viper 5901 lcd remote bad?

I bought a viper 5901 on the internet for $200...couldn't resist the price. The LCD remote screen was blank and I couldn't activate it. So I called the dealer and he sent another...same thing. He said he sold 3000 5901 and only one remote was bad. I tried plugging in the charger and the screen still stayed blank. What am I missing? Is the remote charged when new to at least show the screen when you press a button. I benched the alarm with the 1-way remote and it is ok. I am thinking of returning it and buying local...python 990 for $350. I miss my alpine.

Does that remote have a little pinhole on the back? That's the reset button, you could try holding that in for a few seconds with a paper clip. And yes, I'm pretty sure the remote should light up and do some things, even with no car (or alarm) to communicate with.

No reset hole nor any mention of reset on remote in manuals. Thanks for trying.

I had to leave mine plugged in for quite a while before it would come on the 1st time.

I will try that again. I plugged the first remote into the charger overnight but nothing happened. I will also buy a usb cable and try my computer in case the charger is defected. Thanks for the help.

Forgot to ask how long you had to charge it before it came on. Thanks

The charger is defected I guess. I bought a mini USB cable from radio shack, plugged the remote into my computer and the remote powered up in a minute. Thanks for your help