| What should you do when your iPod freezes or you | | | | iPod a rest but you will need to reset your system to |
| frequently see the Sad Face icon appearing on your | | | | revive it. To test your iPod's power, you will need to |
| screen? Do you run to the nearest computer guru or | | | | run the A 2 D test. You will get different outcomes |
| iPod geek and shell out cash that you don't have? | | | | based on where your iPod is getting its power from a |
| Why not learn how to fix some of these yourself! | | | | battery or wall outlet. If your scroll wheel is giving you |
| There are several diagnostic tests you can do to see | | | | fits, run the I.OTPO CNT test. To make sure the |
| if your iPod has a hardware problem. It is nice to turn | | | | screen is functioning properly, run the LCM test. You |
| to the built-in Diagnostic Mode on your iPod to check | | | | will need to keep holding down the "Select" button to |
| for hardware problems. First, you need to restart your | | | | have it run through several patterns. The RTC test will |
| iPod and then put it in Diagnostic Mode. Make sure the | | | | test the real time clock in your iPod. To test the iPod |
| hold switch has been turned off. You can do this by | | | | RAM memory, run the SDRAM test. If you need to |
| pushing the switch away from the headphone jack. | | | | find out what firmware version you have on your iPod, |
| Jiggle it on and off to be sure. To reset your iPod, you | | | | simply run the FLASH test. The OTPO or Wheel A2D |
| will need to press and hold a few buttons at the same | | | | will test the analog to digital input of your iPod's scroll |
| time for about 10 seconds. Hold the "Menu" and "Play | | | | wheel. After this test, you will need to reset your iPod. |
| Pause" buttons down if your iPod is 1G to 3G. If you | | | | Want to know if you have a healthy hard drive? Do |
| have the iPod 4G, you will need to press and hold | | | | the HDD Scan. The RUN IN test will test the chip sets |
| "Menu" and "Select". If your iPod has been reset, you | | | | non-stop. After you have completed all necessary |
| should see the Apple logo and feel the spinning of the | | | | tests, you will need to reset your iPod to get it out of |
| hard drive. Now, press and hold these buttons: "REW", | | | | Diagnostic Mode. |
| "FFW" and "Select" for iPod 1G to 3G and "Back" and | | | | The newer iPod test names are easier to understand |
| "Select" for the iPod 4G. If your model is a 3G or | | | | and won't leave you looking for your nerd dictionary. |
| above, you should hear a bird chirp sound and the | | | | The MEMORY test will test the SDRAM, IRAM, and |
| Apple logo should pop up backwards. You have now | | | | FLASH memory. The SDRAM is the RAM memory |
| reached the mecca of Diagnostic Mode. Keep in mind | | | | test, which may take a few moments. You will want |
| that your scroll wheel will not work when you are in | | | | to see "SDRAM OK". The FLASH test will let you |
| this mode. Using "REW" and "FFW", you can look | | | | know where you iPod stands on flash memory. The |
| through the lists of tests to see which one you might | | | | Comms test will let you know how the ports are |
| need. | | | | faring. You will know if your remote is not connected |
| If your iPod is older, there are some tests you can run | | | | to your iPod if you get a NG, or no good result, for the |
| on 1G to 4G's. The 5 in 1 will run five separate tests at | | | | HP, headphone-port. The Wheel test will test the key |
| one time that include the LCM, SDRAM, RTC, FLASH | | | | and wheel. The LCD test will test the colors, patterns, |
| CHECKSUM. AMD FOREWORE/FW ID. For 3G | | | | and gradients of your LCD. To test your hold switch, |
| iPods, you will hear a jingle when the test has | | | | you will do the Headphone Detect test. When you |
| completed. RESET will tell you if your iPod can reset. | | | | own an iPod, you want to make sure that you have |
| The AUDIO test will check the iPod audio subsystem. | | | | protected your investment. An iPod is not cheap, and |
| If you have a remote, the REMOTE will test it. Make | | | | neither are your music downloads. Keep your iPod in |
| sure your iPod is plugged in or you will get "RMT FAIL" | | | | top working condition by learning a few things you can |
| on your screen. FIREARE will check the FireWire port. | | | | do at home instead of paying someone else to fix it. |
| You want to see "FW PASS". SLEEP will give your | | | | |