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- Remove the batteries and pop in new ones. It may sound obvious, but it’s often the best and easiest fix for a wonky remote. If the remote still isn’t working, remove the batteries and move on to the next steps.
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Aug 16, 2024 · 1. Remove the Batteries and Dry the Remote: The battery compartment becomes the most vulnerable when a remote control gets wet. Water can seep into the compartment and cause the batteries to corrode, damaging the remote control. Therefore, the first step in fixing a wet remote control is removing the batteries to prevent further damage.
- Overview
- Opening the Remote Control
- Using a Keypad Repair Kit
- Repairing Buttons with Aluminum Foil
- Cleaning Battery Terminals
- Cleaning Battery Terminals
No matter how good your remote is, it will get dirty and wear out from frequent use. Even if some of the keys have stopped working or have to be pushed really hard, they can be fixed even if new batteries don't help. This wikiHow article teaches you how to repair a remote so you can make an old remote last for years.
Get a keypad repair kit or use things from around your house, like an old toothbrush, so you can fully clean and repair the inside of your remote.
Use conductive paint from the repair kit or aluminum foil to reinforce your remote's contacts.
Make sure you give your remote lots of time to dry before attempting to use it again because a wet remote increases the chance of you getting shocked!
Snap a picture of the button configuration before opening the remote.
It’s best to do this before opening the remote since some of the buttons may come flying out when you open it. Use your phone or draw a diagram if you don’t have a user manual with one in it. Also, note and document the position of any screws on the remote.
The solution used to fix the remote takes some time to dry. Forgetting the button positioning is very easy when you’re forced to wait before putting it back together. Fortunately, you will have a handy picture to make it easier!
Putting back the screws can also be confusing, so make sure you have pictures of all of them and know where they belong.
Take the batteries out of the remote control.
Undo the cover on the back of your controller to pull out the batteries. Removing the batteries will deactivate the controller. It’s always a good idea to deactivate the controller this way before applying any sort of fluid to the electrical components inside of it.
Purchase a keypad repair kit that can be used to fix the remote.
A keypad repair kit comes with several brushes and a bottle of conductive paint. Plan on getting one that includes a cleaning fluid as well, such as rubbing alcohol or acetone, so you have everything you need for the repair. Getting a repair kit is well worth the price, especially if you’re trying to fix an expensive remote or one that is no longer manufactured. A typical repair kit costs between $20 and $30, although you may find smaller kits for less.
Repair kits are available online and at some electronics stores.
If you don't want to spend your money on a repair kit, you can see what you have at home that also works and then buy the conductive paint separately.
These repair kits work for other devices, including garage door openers, calculators, and even keyboards.
Wash the rubber buttons with soap and water.
Make a note of the buttons that do not function.
The buttons you most commonly used are likely to wear out first. This includes the power, volume, and channel buttons. Determine where these buttons are located before and after you open the remote. Write down the locations so you know which ones to fix.
Test all of the buttons before opening the remote. That way, you can repair them all at once instead of having to open the remote multiple times.
Clean the rubber contacts with rubbing alcohol if they are dirty.
Check all the buttons, but pay extra attention to the ones that aren’t functioning correctly. When they are new, they have a shiny coating of conductive paint on them. This paint wears off over time and may also collect dust or other debris. Dampen a cotton swab in a little bit of rubbing alcohol, then wipe away the debris.
If your remote needs a deeper cleaning, take out the removable components and wash them with soap and water. Scrub the electronic components with rubbing alcohol.
Put on gloves and other safety equipment.
Battery acid is very harsh, so don’t let any get on your skin. Consider wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as well. A safety mask, such as a dust mask, respirator mask, or even a face mask, is a must.
To make cleanup easier, take some time to prepare your work surface. Spread newspaper out under the remote to catch any corrosion.
Work in an area with good ventilation. Turn on ventilation fans or open nearby doors and windows.
Spread vinegar or lemon juice on any noticeable acid.
Pull the batteries out of the remote and set them aside. If the batteries have begun leaking, you will see white flakes like rust inside the remote. Squeeze a drop of the liquid onto the corroded spots to neutralize them. You can use a cotton swab to help spread the liquid around.
150-grit sandpaper, metal file, or wire brush
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about remote controls, check out our in-depth
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Step 1 Check Batteries. When your remote control stops working, it is best to quickly rule out the most common problem so you can focus on more challenging fixes. Check the batteries. Weak batteries can cause erratic behavior or even prevent the remote from working at all.
Jun 4, 2024 · Key Takeaways. Check if the remote batteries need replacing; they typically last between 3-6 months depending on how much you use the remote. Ensure a clear line of sight between the remote and TV by removing obstructions. Stand closer, if necessary. Ensure the IR emitter is working; pair the smart remote again, or reset your TV as the last step.
- Author
Aug 3, 2020 · Checklist for Testing a Faulty Remote. When a remote control has been clearly damaged (the dog has eaten it, it has been dropped in water, or it has been used as a hammer by the kids, etc), no amount of pressing buttons or changing the batteries is likely to make the remote work again.
This is a step by step tutorial on how to fix an unresponsive remote control.
- 4 min
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