How to Fix a Remote Control

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New Batteries
• Nail File
• Pencil Eraser

1. Open the remote and confirm that the batteries are there.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

[sceadugenga]

on 4/10/2009 Just saw a tip that you can tell if the infrared is or is not working by looking at the lens on the remote through the view finder of a digital camera and pushing a button.

[dick-in-indy]

on 2/6/2009 I rejuvenated the buttons on several remotes by applying fine powdered graphite to the back of the buttons. The graphite is usually sold in small tubes as a dry lubricant for locks, guns, etc. I put a little graphite on the tip of my finger and rubbed into the pad on the back of each key. Don’t leave any excess graphite in the remote.

[patjfree]

on 11/18/2008 If certain buttons don't work (usually the most commonly used buttons) the conductive paint has probably worn off the rubber keys. Try the Caikote 44 kit to repaint the rubber buttons. Its $5.99 at Fry's Electronics. Need to look for it, but its there. Pry the remote apart and repaint the buttons. It worked like a charm and my wife was impressed - the best the remote has worked in years.

[patjfree]

on 11/18/2008 If certain buttons (usually the most common ones) don't work. Try caikote 44 kit to repaint the rubber buttons. Its $5.99 at Fry's Electronics. Need to look for it, but its there. You just paint it on and let it dry. It worked like a charm and my wife was impressed - the best the remote has worked for years.

[andy4254]

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.