The ceiling fan is more than 15 years old but was running perfectly until the remote became sluggish so I replaced the 9 volt battery in the remote... I noted the little switches, but after three different batteries the light on the remote still lites very dimly.. is a new remote in order. How can I override the remote(not that I want to), I need my fan... its August...

If you have pull chains, it is fairly easy to bypass for someone who can safely work with Electrical.
Many have a Black, white for power to the receiver, then a white, and a Black for fan and a Black/white or blue foe the light.
Remove Power.
Connect Grounds, then neutrals(whites), then connect your live black at the ceiling to the Black and black/white or blue.
If you don't have pull chains, it is most difficult, but possible.