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Apple iPod Gen 4 and Photo Repair Guide
**Gen 4 and Photo iPods have all of the functions on the Clickwheel. If your iPod does not look like this, it is not a Gen 4.
 
*Tools required: The only tools required are a set of small flathead and Phillips screwdrivers like those used in eyeglass repair. There are special case opening tools and motherboard screw tools available but not really necessary if you have a set of small screwdrivers.
Getting started:
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Before starting, we want to emphasize patience. This is not rocket science but you do need to read the instructions and take your time with each step. For someone doing this for the 1st time, the entire process to completely take an iPod apart and reassemble it will take the 20-30 Minutes. Allow plenty of time and take it slow because if you rush disconnecting a part to save a minute it could cost you $50-$100 for a replacement.
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These instructions give the sequence for complete assembly and reassembly. Normally you will not need to follow all of the steps. For example, if you are just replacing the drive or the headphone jack you will not need to remove the motherboard.
Overview of complete disassembly and reassembly:
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1.Open case.
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2.Remove Hard Drive.
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3.Remove the Headphone Jack.
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4.Remove drive cable from motherboard. (If Necessary)
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5.Disconnect Motherboard/Case connector cable.
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6.Disconnect Battery.
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7.Remove Motherboard.
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8.Remove LCD Screen.
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9.Remove the Battery
Step 1 Open Case
Caution: Read these precautionary notes before starting any work:
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First, make sure you are holding the case with your palm away from the back so that if the screw driver slips you will not stab yourself. Take it slow and try not to let the screwdriver slip out of the seam. If it does, it may scratch your case.
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I recommend always pointing the screwdriver angled slightly towards the back of the iPod. This will help to work it under the metal edge, plus if it slips it will only scratch the back and not the front of the iPod.
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To prevent bending the case the second screw driver that is actually going to pry the case open, must be positioned straight across from the Apple symbol so that you avoid getting between the back case reinforcement tabs. The tabs run along the case spaced about every ½. Position the larger screwdriver in the gap between the reinforcement tabs.
Note: Read all steps to opening the case before starting:
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Take the smallest flathead screw driver with as thin of a blade as possible and line it up with the iPod letters on the back of the case. Slowly slide it up the seam towards the iPod symbol until it slips into the seam. Sometimes it slips right into the seam, and other times it will take a little pressure.
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Once you have the screwdriver over the lip, gently pry the metal back case up from the front plastic case. It will eventually snap free on this side. Sometimes the entire case will be free but usually you still have to pry around the bottom edge to get the other side free. Just make sure you dont insert the screwdriver in further than the plastic lip.
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Once the case is free, lay the iPod face down on the work surface as shown. The Headphone Jack cable is still attached so carefully lift the back case up and lay it over on the side.
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If you are only replacing the drive you do not need to disconnect the Headphone Jack from the Motherboard so go on to step #2.
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If you are replacing the Headphone Jack, Motherboard or the LCD screen it is easier to disconnect the Headphone Jack, step #3, first and then come back to step #2. Either sequence will work.
Step 2 Remove the Hard Drive
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Grasp the copper pin connector in one had and the hard drive in the other and gently pull the drive down and it will slip off of the connector.
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If you are just doing a drive replacement, align the new drive with the oblong plastic guide post on the pin connector and push it onto the pins. If it is properly aligned it should slip right on. If it doesnt want to go on, recheck your alignment. Once you have it started on the pins, push it all the way snug against the connector.
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Reposition the back case being careful not to pinch the headphone jack connector and snap it onto the front case. Reboot and the iPod should start up. If not, follow the instructions that came with your drive (If you purchased it from us) and run the Updater program.
Step 3 Remove the Headphone Jack
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You can use the tip of the screwdriver as shown to get it started but just make sure you lift it in small increments moving from side to side so that it comes out evenly.
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If you are not replacing the headphone jack, then lay the back plate aside and go onto step #4.
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The headphone jack is seated in cutouts in the back plate. Once the screws are loose is should just pull free from the case.
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To reinstall, reposition the new headphone jack aligned with the case cutouts, tighten down the screws until it is seated and push the connector back into the moterboard.
Step 4 Remove the Drive Cable from the Motherboard
If you need to replace the hard drive to motherboard connector, then follow the instructions below. If you are not replacing the hard drive connector, then it can be left attached to the motherboard and you can proceed to step #5.
- The hard drive to motherboard connector has a clamp connector that must be release. It is normally covered with electrical tape. To access the clamp lift up the tape and you will see the clamp connector. Use your fingernail to lift up on the black bar. You will fell it release. In the open position it is up at about a 45 degree angle to the connector.
Step 5 Disconnect the Battery
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Do not pull on the wires.
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The battery wires are normally tucked under the motherboard so it is best to wait until the motherboard has been removed in step #6 and then remove the battery.
Step 6 Remove the Motherboard
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To proceed with removal of the motherboard, the next step is to remove the cable that connects the front case to the motherboard. This is a small clamp connector at the bottom/left of the motherboard. Use your fingernail to lift up on the black bar. You will feel it release. In the open position it is up at about a 45 degree angle to the connector.
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The LCD is still attached so you must be careful with this step. Loosen the motherboard from the case and then while holding it, flip it over so the motherboard and LCD fall into your hand
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The LCD is just seated loosely between the pins but if it does not come out with a few taps, then lift a corner free and it should release from the front case.
Step 8 Remove the LCD Screen
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Use your fingernail to lift up on the black bar. You will feel it release. In the open position it is up at about a 45 degree angle to the connector.
Step 9 Remove the Battery
Re-Assembly Sequence
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2.Insert the LCD screen cable into the cable clamp. Close the clamp. Fold it into position around the Motherboard.
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3.Lay the Motherboard and the LCD back in the faceplate. Line up the LCD with the guide posts. Reattach the Face Plate connector cable into the Motherboard cable clamp. Line up the screw holes and reinstall the 6 Motherboard screws.
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4.Reconnect the battery connector to the motherboard.
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5.Reconnect the Drive Cable to the Motherboard cable clamp if this was removed during disassembly above.
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6.Replace the headphone jack by aligning with the cutouts in the case. Reattach the 3 screws that hold the headphone jack to the case. Reconnect the connector to the motherboard.
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7.Reinstall the drive. See item #2 in the disassembly instructions.
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8.To close the case, carefully align it with the faceplate assembly. Make sure that the headphone jack cable is inside the case and does not get pinched during closing. Once everything is aligned, just snap the front and back case together.
Now reboot your iPod and it should start right up. If it doesn't, check out our FREE iPod Diagnostics! We would be happy to take a look at your iPod!
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