Published: 26.4.22
Updated: 24.7.24
If the remote control of your ride-on car isn't working and you're looking for a way to fix it, then this article is for you.
Some of the things we mention may seem quite obvious, but we would ask you to try them anyway as they may just be the solution to your problem. 
Even though a lot of the ride-on car remote control units are universal, there's no guarantee that they will all work with each other.
Check Your Batteries and Replace
There could be four reasons why your remote control has stopped working.
It could be missing batteries, batteries inserted the wrong way round, batteries may be too old or corrosion of the batteries.
Missing Batteries
Now, of course, this is first on our list because it is the most common reason for remote control not working.
So, before you do anything else, check to see if there are batteries inside the remote control.
You would be surprised how often this is the reason for the remote to stop working.
To check if there are batteries, open up the back of the remote and have a look inside. If you see two battery slots but no batteries, then that is probably your problem!
Just pop in some new batteries and see if that does the trick.
Batteries inserted the wrong way round
If you have checked that there are batteries in the remote and it still isn't working, then it could be that they have been put in the wrong way round.
This happens more often than you might think!
So check that the batteries are inserted correctly according to the diagram inside the battery compartment.
Old Batteries
Batteries will naturally degrade over time, so if your remote was working fine and then suddenly stopped, it could be that the batteries need to be replaced.
This is super easy to do. Simply take out the old batteries and put in some new ones.
Corroded Batteries
If you live in a humid climate, there is a chance that the batteries in your remote control could be corroded.
This happens when the battery acid leaks out and damages the contact points in the battery compartment.
If this is the case, then you may need to clean out the battery compartment before you can use the remote again.
If it still doesn't work after you have cleaned the battery compartment, then it is entirely possible that the battery acid has leaked onto the circuit board and damaged it beyond repair.
In this case, you will need to buy a new remote control.
Check The Connection Between The Remote And The Car
Sometimes, the problem lies not with the remote but with the connection between the remote and the car.
If you are having trouble getting your car to respond to the remote, then it could be that there is a problem with this connection.
Bluetooth
The vast majority of modern ride-on cars now have a Bluetooth connection. This means that there is a wireless connection between the car and the remote.
If this connection is lost or interrupted, then the car will not respond to the remote.
To fix this, you will need to turn off the car and the remote. Then, turn them both back on again and see if that has re-established the connection.
If it hasn't, then check out the video below, see which remote is similar to the one that you have, and then follow the instructions laid out in the video.
Antenna
Some of the older ride-on cars have an antenna that needs to be in a certain position for the car to work.
If you have one of these cars, then make sure that the antenna is up and in the correct position.
If it isn't, then the car will not respond to the remote.
Check to see whether the receiver antenna on your ride-on car is properly installed, twisted, or broken and doesn't touch metal components within the car, and isn't dragging on the ground.
Key Preventive Maintenance Tips
Regular Charging
Charge batteries regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.
Battery Contact Cleaning
Clean battery contacts with rubbing alcohol periodically.
Visual Checks
Inspect remote control for visible signs of damage.
Tighten Screws
Ensure all screws are tight to prevent malfunctions.
Keep Dry
Keep the remote and ride-on car's electrical components dry.
Regular Cleaning
Clean the remote with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
Checking the Circuit Board
Inspect the main circuit board or control module for any visible damage, loose connections, or corroded components. Look for burnt traces, bulging capacitors, or loose solder joints. If you have the technical skills, you can test individual components like diodes, transistors, and capacitors using a multimeter.
Firmware Updates
While specific firmware update guides weren't found, some ride-on cars may have updatable firmware. Check the manufacturer's website or contact customer support to see if firmware updates are available for your model. Updating the firmware could potentially resolve compatibility or functionality issues.
Resetting the Remote Control
Try resetting the remote control to its default settings. This process varies by model but often involves holding down specific button combinations for several seconds. Consult your user manual for the exact reset procedure.
Interference from Other Devices
Electronic devices operating on similar frequencies can interfere with the remote control signal. Try moving away from potential sources of interference like Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, or other remote-controlled toys.
Signal Range Issues
Test the remote control at different distances from the ride-on car. If it only works when very close, there may be an issue with the transmitter strength or receiver sensitivity.
Compatibility with Different Ride-On Car Models
Ensure the remote control is compatible with your specific ride-on car model. Some remotes are designed to work with multiple models, while others are model-specific.
Battery Contact Points Cleaning and Maintenance
Clean the battery contacts in both the remote control and the ride-on car using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Corrosion or dirt on these contacts can prevent proper power transmission.
Testing Remote Control with Another Ride-On Car
If possible, test the remote control with a different compatible ride-on car to determine if the issue is with the remote or the car itself.
Checking for Loose or Damaged Wires
Inspect all wiring connections inside the ride-on car, particularly those leading to the receiver module. Look for any loose, frayed, or disconnected wires.
Inspecting the Car's Receiver Module
Examine the receiver module inside the ride-on car for any visible damage or loose connections. This component is responsible for interpreting signals from the remote control.
By systematically working through these advanced troubleshooting steps, you can identify and potentially resolve issues with a non-functioning ride-on car remote control.
If problems persist after attempting these solutions, it may be necessary to consult a professional or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Retailer
If you have tried some of the solutions in this article and you still can't get your remote to work, then it is possible that there is a problem with the remote itself.
In this case, you will need to take it back to the retailer and ask for a replacement or a refund (depending on how long you have had it and their terms and conditions).
Preventive Maintenance for Ride-On Car Remotes
| Maintenance Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular Charging | Ensure the batteries in both the remote control and the ride-on car are charged according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid overcharging or letting the batteries run completely flat. |
| Battery Contact Cleaning | Periodically clean the battery contacts with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to ensure a good power flow and prevent corrosion. |
| Visual Checks | Regularly inspect the remote control for any visible signs of wear or damage. Check for loose buttons, cracks, or any other physical damage. |
| Tighten Screws | Ensure all screws on the remote control and the ride-on car are tight to prevent parts from becoming loose and causing malfunctions. |
| Keep Dry | Ensure the remote control and the ride-on car's electrical components remain dry. Avoid using the car in wet conditions to prevent water damage. |
| Regular Cleaning | Clean the remote control with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the surface or internal components. |
| Proper Storage | Store the remote control and the ride-on car in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. |
| Disconnect Batteries | If the ride-on car will not be used for an extended period, disconnect the batteries to prevent them from draining and potentially leaking. |
| Avoid Interference | Keep the remote control away from other electronic devices that might cause interference. This ensures a clear signal between the remote and the ride-on car. |
| Teach Safe Handling | Educate your child on the proper use of the remote control and the ride-on car. Encourage gentle handling to avoid unnecessary stress on the components. |
| Lubricate Moving Parts | Apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts of the ride-on car to ensure smooth operation and reduce wear and tear. |
| Check for Wear and Tear | Regularly inspect the wheels, axles, and other mechanical parts for signs of wear. Replace any worn-out parts promptly to maintain performance and safety. |
| Firmware Updates | Check if the manufacturer offers firmware updates for the remote control or the ride-on car. Keeping the firmware up-to-date can resolve compatibility issues and improve performance. |
| Compatibility Checks | Ensure the remote control is compatible with your specific ride-on car model. Using the correct remote prevents operational issues and potential damage to the car's electronics. |
FAQs for Ride-On Car Remote Control Maintenance
1. How do I know if my remote control needs to be paired with the ride-on car?
2. What should I do if my remote control is not responding at all?
3. Can extreme temperatures affect the performance of my ride-on car remote control?
4. Why does my ride-on car only respond to the remote control intermittently?
5. How often should I replace the batteries in the remote control?
6. Is it possible to use a universal remote with my ride-on car?
7. What should I do if my ride-on car remote control gets wet?
8. Can I repair a broken remote control, or do I need to buy a new one?
9. How can I prevent my child from losing the remote control?
10. What type of batteries should I use for my ride-on car remote control?
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