Remote control buttons not working? 10 minutes - and the problem is solved

Today, more and more equipment in the home is equipped with remote controls (TV, air conditioning, media player, TV receiver). This is convenient, but if the remote control buttons do not work, it becomes almost impossible to use home assistants. When faced with this problem, I repaired two remotes in 10 minutes by simply cleaning the contacts. I'll tell you about this in order.

Step one: diagnosis

I had to repair two devices at once: first I decided to clean the remote control for the TV, and then a neighbor brought the remote control for the TV receiver, which my granddaughter grabbed with dirty hands. However, the repair procedure turned out to be almost the same, only small details differed.

First of all, I inspected the remote controls for damage (breakage, cracks in the case, etc.). I also tried to change the batteries: often the reason for the weak signal from the remote control lies precisely in the fact that the batteries were hopelessly discharged long ago.

I had to look for a way to check the remote control, because the cause of the problem could also be a malfunction of the signal receiver. Here are the verification methods that I found on the Internet:

• Checking the circuit tracks using a tester (multimeter). This method is only suitable for electronics specialists, as it requires a certain skill in working with the device. Yes, and the remote control will first have to be disassembled.
• Check using a camera (camera, built-in camera on your phone, etc.). If you look through the camera at the remote control LED, flashes will be visible when you press working buttons.

Using the second method, I found out that the two most frequently used buttons on my remote control were not showing any signs of life - changing channels. But the neighbor’s remote control was almost completely “dead”.

Step two: an autopsy will reveal

To carry out repairs, you need to get to the contacts hidden under the remote control buttons, as well as the electronic board. This can only be done after disassembling the remote control.

To work you will need:

• a screwdriver or an object with a thin sharp edge - a knife, an old plastic card, a nail file;
• small container with water;
• dish soap (I used Fairy, but you can use any other);
• cotton wool;
• alcohol;
• old toothbrush.

The first thing I did was remove the batteries from both remote controls. Firstly, this allows you to inspect the contacts, and also (in some cases) get to the fastening screw hidden in the compartment. Secondly, the removed power supply will save the circuit from an accidental short circuit.

Then, after a little searching for the mounting locations, I disassembled both remote controls. On my device, four tiny screws acted as fasteners (I unscrewed it with a screwdriver), on my neighbor’s remote control there were six latches on the side edges (I carefully pressed it with a knife blade). Dividing the case into two halves, I got to the board and contacts hidden under the buttons.

If the case is assembled with plastic clips, be as careful as possible when disassembling it. Their thin plastic tabs are easy to break off, after which it will be impossible to put the remote control back together.

Having disassembled the remote controls, I was surprised how much dirt was found under the covers.Okay, the device was brought by a neighbor and had been in children’s hands stained with chocolate, but my remote control was not dirty on purpose! But the board seemed to be covered in sticky mucus, which turns into dust, sebum, sweat and other household pollutants. Pieces of conductive rubber in the buttons also turned out to be dirty. I had to take a brush and start washing off the dirt.

Step three: wash off the dirt

First of all, I carefully washed the plastic halves of the housings and the rubber bands of the buttons.

• The housings are easy to clean from dirt with a brush, they are quite durable - you can rub them without regret.
• I handled the rubber bands more carefully by wiping them with a cotton swab dipped in a detergent solution. If you rub the rubber bands roughly, there is a risk of scratching the conductive layer.

During the washing process, an unpleasant detail became clear: the rubber contact inserts in the buttons on my remote control had become frayed. To restore contact, I had to glue small pieces of foil to them.

To clean the board, I took 70% pharmaceutical alcohol. I have seen statements on the Internet that it is acceptable to wash the board with water, but this can lead to short circuits if the parts are not dried well before assembly.

Since alcohol is a solvent, first test the resistance of the plastic on a small area of ​​the board without contacts.

The procedure for cleaning the board is as follows:

1. Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol (a wet wipe for injections will also work) to remove dirt from the contacts. When it gets dirty, we change the fleeces.
2. We blot the board with napkins to remove any remaining liquid.
3. We wait until the board is completely dry.

After waiting for it to dry completely, I began reassembling in reverse order.

Step Four: Assembly and Testing

During assembly, I carried out two additional manipulations:

• I glued the worn contacts on my remote control with foil. An even better option is to replace the conductive rubber bands. New items are sold in the radio department.
• I covered the block of adjustment buttons on my neighbor's remote control with paper. This made it possible to disable unused keys and eliminate accidental pressing, which would only confuse an elderly person.

Having inserted the board, rubber band with buttons and contacts for batteries into place, I assembled the remote control housings, snapping the latches and tightening the screws. The test showed that all keys work perfectly. Moreover, all repair procedures took no more than 10 minutes. Don't be afraid to do minor repairs yourself - it's easier than it seems!