TS1382: iPod troubleshooting basics and service FAQ

Learn about iPod troubleshooting basics and service FAQ
Barbarafromvi
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: why did my ipod screen lose contrast and become barely readable?

My ipod classic has been kept connected to power and to my stereo.  Yesterday morning I found the screen to be washed out, so bright you can barely read it.  Changing the brightness setting helps but doesn't return it to the original state.  I do not find a contrast setting.  Is there a way to correct this and does anyone know why this may have  happened? 

iPod classic, Windows 7

Posted on May 20, 2012 6:42 AM

by planb77,Solvedanswer
planb77 planb77
Level 7 (32,341 points)
A:

Aha! My mistake.  I read your original post wrong.  My apologies!

 

In that case, the LCD screen is going bad.  Could be a loose ribbon cable connecting the LCD display to the iPod's logic board, but the chances are slim. You'll want to have it serviced.

 

B-rock

Posted on May 22, 2012 9:29 AM

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Barbarafromvi

Q: why did my ipod screen lose contrast and become barely readable?

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  • by planb77,

    planb77 planb77 May 22, 2012 8:12 AM in response to Barbarafromvi
    Level 7 (32,341 points)
    May 22, 2012 8:12 AM in response to Barbarafromvi

    It's likely that the hardware (in particular the backlight) wore itself out over time although that may not be the case in your situation.  Either way, if a hard reset or restore the device in iTunes does not resolve the issue, you'll need to have your iPod serviced or replaced by Apple or a third party repair company.

     

    B-rock

  • by Barbarafromvi,

    Barbarafromvi Barbarafromvi May 22, 2012 8:46 AM in response to planb77
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 22, 2012 8:46 AM in response to planb77

    Thanks.  The backlight is still working and the screen is just barely readable (it seems as if I could adjust the contrast I would be OK).  I did a hard reset and have been putting off a retore because I have not backed up all my playlists and I am afraid of tinkering too much and lose what I have.  The ipod is maybe three years old.  The software is up to date.  If it were a hardware problem wouldn't the whitening be gradual?  This happened, literally, overnight.  Could the power source for the charger be the culprit?  I live on a boat and the power is 110 inverted from a 50 hz generator.  Guests (I have a charter boat) with ipads have noticed odd behavior when they plug in with the ipad charger.  They seem to be able to charge their ipads with my ipod charger with no problem.  Could be no connection (also, my husband's cell phone whited out a couple of days ago..may all be a coincidence as that phone has a few years on it, as well)...just thought I'd throw that info in the pot in case you know of any connections between charging and hardware malfunctions.  Thanks again.

  • by planb77,Helpful

    planb77 planb77 May 22, 2012 9:03 AM in response to Barbarafromvi
    Level 7 (32,341 points)
    May 22, 2012 9:03 AM in response to Barbarafromvi

    It doesn't need to be gradual.  It can go out like the flick of a switch.  There are almost too many factors involved to decipher if any of them (or all of them) would be the actual cause of the damage.  Chargers have been known to fry different components on small electronics though.

     

    How is the backlight still working if the screen is barely visible?  The backlight is what makes the iPod's screen readable without having to strain your eyes or use a bright light on it.

     

    B-rock

  • by Barbarafromvi,

    Barbarafromvi Barbarafromvi May 22, 2012 9:25 AM in response to planb77
    Level 1 (0 points)
    May 22, 2012 9:25 AM in response to planb77

    The screen is barely visible because it is overly bright.  When the backlight timer goes off, the screen goes dark (as it should) but when you touch the screen and trigger the light on, the light is so bright that you can barely read it.  I haven't checked, but I imagine in a dark room it would be quite readable.  From what I can see it also appears that lines are developing across the screen, a problem I read about in other posts.  Guess it is off to the repair shop at the end of season !  Just hope it hold out for a few more weeks!  I need music!  Unless you have any other thoughts I guess it is a repair shop problem. T

  • by planb77,Solvedanswer

    planb77 planb77 May 22, 2012 9:29 AM in response to Barbarafromvi
    Level 7 (32,341 points)
    May 22, 2012 9:29 AM in response to Barbarafromvi

    Aha! My mistake.  I read your original post wrong.  My apologies!

     

    In that case, the LCD screen is going bad.  Could be a loose ribbon cable connecting the LCD display to the iPod's logic board, but the chances are slim. You'll want to have it serviced.

     

    B-rock