Installing a Hampton Bay ceiling fan, which is operated by a remote control unit. Wiring appears to be correct. The remote control unit works well when the receiver is loose (i.e. before finishing cover plate is applied), but when the receiver is intstalled in the mounting (according to directions) and the cover plate applied, the remote control unit does not work. Tried redoing all wiring and inserting the receiver in different ways into the mounting, with no success. Any suggestions?

The wire that seems to not go anywhere is the antenna. Try re-orienting that. You can also try turning the receiver upside down. You can also try a different frequency.

Are your ceilings real plaster?

No, the ceilings are not real plaster. Thanks for your suggestions. I will try them.

Is there an exposed wire antenna?

Ceiling fan remote controls - help and FAQ- Ceiling Fans N More (http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/ceiling-fan-remote-controls.php)

Yes, there is an exposed antenna wire, which we've tried to keep as free as possible, but when the cover is up, the wire is covered.

You may have to figure out how to expose the antenna with the cover on. Perhaps cutting a small hole for it to slip through.

I wonder why this is only a problem in your install. Perhaps there is some material in your ceiling that is isolating it.