Battery-powered item stopped working

Oxidation

It's likely a metal contact has oxidised, particularly if the item was kept in a damp environment. I've seen this with:

• Remote control
• Solar garden light
• Bicycle light

The effect can be no power due to a battery contact, or unreliable push switch. Tragic reason to throw item away, as very easily fixed!

Procedure

• Gain access to the battery compartment / bad switch using a non-destructive method of your choice
  • Take notes/photos so you can reverse the steps at the end
• Identify any contact that doesn't look like shiny metal
  • A switch contact may be carbon, this should be black and is unlikely to be the problem
• Gently scrape tarnished contact until it's shiny again, you can use your screwdriver for this
• Blow away any metal dust so it doesn't interfere with the item
• Check problem is solved before and during reassembly