sticky residue inside charge port?

Question

sticky residue inside charge port?

I tried charging my iPod earlier and it wouldn't charge unless it was held with the cord in a specific position. I looked at the port for the charger and there is a greenish sticky substance inside there... Any ideas on what it is or how I can get it out? I'm about to leave for vacation so there's no time to send it in or make an appointment for the Genius Bar. What would it be safe to try and clean the ports with that won't damage the pins inside or cause liquid damage? Already tried canned air, it didn't help since the stuff is sticky.

iPod touch, iOS 7

Posted on Dec 2, 2013 8:25 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

JEM24

Level 4

2,016 points

Dec 2, 2013 8:52 PM in response to cantsaythursday

Did your iPod ever get wet? When copper corrodes / oxidizes it will turn green to brown then black over time, but the sticky part is confusing. After you charged your iPod did it work normally? Would it charge? Or did you notice shorter than normal use time or did the iPod ever get noticeably hot? Has the display changed in any way? Where I'm going with this is the possibility that the battery has been damaged / ruptured or water got inside your iPod. I would not sit on this, if it is acids from the battery or water, this will damage the circuits of your iPod, I would schedule an appointment with your Apple store ASAP. If it is acid from the battery be cautious as it is toxic. Good luck.

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Answer 2

Dec 2, 2013 9:01 PM in response to JEM24

It hasn't gotten wet at all, which is why this is confusing. The use time is about the same as normal and everything else looks normal on it; it's just that there's this weird sticky stuff in the charge port. It almost looks like gum or maybe some kind of makeup got into it? If I could get good enough lighting in there I would take a picture but mostly I'm just curious as to what would be safe to try without damaging the iPod further as there's not a lot of info online about how to take care of these new charger ports safely and they seem to be much more delicate.

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Answer 3

JEM24

Level 4

2,016 points

Dec 2, 2013 9:14 PM in response to cantsaythursday

So much for an easy answer. I have read other posting about black or green goo, most involved water in someway. Not knowing what it is or why it is... I would error on the side of caution, assume the green stuff to be hazardous, and handle as such. Leave the iPod off and contact Apple ASAP! Hopefully it's something covered by warranty. *After thought... are you in a high humidity area? It's possible humid air has condensed inside your iPod, it's a stretch but possible.

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Answer 4

lllaass

Level 10

210,459 points

Dec 3, 2013 5:55 AM in response to cantsaythursday

Could be due to sweat or very high humidity.

To clean try a soft bristle brush. Go to Radio Chack or equil and get and use a contact cleaner.

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