Even though buying a new universal remote is not usually very expensive, it is sometimes better to fix a TV remote than buy a new remote each time an old remote starts to act up. Despite the fact that most TV remotes differ somewhat in style and function, most of these remotes are similar in the way they are designed. Because of this, some generalities can be assumed when fixing a TV remote.
Instructions
1. Use a digital camera to test the remote batteries. Simply remove the batteries from the TV remote and put them in the digital camera. If the batteries are working inside of the digital camera, but not the TV remote, it is obvious that the remote truly needs to be fixed.
2. Remove the screws on the back of the remote (if any) and take off the back cover. If there appear to be no screws, check underneath a sticker or rubber on the back of the remote. If there are no screws, the best way to open a TV remote without breaking the plastic is to use a putty knife as a lever. Place the putty knife into a slot on the side of the remote and press down on the handle. The remote cover should pop off.
3. Take a picture. After working on a TV remote for a while, it can be difficult to remember where all of the pieces to the remote were when it was first opened. The best way to keep from forgetting this is to take a picture with a digital camera before any part of the inside of the remote is touched. Remember to take a picture of the keypad layout as well. Although the keypad is sometimes one simple rubber sheet, it can also be a collection of several small buttons.
4. Turn on all the lights in the room and use a flashlight to get a good view of the contacts and circuit board inside of the TV remote. A magnifying glass can also help you get a better view of the circuits. Any connections that appear to be frayed or weak should be soldered (See Resources section for soldering tips.) If there are water spots on any of the connections, there may have been some kind of water damage to the remote. A toothbrush and a small amount of rubbing alcohol can be used to clean these areas.
5. Clean the cover and buttons by placing the cover and plastic sheet of buttons (or individual buttons) into a small bowl of warm, soapy water. They can be cleaned with a toothbrush, or can sit and soak in the water for a while.
6. Rinse the pieces of the remote control by placing them in a colander. It is important to make sure that the holes in the colander are smaller than any of the individual pieces that will be placed in the remote. After rinsing, set the individual pieces out and let them air dry. This could take several minutes.
7. Re-assemble the remote the way it was before it was opened up. Use the picture you took on the digital camera to remember the order of things. To close the remote, you may need to use Super Glue or a glue stick to make sure that it closes properly. Test the remote. Because the circuits were cleaned, it should now work. If not, it's probably time to buy a new remote.
Tags: digital camera, back remote, individual pieces, inside remote, make sure, make sure that