Sometimes problems that appear to be from the remote control are actually due to other reasons.  Before you decide to buy a replacement remote control, you should look through the following guide to make sure that the problem is due to a defective remote control.

1. None of the buttons on the remote control work and the controls on TV, VCR, or stereo do work correctly:

• Replace the batteries with fresh/new batteries.  Don't try batteries that are used (even if you think they are good).

• Remove any corrosion from the remote control battery contacts using a sharp knife.

• Make sure the batteries have been installed in the correct direction.

• Is anything blocking the remote control signal (furniture, etc).

• Unplug the unit from the power for 5 minutes and then try the remote control (if the microprocessor has locked up in the unit, this will reset it).

• Many remotes are designed to control different units.  This type of remote will have a button or slide switch to select between VCR, TV, Cable Box, etc.  Make sure that you push the button (or slide the switch) for the unit you are trying to control.

2. Neither  the controls on the remote control or on the front panel of the unit work:

• This is probably not a problem with the remote control, but rather with the unit itself.  Try unplugging the unit from the  power for 5 minutes and then see if the controls work.  If they still don't work, discuss with your local repair center.

3. Only the volume and mute buttons work:

• If the remote came with your TV and has been switched to control the VCR, DSS, or Cable Box by mistake, you will get this symptom.  Just slide the switch or push the button for TV.

4. The remote controls the unit it came with, but will no longer control other units (for example, the remote came with the TV and will no longer control your VCR):

• If you have recently replaced the batteries (or removed the batteries), quite often you will have to program the remote for the other units you are controlling.  Use you owners manual to program your remote for the additional unit.

5. The remote control immediately causes you unit to perform a function that it shouldn't (such as changing channels by itself):

• Check to see that none of the buttons on the remote haven't got stuck in their hole.  One way to do this is to push each button by itself and see that it pops back out after you release the button.

6. Some of the buttons don't easily work or won't work at all:

• This is usually because the button contacts are worn and the remote should be replaced.  Sometimes replacing the batteries will help.

7. Some of the menus or special features do not work properly:

• This is usually because the remote control is not the original remote control for your unit.  Universal remotes usually will not operate all features on modern units.

8. The TV or VCR turns on or off by itself, or switches channels, changes volume or some other function turns on or off by itself:

• If you have any energy saving lights in the room (fluorescent type) they may be sending false signals to your unit.  See if this problem only occurs when these lights are on.  If so, you may have to replace the light with conventional lights.

9. The channel up and down buttons do not work, but you can press the channel numbers in directly and it will change channels.

• Consult your owners manual, your channels have not been auto-programmed in.