DigiExpress - iPod Touch 2nd and 3rd Generation Breakdown

[@milkdud657]

I dropped my iPod touch. Cracked the glass and messed up my LCD.... so I bought a new one and a new glass. This video was very helpful! Thanks :)

[@DigiExpress]

I did just check with a senior tech on this as well. He did say to verify the connections, especially around the power button. That cable is very sensitive and it doesn't take too much force to disconnect or damage that cable. If it is connected, then you may just need a new power button. But there isn't a lot of damage that can be done when replacing the LCD screen other than the power button.

[@DigiExpress]

Spoke with a senior tech this morning. We don't carry just the ribbon cable that connects the two. The ribbon cable is actually part of the battery, so if we we're doing the repair, we would have to replace the battery to get a new ribbon cable.

[@DigiExpress]

@nnewmy if you use a suction cup to remove the screen you will pull the glass/digitizer from the mid-frame; leaving the mid-frame attached to the device. You cannot remove the ribbon cable from the logic board if you leave the midframe attached. For an iPhone 3G you can use a suction cup as the mid frame on an iPhone is held in place with a thin rubber gasket and 2 screws at the bottom of the charging port. Doing it this way ensures that you will be able to finish the repair with minimal stress.

[@DigiExpress]

@lifeoftheparty2121 Well you can try to un-jam the button by taking off the glass, we were just suggesting the on/off cable if when you got in there and checked it out it happened to be damaged. We wanted to let you know that we sell that part if it needed replaced. Have a great day!

[@DigiExpress]

@EpicCripProductions The actual home button is sandwhiched between the glass/digitzer and the mid-frame. The physical black button, the home button, is only a plastic button. Behind that button, on the mid-frame is a metal rectangle that the button depresses. Behind this metal piece there is a small home button flex-cable, this is about the size of a fingernail. That being said, you basically remove these two pieces of the home button and re-use them on the new glass/digitzier and mid-frame.

[@DigiExpress]

@cronaldorules97 The cost for replacing the Glass on a 4th Gen iPod Touch is $119.99 for the part and $25.00 for the professional installation service. The newest iPod Touch screen comes as an assembly which includes the Glass, Digitizer and LCD Screen. These parts are fused together from the supplier and as such cannot be separated for individual sale. The return shipping cost is as low as $8.75; so for the full installation it is only $153.74.

[@lrhoke]

Thanks so much DigiExpress. Since I last wrote, there has been a pattern where I will hit the home button and the backlight will come on several seconds. I then allow time to pass, and it might stay on a few minutes, and then the next time, it will work for several hours and then at some point, cut out when I'm using it. Just posting that in case it gives you any other clues. Thanks again!

[@DigiExpress]

@btayebnejad look at the metal rectangle sitting right below the home button. This metal rectangle is on the mid-frame and attached to the metal rectangle is the home button flex cable (the actual circuitry for the home button). Simple remove the old flex cable and install into the new mid-frame. You may need a bit of heat (from a heat gun not a hair dryer) to loosen the adhesive, but otherwise you should be fine. Sorry for the delayed response.

[@DigiExpress]

@xKOOLAIDSNIPERx Depending on the extent of the damage, here is an idea of the price of the parts you may need to complete the repair of your ipod: The ipod Touch replacement glass and digitizer is $39.99. If the LCD screen is damaged as well, the LCD screen kit is $99.99. If you also need a battery, we charge $19.99 for a new battery. We offer a lifetime warranty on our LCD screens and battery kits. Also, we charge $25 for professional repair. Return shipping is $3.75. You may order on the web

[@DigiExpress]

@btayebnejad Sorry for the delay in responding to your question, which amounts to free tech support I might add. Heat up the original front panel assembly with a heat gun for a few seconds, remove the glass, remove the home button flex cable from the metal rectangle on the mid-frame. You can now reuse the home button flex cable, as well as the original home button. Be careful not to break your mid-frame if you need to reuse it for anything.

[@DigiExpress]

@vparlier there are different grades of parts (A through D), just like a report card. A is a quality part (ours are OEM quality A rated), then you have the "10$ screen on eBay" which is gonna be used or a D quality part. Since the digitizer does respond, only very slowly, you may have a bad part or the receiving end of the connection is damaged. The receiving end is actually the Logic Board which is not cost effective to replace. I would contact the seller of the digitizer about a warranty.

[@DigiExpress]

@k1ng0fswa9 the replacement headphone jack for the iPod Touch 2nd gen is $19.99 (currently as of 5/24/2011) and our installation fee is $25.00. There are various options for shipping that are calculated by the address you provide but US Postal Service and UPS are available.

[@DigiExpress]

Yes, the mid frame holds the digitizer in place, so if your old one is cracked or broken, it is highly recommended to purchase a new one. We offer the mid frame for 40% off when you are buying a digitizer for that very reason. We have them available on our website.

[@DigiExpress]

The Mid frame holds the Digitizer in place, so if yours is damaged it is a good idea to replace it if you are replacing the digitizer. They are all different, the Touch 2G mid frame will not fit a 3G.

[@DigiExpress]

@RolllTide It sounds like you need to replace the glass digitizer. With having no water damage it would make sense that the front glass digitizer is the part that you should replace. The glass digitizer is the piece that is the front glass with a thin plastic film attached to the backside (the digitizer). You can find this part for the iPod Touch on our website along with information on having us do the installation for you, our professional installation fee is $25.00 for any device.

[@DigiExpress]

Yes. You should be able to pry up the button assembly and stick it on to the new frame.

[@DigiExpress]

@Adeezyd That part is your digitizer which we sell on our website. The digitizer is the part that response to your touch.

[@DigiExpress]

@ChiyoChiYamamoto The power button consists of two pieces. The first is the physciall plastic button and the actuator behind that button. This is called the on/off flex cable. This part does need to be soldered into place and obviously the old part needs to be removed properly. In disassembling the iPod you should be able to see if the flex cable itself is damaged.

[@DigiExpress]

@yuhatn I would first attempt to replace the battery in the device, though you may just have an issue with the logic board itself. The device would normally show you an icon of a battery charging unless the battery is completely flat or shorted out. Check your water sensors which are located down inside the heaphone jack as well as some on the internals (not exactly sure where the internal ones for this device are). If you see red or pink then there has been water damage, which is very tricky

[@DigiExpress]

@TheSamonator96 You would need to replace the glass digitizer and LCD screen at minimum. Though the whole issue of a backlight can be either LCD screen or a logic board issue. Water damage is a tricky issue, though we do have a Diagnosis service that can through everything but the kitchen sink at it. Obviously in an attempt to repair the device and not actually throw a kitchen sink at it. More information is available on our website.

[@DigiExpress]

@Iv4n07 It is probably the Glass Digitizer, the piece that is touch sensitive. I would assume that by replacing the Glass Digitizer, your touch functions will return.

[@DigiExpress]

@link4265 It is very possible that the cable had come loose, but be prepared for the possibility of needing a new LCD screen. The shock of the drop may have simply damaged the internals of the LCD, either way you'll want to be careful when opening the iPod so as to not further damage the LCD.

[@DigiExpress]

It does sound like something that can be repaired, but it's tough to determine exactly what the issue is. The only thing that would be unrepairable would be the main board of the device. If that's the case, then it's actually less expensive to buy a new device. But if you're interested, we can do a diagnosis and find out what's wrong and if it's repairable, we can let you know before we perform any repair. It cost $25 for the diagnosis and if it can be repaired, extra costs would be in parts.

[@DigiExpress]

@Blade2xtremeFTW Check the Gold colored "spring" that sits below the home button, as well as the alignment of the flex cable (the flex cable gives the home button the pop or click feel). These pieces are probably not aligned with each other.

[@DigiExpress]

@9torresjj The damage may be just to the LCD screen, installing a replacement LCD Screen may bring the backlight function back. If it does not then you have a problem with the logic board, specifically a coil and fuse set on the board that acts with the LCD to increase or decrease the back light. The logic board itself is not, in this case, repairable. Though you have a 50% chance that you need a new LCD screen.

[@DigiExpress]

@Idtelos Not really. We are a repair company. This iPod's digitizer was damaged which is why we had to replace it. The damage wasn't caused by the repair.

[@DigiExpress]

@nghs118 In some cases you may find the Mid-Frame called the Bezel. Though more commonly the chrome peice around an iPhone 3G/3GS is called the bezel. The mid-frame is what holds the glass digitizer in the iPod Touch and also holds the home button in place.

[@DigiExpress]

@Igiarisan Since you are saying that it still charges this means that the system connector is not broken, which is a good thing because this part can not be replaced unless you change the main board. The back plate probably is just effecting how it charges in the iHome etc. Changing this part could help to fix the problem.

[@DigiExpress]

@ohade123 the water damage got to the digitizer and you would need to start by replacing the glass digitizer and if that does not work then the water damaged the logic board. the logic boards are not available at a cost effective level for these iPods. So if the replacement digitizer did not work you would have to buy a new iPod.

[@DigiExpress]

@voxac30blues that is the 30-pin connector that is broken on your iPod. While there are some who may sell you the part, you need special equipment to properly solder it into place. It is not something a novice should attempt, as you can damage the charging circuitry around the area. We do not repair logic boards on iPod Touch models.

[@DigiExpress]

@highangani The iPod Jack could be the 30 pin connector at the bottom of the device or the Headphone jack into which plugs a set of headphones. The 30 pin connector is something that is not replaceable as it is basically part of the logic board itself. The headphone jack can be replaced but there is no temporary fix for either. If you have any other questions, or maybe I did not answer yours entirely, please reply to this video and I will answer them the best I can.

[@DigiExpress]

@iPhoneNemesis if you have tried two separate parts to find the same issue, then you can assume the receiving end of the connection (the logic board) is damaged. Unless you have two replacement parts that are themselves defective.

[@DigiExpress]

@lrhoke The backlight issue, which is common, can be one of two things. The first is that the CCFL in the LCD screen has gone out. You can fix that by replacing the LCD screen. If you replace the LCD screen and the light still does not function; then it is a problem with a coil and fuse set on the logic board. The logic board coil and fuse set is generally not repairable. Unfortunately the only way to tell which it is, would be to replace the LCD screen and see if that works.

[@DigiExpress]

@lxHorizonxl Since the headphone jack is a soldered part on this iPod Touch, I do not think simply tightening the mounting screw will do anything. If you would want to take the screen off again there is only the trick of knowing where the clips on the backplate are. The clips that sit into a divot on the mid-frame that is. If you know the exact location of these clips then opening the iPod is just a matter of being careful. Though if it were me, I would set the iPod to mono.

[@DigiExpress]

@HellsKnite I would say that replacing or re-soldering the headphone jack should fix the problem. Though when you say the sound fades at "angles' i assume you mean when you tilt the ipod left or right. This makes sense if you are tilting the ipod the weight of the headphones can pull the headphone jack further from the logic board. Though you may have an issue with the accelerometer, in the worst case. I would replace the headphone jack first and go from there.

[@DigiExpress]

@Henstelfs No, we are a repair company, this is just a demo of breakdown an iPod Touch and replace parts in it.

[@DigiExpress]

@UnleashedDog More than likely the water, somehow, shorted the chip that handles the wi-fi. The replaceable parts for this are only the Antenna, not the chip. In the case when Wi-Fi options are greyed-out then the system is not receiving information from the Broadcom chip on the top part of the logic board. Generally this is not cost-effective to repair in a 2nd or 3rd generation unit.

[@DigiExpress]

@DarKGo Take off the glass with midframe part. Once removed you will see the headphone jack at the bottom right. It has 5 solder pads on it with two holes each (not really important but may help you). Using a braid or solder vacuum, remove the original sodler and then remove the old part. Installation is the same, you just tin the tip of the soldering iron and solder the new part in place. You may need a magnifying glass.

[@DigiExpress]

@ganon391 When you apply pressure you are re-connecting the internals and this is why the sound comes back, generally you would replace the headphone jack and this should fix the issue. Just be careful of the tracers on the board, you don't want to pull any of them from the board.

[@DigiExpress]

@jrk987 I have been looking around for any type of answer to your question, the best I can come up with is to get iPhone Explorer, PhoneView or SharePod to access any part of the data in the iPod. Granted it is an iPod Touch and not an iPhone but still these type of Applications will access data. The issue is that the iPod uses iTunes as a throughput for data transfer, it can be recognizable in the Recovery mode and still not be able to transfer data. The Flash Memory makes foresnics tricky.

[@DigiExpress]

@sickmedicine The backlight feature is displayed through the LCD screen and many issues with it can be attributed to the LCD screen or a coil and fuse set on the logic board. If in replacing the LCD screen you find the backlight feature to still not function, you then have an issue with the logic board. Our company has the ability to refurbish certain logic boards to repair issues such as this. More information is available at our website.

[@DigiExpress]

@greekmater1 You would need a home flex cable in order for your home button to work. You can use your old one that you took off during the repair , or you can purchase one from our website.

[@DigiExpress]

@this1dudeisaw The backlight feature on the iPod Touch can either be the LED's on the LCD screen or a coil on the logic board itself. To determine which part is damaged you would simply install a known-good LCD screen and if the backlight feature works; you have an LCD screen issue. If you replace the LCD screen and the backlight is still not working, then it is an issue with the coil on the logic board.

[@DigiExpress]

@Moviemaker3004 You would follow the instructions in the video in order to replace the remove the glass by yourself. We do suggest having us take it apart as other parts of the iPod can be damaged. We do see the opening tools on our website.

[@DigiExpress]

@WingmanStarcraft It sounds like you need a new glass digitizer, but first check for any water damage. There is a water sensor in the Headphone Jack, take a light and look in the headphone jack, if you see red or pink then you have water damage. If there is no water damage, then you can safely assume that by replacing the glass digitizer you would get the touch function back. We can sell you the part if you would like or we also do installations, more info is available on our website.

[@DigiExpress]

@Caliburzx Can't say for the dust, we'll have to see it first hand to Diagnose any issues that the sand/dust/dirt may be causing. However, the headphone jack is $19.99 and our Professional Installation service is $25.00. The customer is responsible for shipping. You can get our URL in the details section of our KZbin users page.

[@DigiExpress]

@ryguy425425 The tools are designed to break to make sure there is no incidental damage to the iPod's case. If you happen to have a spare guitar or bass pick/plectrum, you might find that it will last a bit longer and may be easier for you to use. Hope this helps!

[@DigiExpress]

@MasterAnge Yes. That is a common problem. We can replace the headphone jack for you. Please visit our website for details.

[@DigiExpress]

Yes, you can peel of the ribbon cable, however you must be very careful not to tear it. We have many technicians, however we have one guy doing the voice overs in all the videos. We are working on new HD versions that will be more informative and comprehensive. We should have them completed by the end of January.

[@DigiExpress]

@Moviemaker3004 White dots are often caused by what are called "dead pixels." Generally, the only way to remove them is to install a new LCD. Feel free to check our website for more information.

[@DigiExpress]

@KEVINandADAM321 if your iPod has no touch response then the culprit is probably the Digitizer. The replacement Glass Digitizer we sell would be the first step in repair. If there had been any water damage to the iPod then you may have a deeper issue. We can do a Diagnosis on the device if you would like, but generally this iPod would need a replacement Glass Digitizer.

[@DigiExpress]

@CoRkSkr3w Currently our repair times for an iPod Touch 2nd or 3rd generation model is between 3 and 7 days. The turn time depends on what part is damage and what precisely is needed to repair it. For a simple headphone jack installation you should obviously be on the 3 day end of that, however we do have orders placed en mass which is way we say up to 7 days.

[@DigiExpress]

@Dmac344 You would need to take a breather, and try it again. It does take a moment to "feel" where the clips that are holding the backplate and mid-frame together.

[@DigiExpress]

@Swanton4rLife The warranty does not cover physical damage, so if you drop your iPod or get it wet, your warranty is useless. This is an alternative to the warranty. In addition our service is much faster and in most cases cheaper than the warranty program.

[@DigiExpress]

@chimjw Sounds like you need to send your iPod in for a diagnosis. There could be many things that are causing this problem. If you send it in we can tell you what is wrong and would need replaced. Our repair service is $25 and we would be glad to help you out. Thanks have a great day!

[@DigiExpress]

@krkdrummer You'd likely need to replace the LCD screen. The LCD and the backlight are part of the same unit, so the whole LCD would need to be replaced. We offer them for $39.99 on the 2nd Generation iPod Touch and they come with a lifetime warranty.

[@DigiExpress]

@joshleamey It depends on why your iPod isn't turning on. It's possible that it could just be a battery issue, in which case the cost of the repair would be around $124.97 assuming that the screen, the headphone jack, and the battery needs to be replaced. If it's something more serious, such as the main electronic's board, it would end up being cheaper to purchase a new one. We do offer a diagnosis service for $25.00 (which is included in the $124.97). You can call us for more information.

[@poyro6]

do you de solder first? or pull it off then solder the contacts? to the new ribbon cable on a new battery

[@DigiExpress]

@25MineCrafterX5 The 30-pin dock connector is not replaceable on this model.

[@DigiExpress]

@Moviemaker3004 You would need to take off the screen then and clean the inside so the dust is no longer there.

[@ih8y00u]

@Sissy2468 yes, as the glass screen on the very top is the digitizer, but it isnt as easy as it looks and very easy to break other shit (like the frame either when you take the frame off the digitizer or just taking the digitizer off at all) I would reccomend dealing with it.

[@DigiExpress]

@cxpylz The LCD screen itself would probably need to be replaced and is currently $29.99 for the part and our repair service is $25.00 (+s&h). More information is available on our website.

[@DigiExpress]

With the headphones, make sure there is nothing blocking the plug. Also, did you order a headphone jack? You may have to elaborate a little more as to what the full problem is. Also, make sure you're using headphones with the correct size plug. With the home button, make sure you heat it up and take the plastic tool supplied and pry it out. It just sits in a groove on the midframe.

[@DigiExpress]

That is what the video is about, repairing a broken iPod Touch 2G. The digitizer does not need to be broken for you to open it. You can use this video to replace the battery, LCD, ect. We just happend to use one that was broken for the video because we were going to repair it anyway.

[@DigiExpress]

@IhBraveslax22 Repairs for any issue start at $25.00 and if parts are additional there would be an additional cost. The replacement headphone jack part itself is $19.99 for most iPod Touch models. More information is available on our website.

[@MrJajaba12]

Hey I was wondering if you guys can do a battery replacement and also an audio jack replacement?

[@Blade2xtremeFTW]

Awesome vid. just followed this so I can put the prongs for the charger back into place and actually charge it! Now....my home button doesn't work.....any ideas?

[@DigiExpress]

@jrk987 the heat could have shut the device down but it should have come back to "life" when it cooled down. Now if it is extreme heat, 100+ degrees for hours, then it is possible to damage circuitry from overheating. those types of repairs would require examining a logic board for signs of failure and are not recommended to do on your own, though if you were so inclined then you could disassemble the iPod to see if there are any obvious signs of damage.

[@DigiExpress]

@aLiieNzSCX Yes that is the digitizer if it part of the glass.

[@DigiExpress]

@gameking150 You may just need to re-seat the ribbon cable going from the glass digitizer to the logic board. This is what I would assume is the problem, given the description.

[@DigiExpress]

@chunkysalza The headphone jack solder join probably was broken in the drop. You would need to resolder the lead to the pad on the logic board, or just replace the headphone jack with a new one. A replacement headphone jack, OEM quality, is $19.99 on our site.

[@DigiExpress]

Can you glue it back together on the new glass?

[@DigiExpress]

@Holysam112 While there should be no reason at all your data would be erased during the repair, we cannot guarantee your data is unaltered due to the possibility of pre-existing issues with the flash memory and the possibility of damage occurring in transit. A headphone jack repair does not involve any part responsible for the memory, however. In regards to your LCD issue, it sounds more like a software issue than an issue with the LCD. I would recommend attempting a restore. Hope this helps.

[@DigiExpress]

@TheMrcustard If the screen is broken or not responding to your touch, more than likely you will need to replace the digitizer. The cost for an iPod Touch digitizer is $39.99. You may install it yourself or use our professional repair service. We charge a $25 repair and diagnosis fee and you may order this service through our website.

[@DigiExpress]

@xKarla22x It could be the battery or the logic board (Main Electronics Board). The logic board controls the charging of the battery. If you would replace the battery and find it would be doing the same thing, then the issue is with the logic board. There is no easy way to tell. We do sell the batteries (with a lifetime warranty) for $9.99 on the iPod Touch.

[@DigiExpress]

Yes, you should be able to pry it up and attach it to the new frame.

[@aLiieNzSCX]

So the digitizer is the glass piece with the electic strip at the top correct?

[@DigiExpress]

@tomtom2000able Each case of water or moisture damage is separate and unique. What we can recommend is to have a Diagnosis performed which will provide you with an email from our technicians stating what exactly is wrong with the device. It will also list any parts that are necessary for the repair. The Diagnosis service takes 1-2 business days to complete.

[@DigiExpress]

@dag432 yes, we can. It sounds like you need a new back plate. If you check out our website a back plate for a 2G touch is $19.99. Our professionals can install it for you. We charge a $25 repair/diagnosis fee and we guarantee our work for the life of your iPod.You can order online or call us to place an order over the phone. Once you complete your order, print out the invoice and send it in with the iPod.

[@rosshaych01]

also.. is there a way to take of the button from the old digitizer and put it on the new one?

[@DigiExpress]

I would recommend confirming that all of the connections are properly put back together and attached securely. If they are not, that could be the problem. If they are, there could be something a little more into it. Let me check with a iPod tech and I will get back to you later today.

[@DigiExpress]

What did you break and what were you trying to replace?

[@Danharbert4]

You make it look so easy , but i wanted to replace my screen because it was cracked in the corner and when i put the plastic tool in it it instantly cracked all over, with chips even falling off. Do you have any idea what i should do? Can i still fix it?

[@DigiExpress]

@teews64 The metal piece you speak of, if it is the gold z or s shaped piece that is on the logic board then you will not have a working home button again. You would need a new logic board or a replacement board from any various site. I would not recommend attempting to solder the spring back onto the board, as you can damage much more than just the home button functions. You more than likely have just damaged the home button functionality and the rest of the device will work properly.

[@CamdenFenton_]

On the video, you replace the digitizer, is it possible to tell if the digitizer is broken beofre you dismantle it?

[@phxdrummer16]

Is it possible to take apart with OUT breaking the glass?

[@Evan3682]

Is it necesary to get a new digitizer and plastic frame if all that's broken is the front glass? My touch still works fine the screen is just cracked up. What do i need to do and Where can I get the parts and tool to fix this?

[@DigiExpress]

@nonlose Water damage sensors are white, if they are in contact with liquid they turn pink or red.

[@DigiExpress]

It sounds like it is either an LCD issue or an LCD connector issue. Make sure the cable that connects the LCD is properly connected and not damaged.

[@DigiExpress]

@rush2252 Hello! Is your "wi-fi" completely grayed out? Or is it just not working? Try going into "general settings" click "re-set" then click "re-set network settings" You will see the Apple come up. If this doesn't work try a restore. If the Wi-Fi is completely grayed out, you may have a bad Main Board connection. If this is the case, there is no way to cost effectively repair a main electronics board in an iPod touch, as the part exceeds the value of the ipod, and you'll need a new one.

[@DigiExpress]

Correct. The ribbon cable that was cut is part of the battery.

[@DigiExpress]

In some cases, water damaged parts can be replaced. But those instances are only when the device isn't submerged completely and for a long period of time. If it went through the wash cycle, chances are the main logic board is water damaged. If you were to do repairs, chances are the parts and labor would cost more than the device is worth. It's probably less expensive to purchase a new one.

[@serge581]

how much would it cost to replace a headjack and is it hard to?

[@DigiExpress]

It would be best to send it and have a tech take a look at it. You may just need both a new digitizer and LCD screen. The cost for both would be around $170 which is approaching the cost of a new one. It is possible that you may need only one or the other, in which case it would cost half that. But it sounds like you need both.

[@DigiExpress]

@mynameisrichin Those problems are often caused by a faulty headphone jack. Our technicians are able to install those, or you can order the part itself, both options available on our website. Hope this helps!

[@DigiExpress]

@JakesChoiceTV If your home button is not working, it may be caused by the button itself not seating properly or it needing to be replaced altogether, or the Home Flex Cable would need to be replaced. Without seeing it, we'd be unable to tell which unfortunately. Let us know if you have any further questions, or check out our website for more assistance.

[@DigiExpress]

@aquafire07 We can only install the parts that are purchased from our website. If you have purchased the replacement headphone jack from another website, we cannot install it for you.

[@Tubbabowers]

do you need a soldering iron to replace the lcd screen?

[@Karatyguy]

What type of tools do I need and I need help of how to take out everything and replace it to a new rear back cover cause I bought both digitizer and rear back cover so can you help?