My stereo is quite old. A few years ago the remote for it started to get really picky. It would only work if i banged it (lightly) against something. Then it would quite working again. I used to keep the remote on a wood bookshelf, but ever since i've left it on my bed it works perfectly fine. I haven't put it back on the shelf or anywhere else except my bed and it works!

Now what i wanna know is, why would it do that?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

The most common problem tends to be the battery casing. Often they are a compromise between holding the battery in place and ease of inserting/removing ~ the cover, for style sake, is usually a non-supporting part of the whole.

So your batteries may be shifting slightly in the housing or the tension of the connections has weakened.
By combination, placing it on a softer surface, such as the bed, prevents or reduces the effect.

Sometimes you can bend the connecting tab to tighten the hold on the battery ~ it only takes a slight pressure and is easier than trying to stretch the spring.

Of the several possible causes, this is the one that can be easy to fix ~ to insure the unit is receiving power.