iPod Classic won't turn on, charge, or reset

Question

iPod Classic won't turn on, charge, or reset

Problem description:

So, I've got an old iPod classic, 80 gb. Model A1238, bought in 2007 or so. It worked like a charm for a long, long time. I left it out in the rain one night about three years back, and it still worked anyway. It was dropped and left out in 0 degree weather, still worked. I was kind to it 95% of the time but sometimes **** happens. Point is, thing's built like a brick. In the last month, however, it died completely. It will not charge (whether by computer USB or by an Apple wall charger), turn on, or reset (using Menu + Center). Prior to its death, it would turn on and off at random times for random durations.

What I've tried:

I have multiple cables and I have tried them all, so it's not a cable issue. I have tried pretty much every solution on the various Apple support pages including the reset fix, turning the hold button on/off, etc. I tried a friend's wall charger too. It won't charge on my computer, or be recognized by my computer.

What I think is going on:

Due to random turn on/off, and the fact it is completely unresponsive, I believe the battery is completely dead. I'm sure the warranty is long expired. I think it'd cost more to take it to an Apple store than it's worth, unfortunately. I'm 99% sure I'm going to replace the battery on my own since that's the cheapest route. But, I would love any dissenting opinions or anyone with similar experiences to share.

Thank you!

iPod classic

Posted on Mar 21, 2016 11:02 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 22, 2016 2:07 AM in response to spider_marbles

First of all, any iPod that has a hard drive for storage is NOT "built like a brick." You were just lucky... 🙂

If it won't charge at all, using multiple docking cables and USB connection points (include USB power adapter), the cause could be the USB dock connector or the battery. If it is just the battery, I think you'd see something on the iPod's screen when you connect it, even if the battery is completely dead. If it's "completely unresponsive" when connected (no reaction to being connected to power), the problem may be the USB dock connector on the iPod. It may be worn out and not making a connection for power.

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Answer 2

Mar 22, 2016 9:38 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Thanks for the reply! I stand corrected about the durability of these iPods. 🙂

I ordered a battery last night but the dock connector actually makes a lot of sense. It doesn't look like the pins are bent but it looks like a few are pushed in, and maybe some damage on the sides. A quick google search reveals there are a few dock connectors for sale on Amazon and Ebay. I found one in particular which mentions it's a gen 5 dock connector but that it would work for gen 6 as well. Does that sound right to you?

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Answer 3

Mar 22, 2016 3:56 PM in response to spider_marbles

I don't know about the specific part that is needed. You'll need to rely on the accuracy of the item's description. However, I believe it is soldered to the logic board, so it's not simply a matter of opening the iPod and swapping the part.

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