iPod Classic 7G — Replacement Headphone Jack

Yes: push the plug in all the way and try another pair of headphones. If it still plays in one ear, the headphone jack is the likely fault.

Match the assembly to capacity and case thickness: this is the 160 GB thin build's assembly. This is the thin headphone/Hold assembly, the right part for a verified late-2009 thin 160GB build. Capacity alone does not settle it: the thick 2007 160GB Classic takes its own thick assembly (see its own page), while this thin assembly also fits the thin 80GB and 120GB. When the rear engraving is worn away, confirm the build itself: the order number, the serial from the About screen, or a look at the parts installed. Weight is a supporting check against the original specification only, because a replaced case, drive or battery changes it. Sellers list this thin assembly across the thin Classic family, so match it to your own hardware before you order.

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.

Push the plug in all the way and try another pair of headphones. If it still plays in one ear, the headphone jack is the likely fault.

Unplugging the headphones pauses the song on this model, so a worn jack or a loose plug can stop songs by itself. If it stays locked, slide Hold off (no orange showing) and reset it (hold Menu + Center); a broken or stuck Hold switch is fixed by this assembly.