Representative photo. You receive the part named above.
iPod Classic 7G — Replacement Logic Board
Used (Apple Original) · Model A1238
$225.95
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Not for sale right now
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 820-2437-A logic board for the 160GB (2009) iPod Classic — the board this generation shipped with. The same 820-2437-A number is printed on the earlier 120GB board, so check the capacity and order number before you choose. Use it only after battery, storage, cable, dock, display, audio, and click-wheel checks point back to the board. Also called the motherboard.
Fitment snapshot
What Is Included
What this part might fix
Help pages, step by step, for problems this part might fix:
- Won't turn on
- Got wet
- Overheating
- Center button not working
- Not showing up in iTunes
- Won't charge
- Keeps turning off
- Black screen
- Headphone jack not working
- Buttons not working
- White screen
- No sound
- Please wait, very low battery
- Lines on screen
- Click wheel not working
- Volume too low or stuck
- Backlight not working
- Static noise
- Flash mod problems
- Stuck in disk mode
- Won't sync
- Won't restore
- Won't hold a charge
- Dropped
- Not working after a repair
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. |
| SoC | Samsung S5L8702 |
| Audio CODEC | Cirrus Logic CS42L55 |
| Power Management | NXP PCF50635 |
| USB Charger IC | Linear Technology LTC4066 |
| OEM Part |
820-2437-A (160GB / 2009 build — the same number is printed on the earlier 120GB board, which is a separate listing) |
Compatible Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MB147LL/A | 80GB | Black | thin | Yes— runs it | This Late 2009 board runs every 6th/7th Gen version and its drive; this unit shipped with its own 6th Gen board (sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages). |
| MB565LL/A | 120GB | Black | thin | Yes— runs it | This Late 2009 board runs every 6th/7th Gen version and its drive; this unit shipped with its own 6th Gen board (sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages). |
| MC297LL/A | 160GB | Black | thin | Yes— this listing | The 160GB (2009) build this board comes from |
| MC293LL/A | 160GB | Silver | thin | Yes— this listing | The 160GB (2009) build this board comes from |
| MB150LL/A | 160GB | Black | thick | Yes— runs it | This Late 2009 board runs every 6th/7th Gen version and its drive; this unit shipped with its own 6th Gen board (sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages). |
| MB145LL/A | 160GB | Silver | thick | Yes— runs it | This Late 2009 board runs every 6th/7th Gen version and its drive; this unit shipped with its own 6th Gen board (sold under the iPod Classic 6th Generation pages). |
Install and repair
Step-by-step guide
iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen logic board replacement
Tools: Plastic opening picks (two or three), Thin metal opening tool, Phillips #00 screwdriver, Plastic spudger and tweezers, Anti-static wrist strap and mat, Small dish or marked paper, Soft, clean cloth and an air blower, Charger, headphones you know work and a computer
- 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
What Replacement Logic Board models does this fit?
This is the 820-2437-A board for the 160GB (2009) build: MC293LL/A (160GB Silver) and MC297LL/A (160GB Black). The earlier 120GB builds MB562LL/A and MB565LL/A carry the same 820-2437-A print on their own Late-2008 board (see the Late-2008 120GB logic board page), and this Late 2009 board runs them and their drives too. Because the printed number is the same on both, go by the capacity your iPod reports or its order number, and ask us if it will not start and you cannot read either.
Do I need to solder?
No, this installation does not require soldering. Difficulty: Very Difficult. Estimated time: 1 - 2 hours.
How do I know if this logic board needs replacement?
Consider the logic board only after power, storage, cable, display, audio, and control checks isolate a board fault.
Can water damage, liquid, or corrosion make this logic board the right repair?
Look for visible liquid residue, corrosion, burned parts, lifted pads, or damaged board connectors. Do not use a parts swap as the only test when liquid damage is present; clean and inspect the board first. Look for corrosion, residue, lifted contacts, or darkened connector areas. Check whether damage is on the replaceable part or on the board-side connector. Choose this logic board only when the failure is isolated to the board after the external and replaceable-part checks.
The battery connector broke off the board — can I just run it on the cable?
Owners describe it as: the battery cable or its connector came off the logic board during a repair, and the question is whether the iPod can still be used plugged in.
Owners disagree — some report a 12V FireWire-type supply runs it, one owner of this model reports it did not; treat cable-only running as unreliable.
Once the socket has left the board, no battery fixes it: our fix is a new logic board (this listing, or We Fix It above). Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party port, latch or chip), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Prevention, for the next time the case is open: lift the brown lock tab straight up and pull the ribbon straight out. The connector is frail and breaks if it is shifted sideways.
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.
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.