[Diggory Laycock]

I've got a first Gen iPod - (Battery still going great!)

Recently it's been misbehaving - and I was wondering if anyone has seen this behaviour:

It still works and plays - and charges when plugged in - but it doesn't appear as a firewire device when I plug it in - it doesn't mount as a volume, and it doesn't appear in System Profiler.

Therefore iTunes doesn't see it either, so it won't sync.

I've tried it on two machines - and it doesn't mount on either.

I assume that the FW interface has blown-up.
On the bright side - I suppose it gives me a reason to upgrade...

has anyone seen this before?

[budster101]

This may sound silly, but have you tried a different cable?

[Diggory Laycock]

Oops, should have mentioned that - yes - I tried three cables.

[Randman]

Try updating the software. If you have DiskWarrior, run it. Also, repair disk via Disk Utility.

[budster101]

Hmmm. Restore the iPod... then Update it, and what Randman said.

[Diggory Laycock]

Both of those things require the Computer to recognise that an iPod has been attached - alas that's not happening - so I can't update or do disc checks.

I fear it's time for it to go to the big iPod dock in the sky...

[budster101]

Do a Hard Reset / Reboot and then put it into Disk Mode, then try to hook it up and then run an update or both a complete reset / update....

If it comes to the point where you give up completely on it, then do this:

Grab the unit in your hand with the screen facing your palm... Palm it and then hold it 10 inches from a solid surface, then slam it down with some decent effort....

Try hooking it up again.
No kidding, I saw it done once and it worked.

All fails, you can get 10 percent off at the Apple Store for their "iPod Recycle Program".

[Diggory Laycock]

Thanks for the help - Didn't know about forcing into Disc Mode.

Alas it didn't work - just went straight to "OK to disconnect."

I don't think I'll be slamming it on the desk

[budster101]

Ok to disconnect with the big checkmark?

Then plug it in! and do the update...

Else, slam it on the desktop. Trust me. (Last resort only)

Is this thing out of warranty?...

[Diggory Laycock]

Yes, since it's 1st Gen. (circa November 2001) - it is out of warranty

The 'OK to disconnect' with the tick shows even when connected.

[budster101]

Slam it man... slam it good, but just once. ... What have you got to lose?
You are going to get the 10% recycling discount anyway... let's see if it works.

[roy batty]

Don't slam it

I had the same problem (1G 5Gig iPod)
After running all tests in diagnostic mode successfully (even HDD and FW tests passed) I assumed that there's a loose connection or similar. Bingo, one pin of the FW port was broken. It wasn't even visible to the naked eye.



I used a multimeter to check the contacts and then soldered the broken pin.
Soldering is very difficult, everything is very very small I had to remove some of the solder with a cutter to ensure that there's no short circuit between the pins.

Then connected it to my mac and voilá my iPod was rescued

cheers, Roy

[Diggory Laycock]

Nice one Roy - alas my iPod has entirely given up the ghost now - won't even recharge.