iPod Special Report: Remote Control problems

While problems with the iPod remote have been few and far between, there are some specific issues - some of which appear after applying one of the iPod software updaters.

MacFixit reader Jason writes "I have a 20 GB iPod and since updating it with the [iPod 2.2] updater, it is recognized fine by my Mac and everything seemed to work fine until I started playing sound files. Anytime I use the remote to rewind or fast forward, the music being played becomes garbled for a few seconds then the iPod shuts off. Once I turn it back on, everything works fine again, until I use the remote. The volume and pause/play buttons on the remote work fine. Rewinding and fast forwarding using the scroll wheel still works fine as well. There just seems to be a problem with the remote."

Other problems we've heard include the remote muting one or more of the headphone channels

If you are having remote problems, try calling Apple's iPod support line and discussing the problem. Or you can use Apple's service request page to order repair/replacement. If you don't have a warranty, there will be a charge for the service.

MacFixIt reader John has posted a reverse engineering document of the second-generation iPod remote (the version that has the touch-sensitive scroll wheel). "The remote probably works exactly as-is with the first generation iPod (with the mechanical scroll wheel). The newest ipods (thinner, rounder, and with 4 buttons in-line) has a similar remote, but with a different square 4-pin remote connector -- I don't know the new pinout, and suspect that it has microphone-in and/or line-in capabilities." More.

• When songs won't play
• Warning about Windows DRM and the iPod
• Using Apple's Disk Utility, other disk tools to solve iPod directory/permissions problems
• USB 2.0 synchronization/data transfer problems
• Audio dropouts, pauses
• Revitalizing a frozen/unresponsive iPod
• Sudden, Unexpected Resets
• Repair difficult, replacement often cheaper: Cracked LCD screens and more
• Quirkiness when synchronizing with high-power USB 1.1 ports
• Mac freezes when going to sleep with iPod connected
• iTunes-purchased tracks won't transfer to iPod
• iTunes crash on iPod connection; solutions
• iSight interference
• Falling Asleep (appearing off) suddenly
• iPod-stored tracks cannot use some iTunes features
• Updater software issues
• Shuffle USB connectivity issues
• Remote Control problems
• iPod not showing up in iTunes
• Batteries: Charging, maintaining capacity, maximizing life; more
• Preferences not sticking
• Extracting files from an iPod to a Mac
• Distorted/static sound
• Dealing with Smart Playlists
• AppleCare for iPods
• Complaints about Apple earbud quality; alternatives
• Data loss -- Music disappears from iPod

Resources