How To Fix A Button On A Remote Control

Sometimes you can encounter a problem when some buttons on your remote controller (usually the ones that are used most often, like volume control buttons or "on/off" button) begin to work worse and you need to press it harder and harder every time, and after some time it stops to work even if you press very hard. In this article you will find possible solution to that problem. Please notice that if all the buttons are not working, then most probably this solution is not for you and your problem possibly connected with battery or electronics fail.

The remote controller unit that is used here as example is Marantz RC5001SR, but this should work with any other one that has soft rubber buttons. The reason why it stops working is that special conductor layer at the other side of button loses its conduction property. Or it could be that some substance is in between button and circuit board that prevents shortening of the contacts during button press.

In any case first thing you need to do is to open your remote controller. It could be a tricky task with some ones, especially if you never opened it before and you don't know where latches are located. Also some remotes requires you to unscrew the screw(s) which are usually located under the batteries. For RC5001SR unscrewing is not necessary but for other it could be.

Step 1: locate and unscrew all the screws

Step 2: open the case

Use thin screwdriver or any other tool that you can insert in a slot between two parts of the case. Try to gently hook the plastic near the places where latches are located. Do not insert it too deep so you not damage circuit board itself:

The locations of the lathes are shown on the picture below:

Now when you have it opened examine the circuit board (top side where the buttons are pressed to). You may try to clean it with ethanol. Also do the same with buttons underside. Try to apply single button to the board at the place it should be and check if it works (the batteries should be inserted).

If it not works, try to shortcut PCB tracks (at the place the button should do it) with screwdriver or with a piece of aluminum foil and see if it works. If it works,

Step 3: cut small round pieces of aluminum foil and glue them to the underside of the buttons that are not working as it shown on a picture below:

glue foil to the buttons

Assemble the remote. It should be working now.