How to Fix a Remote Control

By eHow Electronics Editor

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A couch potato without a remote control is like a king or queen without a scepter, but what do you do if the scepter is broken? Don't let your favorite spud lie helplessly on the sofa. Many remote-control problems can be fixed easily.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

New Batteries
Nail File
Pencil Eraser

Step1

Open the remote and confirm that the batteries are there.

Step2

Assuming the batteries are present and not caked in acid (a bad thing), double-check that they are inserted correctly. Someone could have dropped your remote and hastily scooped up the batteries, then surreptitiously reinstalled them the wrong way.

Step3

While you're checking the battery installation, make sure that the contacts for the batteries aren't corroded or bent. You can clean them with a pencil eraser followed by a nail file. If necessary, gently bend them back to their correct position.

Step4

Try a fresh pair of batteries. Be sure to put them in the right way.

Step5

If your remote is a universal model that can be programmed to control multiple devices, consult the manual (or look on the maker's Web site) to find out how to reinitialize it. Maybe it has forgotten its codes.

Step6

Check to see if the problem is with the TV or another component that you're trying to control. Try unplugging it for a minute and plugging it back in. Some VCRs have a "parental" mode that locks a remote and/or "timer" modes that shut down a remote until the mode is turned off.

Step7

Test to see if the remote is getting interference from other electrical devices in the room. To do this, turn off absolutely everything except the device you're trying to control.

Tips & Warnings

Remote controls are so attractive to dogs that they might as well be bone shaped. If Spot ruins yours, consider replacing it with a programmable model.
Can't find the code for your programmable remote? Try www.xdiv.com/remotes/ for a list of codes for lots of different manufacturers.

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Comments

andy4254 said

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on 11/29/2007 GREAT IF ALL THAT FAILS AND YOU HAVE TO PUSH HARD ON THE BUTTONS TO MAKE THEM WORK.. OR IF SOME BUTTONS DO NOT WORK WHILE SOME DO.. YOU SHOULD TRY THE KEYPAD REPAIR KIT, SOLD AT REPLACEMENTREMOTES.COM... THIS WORKED FOR ME.

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