Typical remote control malfunctions and how to fix them yourself


After prolonged use of the remote control, poor operation of the buttons is often observed. Sometimes they stop functioning altogether or only work partially. In such cases, it is necessary to carry out high-quality repairs of the electronic device. You can do this yourself or use the services of specialists. If the damaged device cannot be restored, you will have to buy a new one.

High intensity of use and non-compliance with the rules for operating remote controls often lead to breakdowns and technical malfunctions Source audiogeek.ru

Description

You can control the TV using the keys located on its panels or from the remote control. If the switch from the set-top box breaks, it is no longer possible to configure it. You will need to replace the remote control with a new one or purchase a multifunctional analogue that additionally works with TV.

Attention! If the TV does not respond to panel buttons and the remote control, then most likely the TV device itself needs to be repaired.

The operation of the remote switch is based on the use of an infrared port. With its help, signals are sent to the TV. Most remote controls operate on batteries or rechargeable batteries.

Universal remote controls are capable of simultaneously controlling players, set-top boxes, and TVs. They are distinguished by a complicated circuit, however, the principle of repairing these devices is almost the same as conventional ones.


The vast majority of complaints about the poor operation of the remote control are related to the discharge of its power supplies Source library.espec.ws

Extraneous interference

If the batteries in the remote control are working, there is a signal, but the TV still doesn’t turn on or change channels, then the culprit is extraneous interference. This situation can occur if there is a bright light source next to the TV, which “clogs” the signal from the remote control.

Another reason could be a source of electromagnetic waves nearby. This phenomenon occurs if the TV is located next to a microwave oven.

To make sure that it is extraneous interference that is interfering with the reception of the signal from the remote control, you need to turn off all devices located near the TV and try to turn on the TV. If in this case there is no signal, the indicator on the TV does not blink, then you need to look for another source.

Check the remote control for integrity. If it is damaged, it needs to be replaced.

Causes of breakdowns

If the buttons on the remote control do not work at all, the first thing you should do is check the charge of the batteries you are using or install new ones. When the TV resumes operation, the conclusion is obvious: the failure occurred due to the unsuitability of the batteries.

There are times when only a few buttons do not function, the TV does not follow the remote control commands at all. At the same time, the device responds instantly to stationary keys. Then among the causes of failure it is worth considering the following:

  • Damage caused by a fall. Often there is a defect in quartz and other parts. Easily removable consequences include peeling of the lid and the formation of cracks in the body. Sometimes a damaged remote control only works when you press the buttons hard or at close range.
  • Penetration of liquid into the device. Often, drinks accidentally fall on the device. The worst thing is if it is carbonated water, various juices. They are capable of destroying contacts and contaminating the remote control. In some cases, the buttons stick to the base, making them difficult to press.
  • Long-term operation. The period of use of any devices is limited. Over time, worn-out remote controls begin to deteriorate and contacts begin to fall off. This is one of the reasons why you have to purchase a new device.

For the most part, TV remote control repairs can be done yourself. To do this, you need to carry out diagnostics, identify the defect, and eliminate it using the necessary tools and materials.


If the control panel is broken, the buttons are difficult to press or do not work, you must immediately begin troubleshooting: they are often not global, but local Source tn.fishki.net

Basic faults

You need to start with diagnostics. To determine the possible causes of a remote control failure, you need to use the elimination method. First you need to check if the TV is working properly. If the channels do not switch even from the panel, then this is the reason. It is impossible to fix TV hardware failures without professional equipment. Therefore, in such situations, it is wiser to contact a service center.

Why doesn't the remote control work? There are several reasons: mechanical damage, moisture, excessive dust on the chips. To repair it yourself, you need to be well versed in electronics, have a soldering iron at your disposal and know how to use it. The main symptoms of a remote control failure:

  • there is no response, that is, the user presses the button, but nothing happens;
  • Some commands are not executed due to damaged buttons.

Now let's look at the most common causes of remote control malfunction, and also look at how you can restore it.

How to disassemble the remote control

Before disassembling the remote control, you need to check the suitability of the batteries and the operation of the LED. You can do the latter using a camera or video camera. They need to turn off the flash, then point the lens at the LED element, and press the buttons one by one. Subsequently, bright flashes should remain in the photo or video. If they are missing, the remote switch will have to be disassembled.

Components of the remote control:

  • a body consisting of two halves;
  • overlay with buttons;
  • printed circuit board.


If you cannot open the remote control with a flat-head screwdriver without damaging the case, it is recommended to use a utility knife with a thin blade and a plastic card Source kak-zarabotat-v-internete.ru
During the repair work, you need to carefully inspect the rubber pad and board. But to do this, you first need to open the case.

Procedure:

  • Remove the flap and remove the batteries.
  • Press the latches or unscrew the screws.
  • Insert a knife into the gap between the parts of the body and separate the top from the bottom.

Important! If the board is not working, it is recommended that only someone who has the skills to work with a soldering iron disassemble the remote control. Otherwise, you shouldn't do this.


If parts of the remote control housing are connected with screws, it is worth remembering that there may be several of them Source signalizacia.in.ua

Cracks after a fall

Remote controls can be located in a variety of places, as they should always be at hand: after waking up, you look for the remote control on the bedside table, when you have breakfast, the device lies with you on the table, and during an evening movie show, the remote control moves to the sofa next to you.

They are compact and comfortable, but they fall quite often, and this does not always happen on soft carpet. If the remote control is dropped on ceramic tiles, it can suffer serious damage not only to the outer case, but also to the internal microcircuits.

If after a fall the remote control ceases to function, then its restoration also begins with disassembly. There are three common damage caused by impact:

  • Broken LED;
  • The battery terminal is broken;
  • The quartz resonator is damaged.

The first two faults can be determined by visual inspection. The operation of the LED can be checked without even disassembling the housing:

  1. Turn on the camera on your smartphone.
  2. Point the remote control at the camera so that the LED is in focus.
  3. Look at the mobile phone screen and press any button on the remote control. The signal, if any, will be clearly visible through the camera.

You can also check the operation of the LED using a multimeter, but to do this, the outer parts of the housing will have to be removed:

  1. Connect the tester probes to both ends of the LED.
  2. Set the device switch to 3V.
  3. Press any button on the remote control.
  4. If the tester shows voltage, then the LED is working.

After an unsuccessful fall of the remote control, the contact terminal of the batteries may be damaged. The spring contacts of this connection are soldered to the chip, so make sure that the soldering is not broken and is firmly in place. Also check the springs themselves for corrosion or bending. If the contacts are oxidized, you can clean them with sandpaper.

If you find ring cracks or oxidation in the soldering of the contact terminals and decide to solder them again, then the correct thing to do is to disconnect all the elements from the board, clean and tin them, and only then solder them again.

But checking the performance of a quartz resonator is not so easy. To do this, you need to disassemble the remote control and find on its microcircuit a small box with soldered contacts. If you gently shake it and hear the sound of crumbs rolling inside, then the resonator is broken and will need to be replaced. Only a master can revive such a bullet.

If the TV remote control was dropped on the floor and immediately after that you noticed that the device stopped working, then when disassembling the remote control you should pay attention to the ceramic resonator.

Cleaning contacts

If, after disassembling the remote control, it turns out that the board and rubber pad with buttons inside are dirty (sticky mucus and dirt are observed), then they should definitely be cleaned. It is recommended to use special products, cotton swabs and soft wipes; all movements should be gentle. During the cleaning procedure, it is important to remember: the rubber base and the board have a graphite coating. Under no circumstances should it be washed. If the graphite or conductive path is damaged, the device will not be able to operate.

Before cleaning the switch components and placing them back in the housing, they should be thoroughly dried. To do this, you can use a regular hair dryer. After assembling the remote control, you need to check it for functionality. If, as a result of cleaning, it does not resume, you need to start restoring the push-button contacts.


All internal surfaces of the remote control that are covered with oily dirt can be wiped with a damp cloth or cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol Source sdelai-lestnicu.ru

Controlling your TV using your smartphone

The advent of wireless technology has allowed users to gain unprecedented control over electronic devices using Wi-Fi and remote access over the Internet. This technology allows you to automate offices, homes and entire enterprises. Held in the hands of millions of users, the Android device is a treasure trove of possibilities and the Android remote control app is the best you need to automate your devices.

To realize these capabilities, there are many applications for remote control of Android and TVs. Users will simply need to choose the best one. Here are some of the popular phone remote control apps that you can use to turn your phone into an Android TV remote control device:

  1. MPC "FamiSafe Remote Control for Android".
  2. PDK "Mi Remote Controller".
  3. Unified MPC “Unified Remote”.
  4. PDK "Team Viewer Remote Controller".
  5. Universal MPC “Sure Universal Remote”.
  6. IR universal PDK “IR Universal Remote”.

Thus, the remote control is an integral part for the operation of any modern TV. If the MPC does not work, do not throw it away until all possible faults have been checked and corrected. And if it still requires replacement, then modern unified remote controls or specialized software for smartphones will come to the aid of television lovers.

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Replacing contact pads

The remote control will not work if the graphite coating in the contact areas of the pad wears off or the conductive rubber wears out. In this case, the contact points need to be repaired.

Procedure:

  • Prepare a clean sheet of foil, cut out circles from it (the same size as the buttons);
  • Using Moment glue, attach the cut out elements to the back side of the overlay (directly to the places where the buttons touch).

Advice! In radio stores you can find kits designed to repair damage to the remote control. They contain glue and ready-made circles made of special conductive rubber. They should be coated with adhesive and then glued to the appropriate places.

If the remote control does not work after cleaning and replacing contact pads, you need to take it to a workshop or buy a new one. To replace a resonator, LED or capacitor, or carry out other repair work, you must use a soldering iron.


Ready-made kits designed for repairing remote controls greatly facilitate the process of restoring the functionality of the remote switch Source peugeot-club.by

Change the batteries

If your remote control has not been broken in half or into more parts, but its operation leaves much to be desired, then the first thing you should definitely do is change the batteries. As trivial as it may seem, many people often forget about this. As a rule, TV remote controls use AA and AAA batteries, both of which are popularly called “finger-type”. Small ones are sometimes called “pinky ones.”

If old batteries have not been changed for a long time, this could lead to leakage of electrolyte from them and oxidation of the battery contacts. So when replacing batteries, make sure that there is no oxide or rust on the contacts. If there are any, you should clean them off with a sharp knife.

How to repair the board yourself

Sometimes when a TV switch falls, the LED becomes disconnected. Basically it can be soldered back. Detecting a defect in a quartz resonator is easy: just shake the board. It should be replaced in the following sequence:

  • Remove the damaged element.
  • Purchase a similar resonator from the radio parts department.
  • Install a new part.

Next, you need to assemble all the components in the reverse order, install the batteries, and check the functionality of the remote control.


If you do not have the skills to work with a soldering iron, it is recommended to seek help from specialists who will help fix the problem Source usbmicroscopiodigital.com

What to do if only some buttons function

Excessive contamination of the remote control, accumulation of dust in it, or penetration of liquid into it can lead to damage to only some buttons. To remove such malfunctions, you need to perform the following steps:

  • Disassemble the TV switch according to the recommendations described above.
  • Dip a cotton swab into an alcohol solution and wipe the board.
  • Clean the case and buttons. All movements should be light.
  • Check the condition of the spring contact going to the batteries. In case of heavy contamination, sandpaper can be used for cleaning.
  • Dry the treated elements and reassemble the device in reverse order.

Attention! It is not recommended to clean cheap Chinese-made remote controls with alcohol; you can only use a soap solution for them. Often, low-quality devices do not even survive normal disassembly.


It is strictly forbidden to wet the electrical board too much, since a large amount of moisture on it can cause the contacts to short out. Source stroy-podskazka.ru

Lost signal

The TV does not turn off/on using the remote control; the indicator reacts, but there is no action, or the TV begins to respond only after pressing any button multiple times. This malfunction occurs more often on Philips and Samsung TV brands - try to solve this problem by simultaneously pressing Program and Volume on the front panel of the TV. If the problem persists, you need to reflash the product system to the latest software version, then your TV will turn on the first time.

How to fix the remote control from the set-top box

Repairing a TV set-top box switch is not much different from restoring a television remote control. The main thing is that before disassembling the device, you need to reset its current settings to factory settings. The sequence of actions depends on the television operator.

For example, to perform a reset on a device from Rostelecom, you need:

  • Point the remote control directly at the TV, press the TV and OK buttons (together).
  • Wait until the LED blinks twice.
  • Enter the number 977, after which the Power key should flash four times.

It’s worth remembering: the code changes for different TVs, remote controls, and set-top boxes. However, the specified procedure remains the same.


Repairing a remote control for a television set-top box is similar to the process of restoring a regular remote control, but additionally requires resetting the current settings to factory settings Source utalux.ru

Will film help?

You've probably seen remote control devices wrapped in plastic film. This method was undoubtedly invented by our compatriots in order to protect the remote control from the possible consequences of careless handling. Yes, the film can temporarily protect the device from moisture and dust. But over time, it loses its protective properties due to the same intensive use. Whether it’s worth turning the remote control into an incomprehensible and funny object is up to you to decide.

When to buy a new remote control

In some cases, independent repair of a TV switch is impossible. For example, the damaged part was not found in the radio engineering department, the board needs to be re-soldered, and there is no experience in using a soldering iron. Under such circumstances, there are 2 solutions:

  • Take the faulty remote control to a service center. They will order damaged items and then carry out repairs. The cost of services provided can be quite high.
  • Purchase a similar device on the radio market or order a more expensive original.

Buying an analogue will cost less. In addition, you can buy a multifunctional remote control, which will save you if the remote control for the set-top box breaks down.

Advice! It is recommended to take an old device that cannot be repaired to the store. It will help you find the most suitable option for a specific TV model.

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