iPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238), Replacement Headphone Jack (Thin, 80GB / 120GB)

Representative photo. You receive the part named above.

iPod Classic 6G — Replacement Headphone Jack (Thin — 80GB / 120GB)

Used (Apple Original) · Model A1238

iPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238), Replacement Headphone Jack (Thin, 80GB / 120GB)

$13.95

Also for the iPod Classic 6th Gen: Thick (160GB) $15.95 · See all

How do you want it fixed?
Upgrade and save
Shipping box and prepaid label

Pay at checkout by card, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

  • Used (Apple Original). Tested: installed in a working iPod and checked before it ships.
  • 1-year limited warranty · 30-day returns from delivery
  • Free pry tool in the box

Questions about this part? Chat with us or email sales@imods.com.

Not sure what's wrong? Get your free repair quote

Part details

About this part

Overview

iPod Classic 6G Thin — 80GB / 120GB Headphone jack + Hold switch

Headphone jack and Hold switch assembly for thin 80GB and 120GB iPod Classic 6th Generation models. Buy when headphone audio fails, you hear static or one-channel sound, or the Hold switch is stuck — after confirming the symptom is isolated to this assembly.

Fitment snapshot

Apple modelA1238 / EMC 2173
Order numbersMB029LL/A, MB147LL/A (80GB) / MB562LL/A, MB565LL/A (120GB)
Case depthThin — 10.5mm / 0.41 in
Part numbers632-0371, 632-0402, 632-0626, 632-0627, 821-0690
ReleasedSeptember 5, 2007 / September 9, 2008

What Is Included

Included

✓ Replacement Headphone Jack and Hold Switch Assembly (Thin - 80GB / 120GB) ✓ One plastic pry tool ✓ 1-year limited warranty

Fit and specs

Specifications & Fitment

Part Details

Detail Value
Model Number A1238
EMC EMC 2173
Condition Used — factory original Apple part. Normal cosmetic wear expected.
Part Numbers 632-0371, 632-0402, 632-0626, 632-0627, 821-0690

Compatible Variants

Order Number Capacity Color Case Compatible Notes
MB147LL/A 80GB Black thin (0.41 in) Yes —
MB029LL/A 80GB Silver thin (0.41 in) Yes —
MB565LL/A 120GB Black thin (0.41 in) Yes —
MB562LL/A 120GB Silver thin (0.41 in) Yes —
MC297LL/A 160GB (Late 2009) Black thin Yes— fits Fits the Late-2009 thin 160GB (MC293LL/A / MC297LL/A); that model is sold under the iPod Classic 7th Generation (Late 2009) pages.
MC293LL/A 160GB (Late 2009) Silver thin Yes— fits Fits the Late-2009 thin 160GB (MC293LL/A / MC297LL/A); that model is sold under the iPod Classic 7th Generation (Late 2009) pages.
MB150LL/A 160GB Black thick (0.53 in) No— thick-case jack required Doesn't fit the thick 160GB case; use the thick headphone jack / Hold switch assembly.
MB145LL/A 160GB Silver thick (0.53 in) No— thick-case jack required Doesn't fit the thick 160GB case; use the thick headphone jack / Hold switch assembly.
iPod Video 5G / 5.5G slim-case units (MA002LL/A, MA146LL/A, MA444LL/A, MA446LL/A, MA452LL/A, MA664LL/A): In a slim-case iPod Video this assembly fits and handles sound and Hold, but loses TV out through the jack (the Video sends video through its headphone jack; the Classic does not) — order from the iPod Video page that matches your model.
Late-2009 160GB Classic (MC293LL/A, MC297LL/A): Same assembly; sold under the iPod Classic 7th Generation pages.

Install and repair

Install Overview

Rather not open it? Choose We Fix It above: mail your iPod in and we fit it. Turnaround is typically 3 to 5 business days. 1-year limited warranty.

Very difficult opening

The iPod Classic 6th Generation uses metal clips. The thin metal case and rear panel can be damaged if pried too aggressively. Use proper opening tools and work slowly around the perimeter.

Battery flex cable latch is fragile

The battery flex cable uses a small locking tab. Lift it straight up by about 1mm — do not pull sideways or you may break the latch off the board.

Headphone/hold ribbon ZIF latch

Flip the small black locking tab to 90 degrees before pulling the orange ribbon. Forcing the ribbon without releasing the latch can tear the connector.

Hold switch alignment during reassembly

When reinstalling the Hold switch, align the locating pin near the silver screw hole first. Confirm the switch slides freely before securing the screws.

Before You Discard The Original

Some replacement assemblies include the white plastic Hold switch slider preassembled. Others may require transferring the slider from your original assembly. Check the replacement part before discarding your original.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hold switch part of this assembly?

Yes. On every iPod Classic 6th Generation variant, the Hold switch is physically part of the headphone jack assembly. When you replace the headphone jack, you also replace or transfer the Hold switch.

My iPod only plays through one headphone — is this the right part?

Maybe. First test with known-good headphones and confirm the plug is fully inserted. If one-channel audio persists and the problem follows the jack, not the headphones, this assembly is a strong candidate.

How do I tell thin from thick for this headphone jack assembly?

Check the capacity engraved on the back of your iPod. 80GB and 120GB models use the thin assembly (10.5mm case depth). The original September 2007 160GB uses the thick assembly (13.5mm case depth). The Late 2009 thin 160GB (MC293LL/A, MC297LL/A) shares the thin case depth and takes this same thin assembly; that model is sold under the iPod Classic 7th Generation pages. Engraving worn off? Worn engraving need not stop identification: confirm the case depth (10.5 mm thin, 13.5 mm thick) and the assembly actually installed. Weight and serial describe the original unit — Apple's figures are about 162 g for the thick 160GB and 140 g for the thin 80GB and 120GB — and can mislead after a backplate, drive or battery change, so use them only as supporting clues. Match the physical case depth and installed assembly before ordering; the serial and engraving identify the original build and can mislead after a swap.

Refurbished units often wear swapped backplates, so trust the internals — the drive class and the code printed on the battery — over the engraving or the seller's title.

Does this fit Late 2009 thin 160GB?

Yes. The Late 2009 thin 160GB (MC293LL/A, MC297LL/A) shares the A1238 model number and thin 10.5mm case depth, and this thin headphone jack assembly fits it.

What if the headphone-jack ribbon or its mounting support is loose?

Inspect the attachment before replacing electrical parts. The assembly mounts to the inner frame; damage caused while opening the case can leave it loose. If the mounting or a connector is damaged, do not force the case closed: send the iPod in for our free diagnostic.

Free diagnostic

Broken iPod? We can help.

Mail us your iPod and we will test it and send you a free repair quote. If you don't like our price, we will ship your iPod back at our expense.

How mail-in repair works

  1. Order the free diagnostic

    Choose your iPod. Add our shipping box and prepaid label if you need one.

  2. Mail us your iPod

    Pack it with your work order. No printer? Put a note in the box with your name, return address, email, order number and what is wrong.

  3. Approve your quote

    We test it and email your free repair quote. Most repairs are finished within 3 to 5 business days after you approve the quote.