well since it's a new battery, and the first one lasted 7 years, I doubt that's the issue. I'd sooner point my finger at that hard drive; if you move the iPod often over the past almost-decade while it's on that will definitely cut into the life of the drive. it's replaceable though, very easily. I worked on a 3rd gen last week replacing the logic before and never before have I found an iPod so easy to work on!