Is it possible to fix a rarely working accelerometer, without opening?

For a while, my iPods accelerometer has stopped working. I've dropped it twice and have noticed a half-inch long dent on the back. The dent is in between the memory amount and the apple logo, all the way to the left. I am very frustrated with this problem. I'd rather not go to the Apple Store :3 I have noticed that if I leave my iPod on a flat table for 8 or so hours, it starts working for a second... I'm did not get an extended warranty, it doesn't really matter because I got it April 2010.