Ipod Problem - Battery Symbol/Update Issue

Gander

I have an old ipod (4th generation/click wheel) that's been temperamental for a while when it comes to charging ie holding charge sometimes and not others. I recently connected to my laptop and itunes advised there was an update. I did the update but was left with a picture of a plug and socket on the ipod and a message on itunes to say it had to be connected to a mains charger to finish the update. I don't have an apple charger so tried my mobile phone charger but no success. I've tried resetting the ipod several times but the plug/socket symbol remains or alternates between that and a picture of a battery with an exclamation mark. Thinking the battery may be the problem due to earlier charging issues, i replaced it but it's still the same! Can anyone please suggest a fix? Thank you.

billywhizz

Does iTunes recognise it, can you restore it from itunes?

You could try this

http://www.ifans.com/forums/threads/how-to-force-ipod-ipad-or-iphone-into-restore-mode.2790/

Gander

Thank you but this link seems to be for ipod touch.

Resetting whilst connected to laptop doesn't give me the apple logo, just the battery with exclamation symbol then back to plug/socket.

Itunes does not recognise the ipod nor does the laptop.

richard734

Nope, you need to plug it into the mains. The older ipods always needed this after a restore and I guess the update has been treated like one.
If you dont have teh 'Apple' plug, and mains USB adaptor and the apple cable will work (Kindle, Blackberry to think of 2 that I know work)
I have heard that plugging into a USB 3 port will also clear it, but I have not tried this myself.

Gander

I've tried the usb cable with the mains plug on my mobile phone and also tried all usb ports on my laptop and a desk top. Nothing helps. Any thoughts on the battery symbol and exclamation mark - ive replaced the battery but its still there. Thanks for your help

billywhizz

Can you get it into diagnostic mode?

http://www.command-tab.com/2006/03/30/hidden-ipod-commands/

Gander

No it won't go into diagnostic mode.