EXTREMELY Frustrated - Problem w/ Headphone Jack

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Level 1

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EXTREMELY Frustrated - Problem w/ Headphone Jack

I bought my iPod at a local Best Buy and the headphone jack was screwy. In order for me to hear music (unless on speaker), had to hold in the headphone adaptor and not let go or else it would make a crackling sound with the slightest movement. This happened in less than 24hrs after opening it.

I am now on iPod #2 and experiencing the same issue. Both were never taken outside nor was I sweating/the like, so we can't blame it on "water damage". Question is, where do I go from here? Best Buy won't give me my money back since it's been opened, and I'm not at all thrilled with the idea of getting store credit instead. Is there a possibility, considering they were both the same color (green) and same stock, this particular batch is faulty? Can Apple send Best Buy a new iPod straight from the factory to their store for me? Thanks.

iPod Nano Gen 5

Posted on Jan 1, 2010 12:46 PM

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Answer 1

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jan 1, 2010 1:07 PM in response to koppesa

Take your iPod to an Apple Store. The staff will be able to check to determine if your earphones are faulty. But before you do, when using your earphones make sure it is plugged into the iPod securely. The white part of the earphones must be flushed (touching) the iPod. You have to really push hard the earphones into the iPod to avoid the static.

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Answer 2

koppesa Author

Level 1

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Jan 1, 2010 1:26 PM in response to CMCSK

Unfortunately I am no where near an Apple Store. The white part won't stay put - that's the problem. Shouldn't it 'click' into place or something? Feels very loose/flimsy no matter how hard or how many times I push into the jack.

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Answer 3

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jan 1, 2010 1:48 PM in response to koppesa

AASP near you? http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304398 If not, it is time to call U.S. iPod and Mac technical support: 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)

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Answer 4

Jan 3, 2010 5:55 PM in response to CMCSK

CMCSK wrote:
The white part of the earphones must be flushed (touching) the iPod. You have to really push hard the earphones into the iPod to avoid the static.

sorry for the slightly off topic question, but do you have to push extremely hard to get the earphones in? because i've pushed a good amount and they won't go in, and i'm afraid to push them too much so they break the headphone jack...

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Answer 5

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jan 3, 2010 8:47 PM in response to iPod=cool 08

If the white part is not touching the iPod itself, you are not pushing hard enough. I had to really push hard on my earphones so I tried this little gem.

_*Try this at your own risk -*_ spray a dab of WD-40 on a paper towel or napkin. Use a clean napkin or paper towel dab a little oil on it & rub the metal plug part of the earphone. The plug should easily slide into the iPod with just a click touching the iPod without too much force. The "click" is a signal that lets you know the earphones are connected securely. Yet, the white part must touch the iPod.
If you do not have WD-40, vegetable oil or vaseline should do the trick. But you must remember to rub just a "dab."

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Answer 6

Jan 4, 2010 5:28 AM in response to CMCSK

ok - i tried pushing a little harder and the headphones went in. thanks for the help! i think i'll leave out the WD-40 though

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Answer 7

Jan 4, 2010 2:56 PM in response to iPod=cool 08

Thanks for this post and answer. My daughter was complaining about her ear phones and I asked her if she was sure they were plugged in all the way. She said they were so I went and bought her replacement ear phones. Same issue continued. I read this post and checked her i-Pod. The white part was NOT touching the i-Pod. I did have to push pretty hard, but the jack went in and now it works great.
Thanks again!

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Answer 8

Rhomy

Level 1

0 points

Jan 4, 2010 4:36 PM in response to koppesa

I was also having issues with my headphone jack. Any movement on it and the player would pause as if I took the plug out. Reading this forum was very helpful and I have pushed harder and plugged it in all the way. Thanks.

Here is a tip that MIGHT help you koppesa. Most retail stores such as Best Buy will not give money back for opened product, but will exchange defective products for a brand new one. Sooo exchange it for a new in box ipod.. and then ask them for your money back for the new unopened package. Sneaky I know.. I've done it before. Not to say they will do it, bit it's a loophole and follows their policy completely. Worth a shot maybe. Once you have your money back go shop somewhere else. I got mine at Costco and they gave me a 90 day return for any reason whatsoever. Extra 2 year warrenty and other stuff.

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