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For the iPod Classic 7th GenModel A1238
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iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen hard drive replacement guide ›iPod Classic 7G — Hard Drive ZIF Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Used (Apple Original) · Model A1238
$9.95
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We are not selling this part at the moment.
- 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
- Completed repairs aren't refundable. If a part we fitted fails within a year, we repair it again.
Questions about this part? Chat with us or email sales@imods.com.
Not sure what's wrong? Get your free repair quotePart details
About this part
Overview
Replacement internal cable for iPod Classic 7G. Use it when the ribbon is creased, loose, or failing at the connector before blaming the whole attached assembly.
Fitment snapshot
What Is Included
What this part might fix
Help pages, step by step, for problems this part might fix:
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. |
Compatible Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB147LL/A | 80GB | Black | thin | Yes— compatible | Same thin-Classic part class; unit is the 2007 thin 80GB Classic — sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages |
| MB565LL/A | 120GB | Black | thin | Yes— compatible | Same thin-Classic part class; unit is the Late-2008 thin 120GB Classic — sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages |
| MC297LL/A | 160GB | Black | thin | Yes | — |
| MC293LL/A | 160GB | Silver | thin | Yes | — |
| MB150LL/A | 160GB | Black | thick | No— thick-case 2007 160GB part set | The 2007 thick 160GB rear case, battery, hard drive, HDD cable, bumpers and headphone jack are not compatible with thin models; sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages |
| MB145LL/A | 160GB | Silver | thick | No— thick-case 2007 160GB part set | The 2007 thick 160GB rear case, battery, hard drive, HDD cable, bumpers and headphone jack are not compatible with thin models; sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages |
Install and repair
Step-by-step guide
iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen hard drive replacement
Tools: Plastic opening picks (two or three), Thin metal opening tool, Plastic spudger or tweezers, Phone camera, Anti-static wrist strap or mat, Soft cloth, Computer with iTunes or the Finder, and a USB cable, Headphones you know work
- Open the caseUnplug any cable. Switch the iPod off (hold Play/Pause until the screen goes dark) and slide Hold to locked. Open it as our opening guide shows: plastic picks keep the seam open along one long side while the tip of a thin metal tool pushes each clip in toward the front panel, rocking on the steel back's rim. Free both long sides, then the one clip in the middle of the top edge, between the Hold switch and the headphone jack. Leave the bottom edge clipped: it is the hinge.
- Unplug the battery firstPart the top ends a little, no further: the battery ribbon and the headphone ribbon still join the two halves. Now and then the drive comes away stuck to the back half, or the battery plug pops out as the case opens, so check for both, and ease a stuck drive back down into the front half.
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.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right hard-drive cable?
One cable fits every 7th Gen: the same ZIF drive cable as the thin 6th Gen (the thick 6th Gen 160GB uses its own cable).
When is the cable more likely than the drive?
A cable becomes more likely when it is creased, loose, corroded, or fails after reseating, especially if known-good storage still behaves the same way. On this model the cable is rarely the fault: if the drive is not to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Is this an iPod Classic?
Apple sold this model as iPod classic (Late 2009). '7th Generation' is common repair-market shorthand for the thin 160GB A1238 model, not an official Apple product name. Every metal-front Classic says A1238, so the model number alone cannot tell you which one you have. This page is for the late-2009 thin 160GB (MC293LL/A silver, MC297LL/A black). Apple's figures for it are 140 g and 10.5 mm deep — supporting checks, not proof: a replaced case, drive or battery changes the weight, so on a modified or refurbished unit check Settings > About (it shows the model) before ordering.
Can the hard drive be replaced with flash storage?
Yes: our flash mod service fits flash storage (up to 1TB on the 7th Gen) on this same ribbon, by mail.
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
Order the free diagnostic
Choose your iPod. Add our shipping box and prepaid label if you need one.
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.
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.