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iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement

Introduction

Connects the hard drive to the logic board.

What you need

  1. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement, iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position. The orange bar should be visible, indicating hold is active.

  2. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Opening the case can be challenging. Do not get discouraged if it takes you a few tries before the iPod is opened.

    • Insert a large iPod opening tool into the seam between the plastic front and metal rear panel of the iPod, near the headphone jack. The tool's edge should point toward the metal rear panel to prevent any accidental scratching of the plastic front.

    • Run the tool along the top seam toward the upper left corner of the iPod.

  3. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Push the large iPod opening tool into the upper left corner of the iPod, creating a small gap along the side seam.

  4. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • There are five retaining tabs on each side of the iPod.

    • With the large iPod opening tool still inserted in the top seam, press a small iPod opening tool into the gap you just created.

    • Run the iPod opening tool down the side seam, releasing all five tabs.

    • It may be necessary to wiggle the tool while working your way down the seam to free all the tabs.

  5. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Run the iPod opening tool around the lower left corner of the iPod and along the bottom seam to free the two retaining tabs near the dock connector.

    • Run the tool around the lower right corner of the iPod and along the right side seam to free all five retaining tabs.

    • The case of the iPod should now easily come loose. Ensure all retaining tabs are free before proceeding.

  7. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • The iPod case is now open, but don't separate the two halves just yet. There is still an orange ribbon cable connecting the headphone jack to the logic board.

    • Open the case like a book with the dock connector at the top, and lay the rear panel next to the front half of the iPod.

  8. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Use a plastic tool or your fingernails to carefully disconnect the orange headphone jack cable. Be sure to pull straight up on the connector, not the cable itself.

    • The headphone jack connector is unusually tall. When prying, be careful to not separate the lower, plastic part of the connector from the ribbon cable. Pry between the connector and the socket, not between the two halves of the connector.

  9. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Lift up the hard drive with one hand and carefully disconnect the hard drive ribbon from the logic board.

    • Lift the hard drive out of the iPod.

  10. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Peel back the metallic tape connecting the hard drive ribbon to the blue mounting bracket.

  11. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Use a spudger to carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable from the hard drive.

    • If the cable doesn't come free easily, it may be helpful to gently wiggle the cable from side to side.

  12. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the hard drive mounting bracket and cable off the hard drive.

  13. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Peel up the metallic tape holding the hard drive ribbon to the blue mounting bracket.

  14. iPod 3rd Generation Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • Peel up the black tape securing the hard drive ribbon to the mounting bracket.

    • The hard drive ribbon is now free from the iPod.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

System

Member since: 09/24/09

2,562 Guides authored

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