Are the switches meant for 3 way operation?

You can try reversing the black and red on the inoperable side, sometimes that does the trick. I have one switch like that, I cannot explain why it works but it does.

I just noticed that the switch will work, but then the other switch won't work. That is, of I turn on the good switch, then go to the bad switch, it works. However the good switch no longer works. Does this make any sense to you? I have the same problem on another circuit where I changed out the switches for new ones.

Thank you for responding in my problem. I really appreciate the advice. I will try what you suggest to see if it works. Cross your fingers.

You should identify and tag the wires when you disconnect them, and carefully examine the wiring diagram for the new switch. I replaced a three-way a couple of years ago with a new one from the same manufacturer. The old and new switches looked identical, but the new one wouldn't work properly. Then I realized that the manufacturer had switched the location of two of the terminals. It was totally non-obvious and I only realized it when I closely examined the wiring diagram.

Thank you again for the info. I tried doing that, but it still does not work properly. The old switch and the new switches are from different companies. It looks like there are more places to put wires in the new switch than there were in the old switch. I have finally given up, and am calling in an expert. It may cost me some money, but maybe I can figure out what he does and do the same with the other switches I installed. I'm just waiting for the electrician to show up now. Well I appreciate the suggestions you gave me. Thanks again.

Do you know how they were hooked up? Or better yet, do you have pictures before you pulled it apart?

Can you show us a picture of the old switch and a picture of the new switch?

If you can provide all of the info, we can probably troubleshoot this and get it working. But if you pulled everything apart and don't remember how it used to be, then it might be better to just call in a pro.

Thanks. However, I did not take a picture before I pulled it apart. Anyway, an electrician came in and fixed everything. I appreciate your willingness to help. That is not something you see very much these days.

Here is the correct way.

Here is the usual way it is wired when that problem is described.

Trying to use a 4-way switch on one end would basically have the same problem.

I thank all of you for your inputs. Yes I did watch what the electrician did, and was even able to put in a 3 way switch on my own after he left. Thanks again!