How To Repair Remote Control Buttons That Don't Work

Fix a TV, DVD player, etc remote control with buttons that won't work or don't work well. This is usually caused by dirty or oxidized contacts. Sometimes they will work a little bit if you press the buttons hard, or hold them for a few seconds. I show you how to clean the contacts and get your remote control working again. I didn't mention it in the video, but you want to make sure the batteries in the remote are good.

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[hugoknight]

Well done, RJ. Simple to do for the average person. Did mine in about 10 min. Didn't even break anything!

[magdielvalencia]

after try several times, I realized had to buy a remote control that will cost me close to $40.00, when I was ready to buy this item I encounter this video, i did everything you said and worked, . I save my money. thank you.

[marksheridanspencer]

Thanks for the tips. I cleaned out the remote as per your instructions and it now works perfectly, after years of malfunctioning. It's like getting a new A/V Receiver. Many thanks.

[EnerGeezerSquirrel]

Added tip: even if you used warm, not hot, water, waited the time necessary for everything to be bone dry, and all the other cautions mentioned by others, I'd recommend re-assembling with either cotton or thin latex gloves. Touching the contact pads with bare fingers as he did can deposit skin oils on them. Besides being oily and preventing good contact, such human excretions contain acids, which over time eats the graphite conductor, and is why videos of watchmakers and electronic device assemblers usually show them wearing finger "condoms" when handling items for assembly.

[deonecro]

Just did this on my Harmony 300 remote since the volume buttons were not responding at times. Used a pink rectangular eraser and cotton swabs with 91% Isopropyl alcohol and It worked!! Cleaned the black dimples really well and rubbed down the board with the eraser a couple of times over. thanks for sharing this with us you just saved me from buying a new remote.

[dianecagle]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The volume control on my Sony TV remote would barely work. You'd have to try pressing the volume control 3-4 times before getting any results and then the volume would change so quickly that it wasn't where you wanted it to be. When talking on the phone it was easier to turn the TV off rather than trying to adjust the volume. I followed your wonderfully clear instructions and it worked like a charm. Now the volume control works beautifully, just like new. Thank you again!!!

[gerardbduff]

I had a Sony remote that was not working, I was just about to buy a new one when I came across your video. I followed all your steps and the remote is working perfectly now. Thanks very much for the fix, a big thumbs up.

[EyeSaidIt]

Worked perfect. The stereo remote functions better than ever. Thanks a bunch

[jolynnsalaz]

It took me 4 times pushing buttons and smacking the remote..but..IT WORKED!!! I haven't had the guide for 2 weeks. Thank you

[DubEmerson]

Hey Mr. Bike Guy....thanks a million....saved me 50 dollars on a remote!!

[alfig]

Just tried it and it works. I have an old JVC stereo from 1995. Only a few buttons on the remote would work. Cleaned it up using this method here and it works again. Awesome!!!! Thanks for the video.

[mikesubocz]

This worked great on my Onkyo RC-AV70M remote (30+ years old). Buttons all work flawlessly now. Thank You!

[darkpriestess]

Thank you so much. I followed your instructions and now my remote works perfectly

[Crusty]

Brilliant. It worked. Saved me approx £40. Thank you.

[jimwarnock]

Appreciate the clear instruction. I followed along and now have a working remote. Thank you.

[stackhousepiano]

Thank you so much, man. Just fixed an 18 year old remote that can’t be replaced. Appreciate it so much!

[damoncrowfeather]

Was getting ready to purchase a new factory remote, I hate the universals.. Saw this, and tried it.. Saved me $40 bucks. Thank u very much.

[metralios]

You saved my day man. I was searching for a replacement for my malfunctioning remote control then sow your video and was very helpful. Thanks

[VictorRivarola]

Excellent video! Thanks. I wish that you would had demonstrated that pressing the key did not work before but it did work afterwards. THIS can be easily done because most cell phone or digital cameras can actually see the infrared light used by those remotes... So just point the remote towards the camera and press the buttons!

[TheViewer]

I found this video to be very helpful because sometimes buying the original remote controller again for electronics can be hard to find and they tend to be expensive. There are universal electronics controllers out there too but the menu and caption buttons are not always compatible a lot of times. Also the extra features are not compatible or available on the universal remotes. The original remotes are way better to use.