Why do some songs on my iPod have static or sound "funny" and distorted?

Assuming that the songs in question were not intentionally recorded to sound "funny", distorted, or static-laden, this most likely means that either the headphones are dying or the audio jack is failing.

First, try using the headphones with another audio source -- like a computer or "old school" stereo -- and see if the audio is still problematic. If it still sounds distorted or has static, the headphones should be replaced. If the headphones work properly in another device, then the problem is most likely the audio jack in your iPod.

Inspect the audio jack and see if it is noticeably cracked or damaged, although it still may need repair even if damage is not visible (it could be a bad solder connection or other internal hardware problem). Try the Apple recommended "five R's" for good measure as well.

Also see: How do I replace the headphone/audio jack in the iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano, and iPod touch models?

Why won't my iPod display turn on? Is it broken?

If the display on your iPod remains black when you try to use it, first check to make sure that the hold switch isn't locked. Assuming you have unlocked the iPod, it is most likely that the battery is dead rather than that the display is broken, so try charging the battery.

If you have tried charging the battery for at least half an hour, and the display still is black, try connecting the iPod to its host computer and copying songs or other files to the iPod. Then try deleting these files. If this works properly, it is most likely that someone -- one of your jackass friends or siblings, perhaps -- has turned the contrast to black so that nothing is visible.

Since you cannot see the display to navigate to the correct contrast setting, you will need to "Restore" your iPod to factory settings. This will delete everything on the iPod, so be certain you have everything backed up first.

If restoring the iPod to its original factory settings doesn't work, you likely have a dead display or another hardware problem and service will be needed.

Also see:

• How do I replace the glass cover, digitizer and display in the iPod touch models?
• How do I replace the display in the iPod nano models?
• How do I replace the display in the full-size iPod and iPod mini models?

How can I make my iPod hard drive quiet if it is making a funny "grinding" or "clicking" noise?

If you have a "full-size" old school iPod or an iPod mini -- which have hard drives -- and it has started making an unpleasant "grinding" or "clicking" noise, it is highly likely that the drive is failing. Make sure everything on your iPod is backed up and scan the disk for errors.

If the disk scan indicates that there is a problem that cannot be fixed, you likely will need to have the hard drive replaced or otherwise have the iPod repaired.

What is the largest capacity hard drive I can install in a full-size iPod?

The largest capacity hard drive available for the "full-size" iPod 5th Gen models -- the iPod 5th Gen (with Video), iPod U2 Edition 5th Gen, iPod 5th Gen - Enhanced, and iPod U2 Edition 5th Gen Enhanced -- is the 240 GB dual-platter Toshiba MK2431GAH. This hard drive is not compatible with the subsequently introduced iPod "classic" models.

Also see: How do I replace the hard drive in my full-size iPod model or iPod mini?