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Is there anything that can be done with a remote that one or two buttons don't work anymore? Other that buying a new remote and programing it with the TV or DVD player, is there anything that can make it work again? Thanks!
Depends on the remote but for most of them if you take it apart you're going to have a rubber keypad on one side and circuit board on the other. On the back of each button should be a contact, when you press the button that makes contact with the circuit board completing the circuit. If you have debris, grime or whatever the circuit is no longer completed and the button no longer works.
Clean both the contacts and the circuit board with some rubbing alcohol.
Agreed.
I know this sounds crazy but you might try this, too:
Soak it for a few minutes in water. JUST water, do not use soap or anything else.
Seriously. Of course REMOVE THE BATTERIES! Let it dry. Maybe help it with a hair dryer. Make sure it is 100% dry before you put the batteries back in. Shake it vigorously, any water escaping means it is still wet.
This worked for me when my kid spilled Orange Juice on a remote. I let it dry for 3 days to be sure and hit it with a hair dryer a few times.
You just HAVE TO BE SURE it is dry before reapplying the power (putting the batteries back in).
Agreed.
I know this sounds crazy but you might try this, too:
Soak it for a few minutes in water. JUST water, do not use soap or anything else.
Seriously. Of course REMOVE THE BATTERIES! Let it dry. Maybe help it with a hair dryer. Make sure it is 100% dry before you put the batteries back in. Shake it vigorously, any water escaping means it is still wet.
This worked for me when my kid spilled Orange Juice on a remote. I let it dry for 3 days to be sure and hit it with a hair dryer a few times.
You just HAVE TO BE SURE it is dry before reapplying the power (putting the batteries back in).
This is a little crazy, but it's simple and can possibly be very effective. The is some risk of of further damage, so I would personally use this as a "last ditch" attempt.
There is a good chance that a universal remote will have pre-programmed setting for your TV, VCR, DVD player, etc. These things are pretty cheap nowadays. It's worth checking on eBay, Craigslist, etc. for an exact replacement, but the chances of finding one that's cheaper than a good universal remote is are pretty slim.
Listening to the radio is only for at camp in the evening, Coalman. The radio should be packed away during the day.
At least, that's how I roll... er paddle....
As far as the "water trick" causing damage, it is very unlikely. The only way it might is with older devices that have the softer PCB's (printed circuit boards) that may actually absorb some water and deform. These are not at all common anymore.
ALTHOUGH *NOTE* I DID SAY FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES. Don't soak it overnight or anything crazy like that.
The water trick works GREAT on PC Key boards. These can be soaked for a long time and since they do NOT have an electric current in them, there is just about zero risk of damaging one.
And of course NEVER submerge any device that has a screen.
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