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iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement

iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement

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Last updated on September 17, 2016

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  1. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement, iPod 4th Generation or Photo 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 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Opening the iPod can be challenging. Don't 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 towards 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. Press the tool into the corner, creating a small gap on the side of the case.

  3. iPod 4th Generation or Photo 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 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 iPod 4th Generation or Photo 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 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Run the iPod opening tool around the lower left corner of the iPod and along the bottom seam to free the two retaining clips near the dock connector.

  6. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Run the iPod opening tool around the lower right corner and slide it down the right side seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together. You may be able to free the tabs by gently wiggling the front panel of the iPod.

  7. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 7, 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 edge at the top, and lay the rear panel next to the front half of the iPod.

  8. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

  9. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Grasp the hard drive with one hand and carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable from the hard drive using your other hand.

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

  10. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Peel up the black adhesive strip covering the hard drive ribbon cable.

  11. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Use the tip of your finger or a spudger to carefully flip up the black connector securing the hard drive cable to the logic board. Note that the black retaining clip flips 90 degrees toward vertical, in the direction of the cable.

  12. iPod 4th Generation or Photo Hard Drive Cable Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Pull the orange hard drive cable directly out of its connector.

Conclusion

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

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Member since: 09/24/09

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