Could be...Sure could be dry joint or bad resistor. Might also be transistor, capacitor, choke or even the batteries. Might even be the battery holder. Doubt if you'll get a fix on here. Too complex, too many possible causes even if we did know make and model. Check what you can like batteries and battery contacts and be prepared to buy a new scanner.
howtomendit.com for free repair help, information and advice.
Try fixfault.com to fix scanners.