I have both an RM-AV3100 remote and a Sony STR-DA4ES Receiver along with a very dead RM-LP211 remote that came with the STR-DA4ES Receiver. While the AV3100 takes care of basic functions on the DA4ES, the soft buttons for S.FIELD, GENRE, MODE AND T.TONE do not function at all. Is this normal? Do they have to learned?
The DA4ES is set for AV1 and the AV3100 is set to code 4001.

Yes, they have to be learned, which of course you can't do without the original remote. It is normal that not all commands work for all components, since there are so many different combinations it would be impossible to preprogram everything.

You might try one of the OneForAll remotes available at Walmart, preferably a higher model number, to see if it would give you these missing commands, or a way to access them.

If you get the 6820, 8820, or 10820, you could also use advanced codes.

Click here to learn about advanced/discrete codes and which RS/OFA remote to use.

Ron, thanks for the input. I found a replacement LP211 on eBay for 1/3rd the price of new. It works fine and I'll just have to spend the time to learn it.