I tried once more and now it works. Ups - it must be the connections, that are now that good.

But what can be done, so that is works every time? Can I use WD40 on the battery connections?

If there is any battery acid leakage on the terminals then clean with vinegar (applied using Q-tip).  I then usually gently rub the battery terminals with a disposable nail file, to remove any residual corrosion or acid.

You may also wish to bend the terminals outwards very slightly to ensure a tighter fit for the batteries.

Mine started failing and I discovered that when I set it down on the tabletop, it failed thereafter.  I had to add a thin piece of foam rubber between the batteries and the removable back plate.  After a few years that no longer helped, which meant the contacts were loose and getting looser, and finally they pulled completely away from the circuit board.  Thus:

1) Be extremely careful about bending the battery contacts -- you don't want the "yoke" portion to move, because it's already probably weakened by the leakage. 

2) The remote control can crash and stop working if the batteries go on/off/on/off/etc very rapidly, as they would in a corroded connection.  The fix is removing the batteries and connecting the + and - ends of the battery holder with an alligator clip.  Then reinsert the batteries and it will work again!  For a while...

WD40 is never the solution when it comes to stereo repairs.
Period.

Keep it in the garage. It's good for rusty bolts and for fitting weatherstrips on old cars.

Martin

I think that the battery box(holder) may still be available as a spare part via your nearest Dealer?

Nick

My retail showroom dealer (USA) says they cannot order 3015152 "battery guide",... but they can order me plenty of tiny plastic feet!  Do you (or anybody) have spares in-house?  Because I could sure use one...

Oh,that's a blow.We'el have to come up with  solution for this then.I can't imagine that many people will plump for a Be4 (at a mere £250)when their BL1000 just needs a battery holder!!!

I wonder if Martin(Dillen) is working on this?

Nick