Classic iPod 80g issue

[Brandan Cromartie]

So I installed a jack replacement for a friend in an apple iPod that is 5th gen I believe and is running the latest and last firmware update from Apple which is 1.3. The problem is that I cannot get the click wheel to respond properly. It doesn't seem to be broken because I can hold down the center button and turn the iPod on but I cannot navigate the menus.

It's been three days since I got it to fix it and I have given up looking for resources myself. I have tried resetting the iPod, I have checked the connection and it is connected (otherwise the center wouldn't work?), I have tried playing with the lock/unlock switch, and I have tried resetting the system and re-installing the firmware. None of this has fixed the issue.

It still comes on and it shows the Apple Logo, shows the screen to select a language, but I can't interact with the iPod beyond this. It does not move up or down. It does not move left or right. The click wheel does not respond. I have not replaced the wheel itself but if it comes on from depressing the button and can be reset I don't think that would help.

I also cannot get into diagnostic mode because of this via the iPod itself. So, that's it. Can you help me? I hope this is the right forum, forgive me if it is not.

 

[nukemaster]

I would check to ensure that any ribbon cable did not come partly out(it is under the hard drive on the one side). You have lots of small connections to deal with inside that thing.

I do not think software would be the issue since you have reinstall/flashed it already. This leaves only a hardware issue(loose connection would be my guess.).

To see the exact location of things, check here. They even sell the front(it is all one part) if you think it was damaged.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPod+4th+Generation+or+Photo+Front+Panel+Replacement/396

 

[Brandan Cromartie]

I checked the cable and it's all in. and none of it is sticking out. Still stumped; I been trying to look at and see where my diagrams are off but everything seemed connected. The click wheel itself has to be good if the center key works insofar as turning it on even if it doesn't respond after it's booted so I just can't figure it out.

 

[nukemaster]

The problem is it has more than one set of wires(I know it is just the one ribbon) as well as a controller for the wheel it self. This means even if the center button works, it does not mean that something has not gone wrong with the rest of the system.

 

[Brandan Cromartie]

Alright, I will look it over again, is there anything that specifically would tell you what the ribbons and wires would actually effect? I have a feeling that if I had that information ( and I haven't found it, but I'm not the most resourceful person on the planet ) I could get it to work.

 

[nukemaster]

I do not think that info is available to many people. You can just see what cable takes care of the wheel/button assembly.

It is unfortunately easy to damage these little connectors.