X

Click-wheel (4th generation) iPod: Sudden resets (#2); static

Click-wheel (4th generation) iPod: Sudden resets (#2); static

CNET staff
3 min read

Yesterday we reported an issue where new fourth generation (click-wheel) iPods reset sporadically when attempting to play some tracks. We've since received a number of corroborating reports, as well as some suggestions regarding what might be causing the problem and how to fix it.

To reiterate, in a typical scenario, the user is listening to iPod-generated music when it suddenly stops. Users often think the batteries have expired. Then the iPod resets itself, displaying the familiar black Apple logo, and users can return to the track they were previously playing.

Apple technical support response Some users are apparently being told, by Apple technical support, that this is "normal" behavior with physically active or heavy (often) iPod use.

MacFixIt reader Doug writes "I've been experiencing similar issues, although in my case, it happens only when I'm hiking or being active with it and I don't get an apple usually, it just freezes up and I have to reboot myself. I called the local apple help line this morning and they simply said that it was normal for the iPod to freeze-up or skip when being used "actively". A friend of mine (who is an older, wiser Mac user) found that statement to be outrageous and thinks I should try to push the issue on some level. So there it is. My iPod, by the way, is just about two weeks old and this has been a recurrent issue for me since I first purchased it."

3G iPods also affected We've also received a handful of reports noting that this problem exists -- albeit in smaller proportions -- with third-generation iPods.

Dan Davis writes "I can report that my 3G 40 gig iPod purchased in November 2003 has exhibited the same issue, i.e., while playing normally it stops playing music and the Apple logo appears while the unit resets. Playing the same song again does not result in the problem. I've had this experience about 4 times. I cannot relate it to anything else going on with the iPod."

Erase and Restore sometimes helpful Some users have reported that "restoring" and iPod, as explained in Apple Knowledge Base article #60983, reduces the occurrence of the unexpected reset issue.

Note that performing a "restore" process erases the hard disk and restores iPod to its original factory condition, so make sure to back up your songs and files first.

Static We've also been covering a click-wheel iPod static problem, where distracting noise can be heard through the headphone jack when the iPod's hard drive is accessed. This generally occurs when the iPod is transferring data from its hard drive to its RAM buffer (for example, after extended listening or when skipping songs frequently).

MacFixIt reader Brent Green confirms earlier assessments indicating that better headphones make the static noise more apparent, and adds that the noise does not scale with volume -- in other words, the noise is audible even at low volume levels:

"I also have this problem with a new 40GB unit. I did not think I had it at first, but when I got better headphones it was clearly there. Basically the pack-in headphones don't reveal the problem as much.

"Also, I could easily verify that my headphone plug was not coming into contact with the iPods metal case. I could easily see the white plastic around the headphone jack. Some are speculating that the static occurs when the jack touches the metal. Not so in my experience.

"I have noticed that the intensity of the sound does not scale with volume on the iPod. In fact, you can easily turn the volume all the way down and still hear the noise quite easily. It appears to be at a constant level, and independent of the iPods volume."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Resources

  • #60983
  • Late-breakers@macfixit.com
  • More from Late-Breakers