raise an interesting point rjo3491. (Wow, that's such a 21st century name, man! 🙂 )

I've noticed over the years how many people leave the headphones plugged in but then wrap the headphone cord tight around the their player when they're storing it in their pocket or bag. This is definitely a recipe for disaster, since this puts strain on the cord and on the headphone socket. I winch every time I see it.

Imagine two pieces of plastic, glued to each other at an angle to form a letter L. (No, not with super-glue.) If you then put strain on each leg of the piece, eventually the glued joint will fail. This is how the headphone socket is connected inside the iPod - well, the pins of the socket will be soldered directly to the circuit board, and the solder is simply electrical glue.

Although this is robust enough, if a plug is hanging out of the socket and pulling to one side because the cord is forcing it to, then eventually the socket will become unreliable or even fail completely. In larger items, you will probably find the socket has wires from the back of the socket to the circuit board, but in the iPod, there isn't the space, or need.

My advice is; if you're going to wrap the cord of any device around the device itself (iPod included) (and with the cord still connected), then leave some slack so that the tension is not there. Even then, make sure that the iPod and plug will not be knocked about or subject to strain from anything else in the bag/pocket.

By the way, once you ensure the connection does not get strained, leaving the plug in can be a good idea. It will stop dust/pocket fluff from getting into the socket. Dust and fluff can cause poor connections.

As for the original question in this thread:

hahasniper wrote:
Can it be fixed?

Yes, I think it probably can, but..., it will take someone who is experienced in electrical soldering and who has worked on similar small devices previously. If you seek out professional help, it may well cost more than it's worth.

Regards,

How much would it cost for me to get it repaired.

I have an iPod Classic 80GB purchased not at the applestore, some time before november 19th. (I dunno what day, got it for my birthday).

Unfortunatly, I made a stupid mistake by always wrapping it, and wrapping tight. Now the left channel is like dead.

Of course this is still under warranty. did my wrapping void it, and ill have to pay for repair, or is it going to be covered and be free?

Will they repair or switch out?

Will they wipe my drive?

Is it that all they will do is just open it up, fix/replace the broken jack, and close it?

How long would this take?

Huge thankies. Ive been waiting 5 days for a response from other forums, none answered.

Also, I do not have Applecare, and my dad thinks that I shouldn't get those because supposedly its all my fault if something happens... I totally disagree, but whatever.

bump

Had the same problem with my 30gb iPod (black). Since it was still in warranty, I just got a new one. The guy in the store told me that iPods are never repaired (it was on official Apple Store).

Too bad you don't have a warranty. However, try to enter your serial number on the apple-site. You might have online warranty left (or free tech support).