I am trying to control my ceiling lights using my arduino. I want to do it wireless by using the remote that normally controls the fans and lights. I opened it up and the picture shows what the buttons look like. Is there a way I can control the existing remote with the arduino?
Looks bad. Did you spill something (drink/food) in the remote.
I would chuck that board and the rubber keypad in some warm soapy (dishwash) water, and clean them with a soft (paint) brush.
Make sure you let both dry thoroughly (overnight) before putting the remote together again.
Lots of info in this site to copy remote control signals, and let the Arduino itself send them.
Or connect the remote with opto couplers, so the Arduino can control the remote.
Use the search field on top of this page.
Leo..