By James Clark
If you own an iPod, chances are it is one of the first items you pack in your carry-on luggage as you prepare for a trip. The devices carry thousands of songs, and the newest models as of September 2009, including the 4th-generation Nano, can play videos as well.
Each model year brings a slightly different design, although all iPod Nanos have factory-sealed cases. This creates some challenges when the battery begins to fade away.
Apple guarantees the Nano battery for a year, after which you can either replace the Nano, pay a shop to replace the battery or attempt the repair yourself. Replacement batteries are available almost everywhere iPods are sold. You just need to follow a few relatively easy steps to change out the old battery.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Things You'll Need:
- Replacement battery
Small, flat-blade screwdriver
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
- Replacement battery
- Small, flat-blade screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
Step 1
Take the Nano with you when buying a new battery so you can get the correct replacement part, or wait until you return from your trip and order a new battery using the model number on the Nano. Most electronics retailers that carry iPods also sell replacement batteries.
Step 2
Turn off the Nano and activate the "Hold" feature so the device cannot switch on while you are replacing the battery.
Step 3
Place the Nano faceup on a flat surface with a towel underneath to prevent it from scratching and sliding around.
Step 4
Insert the flat edge of a small screwdriver into the side of the Nano case between the plastic cover and the metal backing, gently prying up the cover. Work around the gap you've created in the two halves by sliding the blade around the edge slowly to loosen the case until it pops apart.
Step 5
Turn the case over and set the metal back aside.
Step 6
Lift out the old battery from the compartment and clip the three attached wires as close to the old battery as possible.
Step 7
Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from each of the three wires attached to the iPod and do the same for the three wires attached to the new battery unless they are already stripped.
Step 8
Align each wire from the battery to the matching wire color in the iPod, twisting each pair of wires together.
Step 9
Cut a 1/2-inch piece of electrical tape and wrap it around the exposed wires of each pairing. Wrap the tape completely around the exposed wires that you've twisted together, so that when you're finished, you have three splices wrapped in black tape--one for each pair of colored wires.
Step 10
Fit the new battery into the compartment.
Step 11
Place the metal back cover over the exposed electronics, align the two Nano covers and press them together until they click shut.
Step 12
Charge the Nano before using.
About the Author:
James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.
