Last-ditch attempt for "dead" iPods

A blog posting notes an unusual (and highly risky) approach for resurrecting otherwise dead iPods that are out of warranty and/or AppleCare coverage.

MacFixIt reader Andrew Freeman summarizes:

"I have a fifth-generation ipod which made only a clicking sound and showed a sad mac face. It would not mount on iTunes or the iPod updater. I tried all the fixes like charging and putting it into diagnostic mode (it wouldn't go into diagnostic mode)

"I was ready to replace it when I ran across the following post.

"I gave the iPod a single moderate whack against the edge of my desk, striking it on the upper right side, from left to right. It instantly was back and working, and the clicking is gone! Unbelievable. So, for your readers: If your iPod is not working and the next step is to take it to Apple for repair or discard, give this a try as a last ditch attempt."

Note that this procedure may permanently damage the iPod, its screen, or its internal hard drive. We cannot recommend this procedure.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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