If one or more of the buttons on your remote control is not working, or only works when you push it with extra force, you may have to dispose of the whole remote. But, what if it is an expensive remote or one that is not manufactured anymore? There is a way to repair this problem, but it will take a small investment of time and perhaps some money.

The first thing you’ll need to do is remove the batteries from your remote and take out all the screws. Look carefully, as some may be well-concealed. Use a thin metal object to gently pry the two halves of the remote apart, exposing the inner workings. Because there may be loose pieces, or you might have difficulty reassembling the little parts inside, you may want to take a picture of the inside, for later reference.

Using rubbing alcohol and a Q-Tip, gently clean the circuit board and let it dry. Use alcohol again to clean the small black contacts at the back of all of the buttons. While that is drying, you can use a toothbrush and some 409 to clean the keypad and the plastic case. You may find that built up dirt and oil were the only problem.

If, however, cleaning the insides does not restore you remote to its proper function, you will need to buy a key-pad repair kit. At around $23, it is a gamble, but if you really need this particular remote to work, it may be a price you’re willing to pay.

Once you have your kit, you can use the conductive paint that comes with it to, hopefully, resolve the problem. Use the little paper match, also from the kit, to apply the conductive paint to the back of all the keypad contacts, which you had cleaned with alcohol previously. Don’t apply the conductive paint if the contacts are not completely clean.

Let the conductive paint dry, leaving the parts in a clean, dry, safe place overnight. After 24 hours, you can refer to the picture you took and piece the remote back together again. If you’ve done the job right, you should have a fully restored remote control.