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I cured my iPod Crackling Audio! I have a generation 2 iPod. For some time the audio had been crackling, requiring frequent wiggling of the 3.5mm jack plug. Finally, the left channel disappeared altogether. Everything pointed to a disconnection of the socket so I searched for a repairshop. Apple's exchange plan was too dear for such an old model and a company in the USA could fix it for me but I'd be without it for at least a fortnight. (aagh!) I found a UK company offering headphone socket replacement but, when I contacted them, they said they no longer offered the service. However, they kindly sold me a socket and I found a local repairshop to fit it. For a while, it worked fine but, a week ago, the crackle returned and I've been continually wiggling the plug to keep left and right channels balanced. However, today, as I pulled out the plug, I noticed that it had black rings around the connections. That didn't look good. It took some fine polishing with "Duraglit wool" to bring back the shine on the nickel contacts. I put a drop of "WD-40" (Duck oil) on the plug and worked it in and out of the socket a few times. This cured the audio problems completely! To make sure it doesn't oxidise again, I've smeared the plug with silicone grease and worked it into the socket as well. I hope this little tale helps someone else. :-) The iPod audio socket is notoriously unreliable! July 28, 2005 I ordered a new battery for my 2xUSB 12" G3 iBook (72.69 + VAT) and one for my gen2 iPod (£12.55 + VAT). Cheapest on-line seller I could find was http://www.eurobatteries.com Next day delivery for just £2.95 seemed pretty reasonable. Batteries arrived today. I've fitted and charged them and they seem OK. No complaints, although the iPod battery arrived with a plastic tool and a Torx screwdriver that I couldn't find a use for (I used my penknife). Both batteries arrived with reply-paid address labels for returning the dead batteries. Copyright ©2005 SatCure Updated July 28, 2005 This file may be downloaded for private and personal use but NO part of it may be published in any form without the prior permission of the author.