iPod Nano LCD Repair
Last modified Sun, Sep 2, 2007

How to Install an LCD Screen in your iPod Nano 1st generation.

For iPod Nano 2G LCD repair

The following is provided courtesy of our good friends at Kokopelli Music. Kokopelli provides iPod replacements parts and services for all your iPod repair needs. While the following "do it your self instructions" may refer to Kokopelli parts they are useful and apply no matter where you purchased your replacement LCD screen. Editors

This step by step guide will walk you through a simple procedure to replace your iPod Nano 1G screen. The LCD (screen) or liquid crystal diode screen needs to be replaced for any number of reasons, the most common, a cracked lcd screen, blinking screen, dark or dead iPod screen. The good news about this particular type of broken iPod is it is a relatively simple and inexpensive matter to do this screen repair. One other thing, when you're finished you'll have a brighter ipod Nano, the satisfaction of having done it yourself and you will have saved a bunch of money too!

That said if you don't feel up to the task you can easily send it off to Kokopelli or one of the other recomended service listed on the side.

Now a few words of advice from Jeff at Kokopelli before you start:

Go slow! Read the instructions, study the photos. NEVER force something, because most likely it will break. If you do break something, or if something comes unplugged that shouldn’t be, don’t panic, just stay calm, and if you don’t think you can fix it, just email us at kokopellimusic we will do our best to help you. If you decide you’d rather have us do the replacement for you, STOP, go to our website and purchase the “Installation Only” option, and we’ll be happy to do the rest of the job for much less than it will cost you to replace your iPod.

Get your tools together and let's "get 'er done".

Tools required: 2 nylon tools (included); 1 small Phillips screwdriver (not included); 1 small slot-head screwdriver or knife blade (not included). Time required: 15 to 30 minutes
1. Using the 2 nylon tools, open the iPod. Start with the small nylon tool, insert it on a long side, run it around, insert the other
2. Remove the back plate and set aside.
3. Pry up the battery from the right side. NOTE: if you are also replacing the battery, this is a good time to remove it, either by de-soldering it (if you have a very small soldering gun) or just cutting the wires. If you are keeping the battery, DO NOT cut the wires!
4. Unscrew the 3 small screws (2 with fine thread and 1 with coarse thread) around the outside of the main board. To remove one of the screws, you may need to peel back a bit of protective tape.
5. Lift up the end of the main board about 1/4 i
6. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver pry up the front of the board about _”. The LCD screen is held with adhesive and it will pull away. Be very careful not to scratch the inside of the LCD screen window!
7. There are 2 clips on the LCD screen which attach the bottom of the LCD screen to the main board. Pop the clips away from the main board.
8. Slide the LCD screen out, towards the top of the iPod.
9. Turn the iPod face-up, being careful to keep all the loose pieces together!
10. Lift up the face plate as shown.
11. Lift up the LCD screen. Underneath the LCD screen you'll see a small ribbon cable connector with a black tab. Flip up the black tab. The LCD screen ribbon cable should slide out easily.
12. Remove the LCD screen.
13. Insert the new LCD screen ribbon cable into the connector, and flip the black tab down to lock the ribbon cable in place.
14. Peel back the protective film from the LCD screen.
15. Slide the LCD screen back on to the main board.
16. Carefully push the main board back into the case.
17. Push the battery (new or old) where it belongs. If new, see our battery installation instructions for details on how to attach the Nano battery.
18. Reinsert the 3 screws, making sure the one with the coarse thread goes in the middle, and the 2 with fine thread go near the bottom.
19. Make sure all the tiny metal tabs on the case are pushed down so they're aligned with the case surface and not sticking up.
20. Make sure the hold switch on the iPod is aligned with the case, then snap the iPod together. That’s it… you’re done!

If you notice anything unusual – say , odd characters on the screen, or an error message, or a dim or flickering screen – turn the iPod off, fully charge the battery, and turn it back on. If that doesn’t work, reset the iPod by pressing and holding the Menu and Center (Select) buttons simultaneously until the Apple logo appears, about 6 to 10 seconds.