Scratchy Volume Pot — How to Access/Clean?

There really isn't a potentiometer. The current volume is stored as a digital value. Either everything is handled digitally before the output hits a digital to analogue convertor, or volume is turned into an analog value to control gain on the output amp. Either way there is no sliding contact that can be cleaned up with a switch cleaner.

tt2

There isn't a mechanical volume control on the iPod classic. Perhaps you need a new headphone jack hold switch assembly?

tt2

You use the clickwheel on the classic to change volume. It is a digital input encoder also used to scroll through the various menus on the device. Perhaps there is something wrong with the encoder or some other component which causes the output level to change erratically.

tt2