How do you open up the MX-500 to fix the light please? It's not in warranty so I'd like to give it a go.

TIA

It might be better to see how much a repair may be, even if it is out of warranty a paid repair may be the best way to go.

First, I suggest you call URC (914) 835-4484 and ask about sending it in for repair. You might be surprised at how low the cost.

If you want to open it see this

Do you know if it's a problem with the light switch (a little plastic bit that pushes a microswitch on the circuit board tends to break), or the actual EL panel?

At any rate, to open the MX-500 (DO AT OWN RISK) you basically twist it until the two case halves start separating.

With the remote horizontal and aiming to your right I generally suggest twisting the bottom half upwards and the top half downwards so that the separation begins around the light switch. Go slow and don't force anything TOO hard. When you start getting one side of the top separated, gradually start working it around to the side opposite the light swich and then down to the thinner bottom part, which may take a little bit more force since the two sides are closer together and don't twist as easily.

There are little plastic catches that hold the two case halves together, but no screws. Don't worry if you damage or break a catch or two, the remote should still hold solidly when you reassemble. Remember to keep track of the light switch's orientation, the little loose battery tray, and the IR window at the top. Try not to touch the dark contacts on the bottom of the rubber keypad(s) or the matching spots on the circuit board, unless they need cleaning.

Note that if you open the remote up and can't fix it, URC will likely be more than hesitant to do any sort of paid repair on a remote that has had "user intervention".

Thanks fellas. Is it an easy fix once you open it up? If not, I might just keep it as a backup and buy a new one.

But we don't know what's wrong with your particular remote...