What could go wrong with a remote?

[Jexx]

I have a remote for my pioneer head unit and it doesn't work at all.

The remote is a bit scratched. The battery is good, cleaned the terminals. It just boggles my mind. Wish I could test the remote or other remotes on this unit.

What is more likely to have gone bad? The remote, or the head unit's IR interface?

What problems could be causing the remote to not work?

Thanks so much!

[Mooly]

Is it infra red ? Point it at a webcam or digital camera to see if it's "Lighting up"
Favourite faults on any remote are duff IR LED. Usually go open circuit, check with a scope across it. Ceramic resonators, legs breaking off ! General physical damage.

[Jexx]

Thanks so much for the fast reply, will definitely be testing the IR LED, it can be run in circuit, can't it?

This is why I love this place! Awesome people like you. Thanks again.

[Mooly]

"Run in circuit" what do you mean ?
First test, point it at a camera. Try a good TV remote so you can see what it looks like.
Do you have a scope ? DVM ?

[Mooly]

Have you got a webcam or digital camera ?
Other tests you can do if not. Don't know your technical abilities or what test gear you have

[jol50]

I've had a lot of TV remotes have the solder go bad. You point it at the TV hitting a button and nudge the LED around and suddenly it works. However might be hard to do with smaller remotes.

[1moreamp]

I keep a programmable IR remote on the bench that has a IR reader in the back end of it. I have had it for years, it sees the IR from the suspect remote and flashes a led on its top to let you know its being programmed.. Ahh I don't think they make these anymore though...nice toy, as it has repaired dozens of remotes for me

[slbender]

I have an older universal remote, it hadn't been used in several years. Replaced the batteries, then nothing... I opened it up and seems the rubber buttons were producing a "goo" that was sticky and simply all over the contact area of the circuit board. I washed and scrubbed this "goo" off with several applications of 91% alcohol, put the remote together and again replaced the batteries. It worked! For a while, now three or four functions stopped working again, its only 3 weeks later... Guess I'll have to do this refurb again, like every month or so.

[DigitalJunkie]

I had a similar issue with a Dish remote..I opened it up to clean it,and there was some oily goo all over the PCB,and the rubber button pad was kinda stuck to it..I cleaned it up,and about a month later it was acting up again,once again covered in this mysterious goo between the board and rubber button pad.. I think it's something leeching out of the rubber pad?

I've had a remote go completely dead on me when I had it apart for cleaning,and touched the crystal on the board.. The oscillator inputs on those chips must be really sensitive to static electricity? Dunno.

[Jexx]

Thanks a ton for the heads up. Turns out the IR LED was bad.

I've also seen the goo thing. It's disgusting