Audio Systems: ipod problems, battery charger, merry christmas

Question
Hello Cleggan,

Thank you for answering my question and giving me the stores that I can go to buy Ipod parts if I need to (but I just wonder if I can replace it by myself or get it replaced professionally?)

I forgot to tell you one thing. About a month ago, this also happened to me, exactly the same thing. Nothing lit up when I charged the battery, and I checked the outlet & everything, still, nothing happened.

But about more than a week later, miracle happened. I tried to charge it (exactly the same way again), it lit up. I don't understand, if something really caused the trouble, it won't work - until it got fixed, right?

But I didn't fix anything, just leave it idle for a while, then it worked ... do you have any ideas what is going on?

battery ?? charger ?? the inside parts ?? outlet ?? there are so many theories here .. but I don't know which one .. just leave it there for a couple weeks, then it works again .

What do you think ?? and thank you for helping me untangle this mystery... and have a beautiful week

Sincerely,
Vanessa Thieu
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Cleggsan,

I have an ipod. I don't know what is the problem with it, is it because of the battery (I bought it since Sept 05 and not use it that often)? or is it because of something else?

When I plug the ipod for charging, I don't see anything on the screen (usually, I'm supposed to see it's telling that it's charging)

Thank you very much for your concern, and have a very very beautiful merry Christmas

Sincerely,
Vanessa Thieu
-----Answer-----
Thank you.  Yes, it should indicate the battery is charging.  Make sure the charge is plugged into an active outlet.  Try a lamp or something in the same outlet to verify that it is live.

Then, check the cord coming from the wall outlet into the charger to make sure it is getting a good connection.

You can probably purchase a new battery charger cheaper than repairing this one if you determine it to be defective.  You can get parts for the iPod at places like BestBuy and CircuitCity places.

Does this help? Let me know if you shall need more guidance.

Best Holiday Wishes,
Cleggsan


Answer
You could have a bad connection inside or with the wire connecting the unit.  Wiggle the wires coming out of the outlet, to the base of the unit, gently shake the charger, etc.  It is not uncommon to have a broken wire inside the molded cable ends (caused by the crimping machine at the factory when the wires are staked and molded) or cold solder joints, etc.  By probing around you may just find the trouble.  Fixing it could be a matter of replacing the power cord or having someone resolder a connection along the way.

Good Luck,
Cleggsan