If the remote stops working, does the indoor PCB always need replacement?

No. The fault can be in the remote itself, the signal receiver path, or the main board. The signal path should be checked before a full board replacement.

What should I check before asking for a second opinion?

Tell us if the unit still has power and whether any buttons on the unit itself still work. That helps narrow the fault path.

Why was the problem first mistaken for a board fault?

Because the symptom is command failure. Without checking the signal path first, it is easy to jump to the larger part.

Remote Not Working, Not Indoor PCB

A remote-control problem was treated as an indoor board failure. The checks showed the signal-receiving path was the problem, which reduced the repair scope.

Case Details

LocationPasir Ris, Singapore

BrandSharp

Unit age7 yrs

ComplaintThe remote stopped controlling the unit, but power at the unit was still on. A board replacement was suggested after a brief visit.

CauseIR receiver path fault causing command signal failure

The Assessment

Remote-control faults need the signal path checked first. We split the remote side checks from the main board decision before quoting larger work.

Unit power was present and the issue was command response
Remote-control pattern did not confirm a full board fault
Fault was traced to the signal receiver path
Main board replacement was not the first repair path

The Diagnosis

The problem was in the IR receiver path, where the unit receives remote commands. The main indoor board was not the first failed item in this case. The symptom looked like a board problem because the remote could not control the unit, but the signal path check narrowed it down.

Repair the signal receiver path issue first, then confirm command response before discussing any wider board replacement.

The Outcome

After the signal receiver path was corrected, the remote controlled the unit normally again. The client avoided a larger board replacement.

Timeline

Normal useRemote control response was normal

Fault startUnit stopped responding to remote commands

First adviceMain board replacement was suggested

Snowflake visitIR receiver path fault identified

After correctionRemote control response restored

What This Means for You

Remote-control faults can be smaller than a full board replacement.

Unit still has power but remote commands do not respond
Main board replacement was suggested early
No clear signal-path checks were explained

Ask for the remote signal receiver path to be checked first so you do not pay for the wrong part.