Has your remote stopped working? Whether it’s your TV remote, fan remote, or your car remote, this problem can be bothersome. So, you need to determine where the problem lies first before you attempt to fix it or even get a replacement. If you want to know what is causing the problem, check the following points to help you determine what could be causing the issue. Here are 6 simple things you should check when your remote is not working:

1. Check Your Remote Batteries

The first thing anyone should do when they face remote problems is to check if the batteries are placed properly. Your issue could be as simple as a misplaced or empty battery. So, try out the batteries on other devices to make sure that they are working. In addition to that, reviewers at Silent Home Hub explain that some devices come with malfunctioning remotes So if it’s an issue that you didn’t create, make sure to replace it with another one from the seller. 

2. See If the Transmitter or Receiver Are Malfunctioning

It is not uncommon for remotes to stop working due to a damaged transmitter or receiver. Any remote, like a car key remote, contains a transmitter that sends signals to the car receiver, which will carry out a specific action according to the signal like locking the doors or opening the trunk. So, if your car keys are not working properly, the transmitter or receiver may not be working. In that case, the expertise of an automotive locksmith might be needed.

3. Remote Programming

Another issue that you may face with a car key remote is when it has not been programmed in the first place. If the remote is not paired with the car, then you will need to have someone reprogram it for you. This issue usually occurs with second-hand car owners and is considered one of the dangers of buying aftermarket car keys. This is why you should always purchase original car parts, seeing as the quality is always compromised when you opt for cheaper items from an automotive aftermarket.

4. Examine the Infrared Beam Transmitter 

Some remotes, like TV remotes, work with an infrared beam transmitter. If you have a TV remote, especially an old one, and it suddenly stops working properly, then the problem might lie with the little transmitter at the forefront of your remote. It can be covered with dirt or dust, which will prevent it from sending any signals to your TV beam receptor. Likewise, your TV receiver could be covered in dirt, or the signals may be blocked due to objects you’ve put in front of it. The problem could be as simple as that, but if not, then the infrared light could be the source of the problem. To make sure that it works, you’ll need a digital camera to look through at the remote, if you see the red light flashing from the transmitter, then it is working.

5. Consider the Distance between the Transmitter and Receiver

In some cases, your remote may not be working even when you’re pointing it at the receiver. This usually happens with air conditioning units and it can be the result of a proximity problem. Some remotes don’t work unless they’re fairly close to the unit., but before you decide this is the problem, make sure that objects, furniture, and other obstacles are not keeping the signal from reaching the air conditioning unit. However, if proximity is the problem, move closer to the unit when you use the remote or try replacing your batteries.

6. Inspect Your Door Control Wiring

If your garage door is not receptive to your remote,  there may be problems with the door wiring that is stopping the garage door from opening. There are a few steps to follow to verify this. First, unplug the opener and disconnect the two wires, reconnect the machine, then unplug the opener again and reconnect the wiring. Finally, disconnect the wiring from wall control and test your remote again.

Remotes can be quite tricky because you don’t actually see where the problem lies. They work with invisible signals after all, but sometimes the problems can be small and easy to fix. Unless it is a serious technical malfunction, you can do it yourself and spare yourself the trouble. So, don’t rush and avoid buying a new remote until you pinpoint the problem with the one you have. If you replace your remote and the problem persists, there may be an issue with your device. 

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