My middle button jammed. Any way to fix?

Question

Level 1

8 points

My middle button jammed. Any way to fix?

I have a 30gb iPod video and the middle button (select button) has been jammed in. I don't know how this happened .. I've never dropped my iPod nor pressed the button hard enough for it to be jammed in. It functions correctly but I have to press it really hard and it's extremely annoying. There isn't a "click" sound anymore obviously. My warranty for it ran out a long time ago so I can't just replace it. So is there anything I can do to make it unjammed and "click" again?

Also, back when my warranty was still active, I had this same problem. I brought it to Best Buy for a different problem(my battery) but they fixed my middle button when I got it back so I'm sure it's something that's fixable without having to replace the iPod itself.

The nearest Apple store is about 30 minutes away from me and I'd be willing to drive there if they would be able to solve my problem. Not sure if they would though considering my warranty ran out.

Message was edited by: nubber

Windows XP Pro

Posted on Jan 18, 2009 1:09 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

slmccormick

Level 1

4 points

Mar 13, 2009 6:50 AM in response to nubber

I had this same exact problem with my 5th Gen Video. There is a small piece of rubber that is adhered to the circuit board beneath the center button and a small nipple on the backside of the center button. Some how the adhesive loosened and the rubber piece slid off center. So the button still works it just doesn't pop back up all the way. If you take a guitar pick or something similar and run it around the edges the back will pop off. Carefully remove it being sure not to damage any of the cables and then remove the tiny philips screws that attach the front plate that are located on the sides. I put a dab of super glue on the rubber piece and centered it on the board let it dry for 15 minutes and then reassembled. Works like new. There are tons of disassembly videos on you tube if you need them.

Reply

Answer 2

Jan 18, 2009 2:37 AM in response to nubber

If they fixed it while replacing the battery, the tech probably pushed it from the back side. I've never opened up at 5th gen iPod, so I don't know for sure. Here's a helpful guide, if you want to try opening it up.

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPod/iPod-5th-Generation-Video/95

For your problem, maybe you can use a very sticky piece of tape or other non-permanent adhesive on the button, and try to pull it up.

Reply