Comments on: iPod abuse

Question: iPod abuse

Kiwi — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:35:43 -0800

Stop me hitting my iPod! My 4th gen iPod requires frequent slapping to encourage it to unfreeze (try Googling 'slap+ipod' to see what I mean). What does this particular 'fix' actually do? How do I fix my iPod in a more permanent way?

It seems that since this slapping is often successful, there might be single problem that it is fixing? Loose HD connection or something?

By: cillit bang

cillit bang — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 11:14:39 -0800

Try this handy iPod troubleshooting flowchart:

1. iPod not working properly -> Hard disk is dead.

By: bonaldi

bonaldi — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 11:30:56 -0800

How do I fix my iPod in a more permanent way?

Replace the hard disk.

By: Señor Pantalones

Señor Pantalones — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:04:59 -0800

if you keep doing this, it will eventually die permanently, as mine did. you need to immediately get all unique (i.e., not backed up) data off it with a suitable utility and send it in for repair. good luck.

By: ganzhimself

ganzhimself — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:05:35 -0800

What the "slap" usually does is dislodges the hard drive head from being stuck on the disk platter. I had my 4th Gen iPod Photo replaced by Apple once because it died completely, so this problem is not uncommon. If you have any remaining AppleCare left on it, I'd get it replaced ASAP.

By: Steven C. Den Beste

Steven C. Den Beste — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 13:29:26 -0800

See "Stiction and Computer Maintenance".

I'm a little surprised that this has come back. You'd think the HD manufacturers would have learned their lesson about this in the 1980's, the last time this came up.

By: eleongonzales

eleongonzales — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 13:33:31 -0800

I have the same ipod, same fix. There's an image somewhere for the 4th gen ipod tool and it's just a piece of paper on a desk that says "bang ipod here."

I fixed mine by opening the case up, disconnecting the hd cable (carefully), removing the rubber/foam, then reattaching the cable and placing a piece of electrical tape over the connector secured to both sides. This keeps the cable from coming loose and has not cause any overheating issues.

Taking the ipod apart is pretty easy, just be careful- you don't want to damage the shape of the case. I used a plastic picnic knife to get around all the clips.

By: misterbrandt

misterbrandt — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:32:17 -0800

Judging by this article, it could just be a loose connector, and a more permanent fix would be to disassemble and re-seat any connectors you see.

By: Kiwi

Kiwi — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 07:14:14 -0800

Although 'Stiction and Computer Maintenance' made for interesting reading, it was the article posted by misterbrandt that was most useful. I used a metal butter-knife to open the case, btw. All fixed now!