iPhone Battery Replacement

iPod Nano 3rd Gen - Technical Whitepaper
Description:  The iPod Nano 3rd Generation. 

Battery Installation Difficulty
We would rate this installation 4 out of 5 screw drivers (Hard) in terms of difficulty. 


Physical Attributes

        Battery Type: Li-Polymer
        Battery Connector: Soldered Direct Wiring        
        Battery Voltage: 3.7v

        Casing Type: Metal Shell Design
        Screen Size: 
        Scrolling Type: Click Wheel      

Device Information

        Manufacture:  Apple™
        Operating System:  Proprietary

        Capacity Options:  

        Year Introduced: 200x


iPod Nano 3rd Gen Disassembly Procedure  

Disclaimer: Opening the case will void the manufacture warranty if any remains.  TopTechies is not responsible for damage or problems that may result from following the disassembly and replacement procedures.  Please observe all static safe precautions while working inside your iPod.  These instructions require a moderate level of technical ability and proficiency in the use of hand tools as well as a general understanding of electronic components.  Buyer assumes full responsibility for the installation of this replacement battery.

Preperation: Start with a clean, open table that has good light.  Take the two opening tools out of the battery blister package and set them aside.  Don't forget to shutdown the iPod prior to working on it.

Required Tools: Case opening tools, micro phillips & flathead screwdriver, soldering iron

Step #1 - Power Off iPod
Make sure the power is turned off on the unit.

Step #2 - Open the Case
Removing the casing is the trickiest part with this model iPod.  Take your time and it is not uncommon to fail multiple times before you successfully crack the case.  Try not to use any metal tools like a screwdriver as they will cause damage to the case!  Stick to the enclosed case opening tools or any other hard plastic items available at home.

Start by laying your iPod face-up on a soft work surface.  Insert the tapered end of the case opening tool between the acrylic front and metal back casing of the iPod.  The best place to start is near the bottom of the iPod.

Slowly work the tool down the length of the body towards the top end with a gentle prying motion.  This will release the interneal clips allowing the two halves to part.  The metal back casing will now lift away once the bottom clips are released.  Set the metal back casing to the side in a safe area.  The battery should be exposed on the top.

Step #2 - Remove Motherboard Assembly
     a. Remove the six screws located on the bottom 1/3 of Nano.  Review image below for location of each screw.  Important: Some of the screws are differrent sizes and you needs to keep track where each goes.

     b. Disconnect the ribbon cable located on the right side of the Nano.  The ribbon is locked in place with a pressure arm that pivots up and down. Lift up on this arm with the case opening tool to release the ribbon cable.  Gently, pull the ribbon cable away from the connector.

     c. Remove the thin metalic edge casing piece on the left hand side.  Make note of how it fits for reassembly.  Also, note the location of the three battery wires on the left hand side.  These are the wires that need to be disconnected.

     d. Gently pull the battery and motherboard assembly up and away to release it from the dock connector frame.  Fold it to the left and you will notice a cable that attaches to the display.  You need to get to the back side of the board so you can see where the battery wires are terminated.  You should now have enough clearance to unsolder the three wire battery connections.

Step #3 - Remove Battery
     a. Use the case opening tool to leverage the battery up and out.  Start at one corner and slowly move around to each corner using a leveraging motion until the battery is removed.

     b. Plug in the soldering iron and bring it up to a high temperature.  Make note the color order where each wire goes prior to unsoldering!  Unsolder the three wire connections going from the battery to the motherboard.  Touch the hot iron tip to each solder joint on the board where the wire enter.  The wires should pop out as the solder is melted.  The battery should be completely removed at this stage.


Battery Installation Procedure  

Step #1 - Insert Battery
Put the new battery in and position it identical to the old one.  Properly solder the three wires into the proper locations on the motherboard.  Let the iPod motherboard cool down between soldering each wire.  You don't want to overheat the system board!

Step #2 - Install Motherboard
Install the motherboard back into place.  Replace all connectors, screws, & edge casing piece.

Step #3 - Reassemble Case
We recommend testing the iPod prior to assembling the case.  When ready, line it up and gently snap the two halves of the iPod together. 

Step #4 - Power On & Charge
Make sure that you charge the battery for a minimum of 3 hours of uninterrupted time.  Overnight is better once it's plugged into it's power adapter.

Congratulations!  You've completed the battery installation procedure for the iPod Nano 3rd Generation.