Repairing Guides

how to repair a garage door opener remote

by Dr. Elissa Gaylord Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair a Garage Door Opener Remote Control

  1. Determining the Brand. Dozens of companies worldwide produce garage door opening systems, and many of them differ in design and appearance.
  2. Inspecting the Control. Remote control boxes are usually plastic and can be opened by slipping a screwdriver into the slot on the edge.
  3. Seeking a Solution. The most likely problem is the battery. ...
  4. Finding the Answer. ...

Full Answer

Can I reprogram my garage door opener?

The first thing you have to do when reprogramming your garage door opener is to find the “learn” button. To find the aforementioned button, you’ll have to go to the mounted garage door opener. The garage door opener is the big box-like object that controls the machinations of your garage door.

How do you reprogram a garage remote?

To program your remote: 1. Press & release the “learn or smart” button on the back of your garage door opener. The learn indicator light will glow steadily for 30 seconds. 2. WITHIN 30 seconds,...

How do you replace a garage door remote?

Wireless Keypads

  • Smarthome.com: Universal Garage Door Opener Remote Control Manual
  • Expenditures Door: Wireless Keypad
  • Genie: 3 Change Remote Running Standards

How to replace garage door opener in 15 minutes?

  • A master door controller that should be mounted near the door from the house into the garage
  • A remote keypad that controls the door from outside the garage
  • The safety devices mounted near the floor on each side of the garage door opening

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Why is my garage door opener remote not working?

The most common cause for remote not working is dead batteries. So, check the batteries first! Access the batteries by opening the panel on the back. If your device has screws, remove them and open the panel.

How do you fix a garage remote control?

Unplug the opener and disconnect the two wires from the motor. Reconnect your machine to power, then clear its memory and reprogram all remote controls. Unplug the device for a second time and reconnect the control wiring to the motor. Locate the wall mounted controls and disconnect the wiring.

How do I know if my garage remote is bad?

Intermittent or unresponsive opening Always double check that your remote control has fresh, working batteries. If that isn't the issue, an unresponsive opener could point to problems with the opener's logic board or wiring.

Do garage door remotes wear out?

Your Remote Is Broken Frequent use: With regular garage door opener use, the buttons can wear out, resulting in no electrical contact when you press them. You can try replacing buttons or opening up the remote and cleaning dust from within. If that doesn't work, you may be better off getting a replacement device.

What can interfere with garage door remote?

What Can Interfere With a Garage Door Remote?Appliances.Car battery chargers.Cell phone towers.Copy machines.Computers.LED, halogen, and fluorescent lights.Motion detectors.Plug-in transformers for power tool chargers, sprinkler controls, and security systems.More items...•

How long do garage remotes last?

10 to 15 yearsEven if they last longer than you expect, they're not going to deliver the same performance after 10 years, even with routine maintenance. Typically, electric garage door openers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

What is the lifespan of a garage door opener?

10 to 15 yearsThe average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10 to 15 years, and like your garage door, many factors contribute to its durability. You can keep your garage door opener functioning for a long time with proper care and attention, just like you should give to your garage door.

How do you check a garage door remote?

1:053:46How to test Garage Door Opener - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLook the next thing you want to do is look at your chain. Make sure that's nice and tight oh. YouMoreLook the next thing you want to do is look at your chain. Make sure that's nice and tight oh. You don't want to dangle around.

How much does it cost to replace a remote for a garage door?

Remotes and Keypads It costs between $30 and $60 to replace a garage door keypad, and new remotes can run between $30 and $40 each. The remote control connects to receivers that are built into the opener's circuit board.

Why is my remote not working?

Perform a power reset. If the issue is caused by an external factor, such as network service, data broadcasting, or connected devices, it may be improved by a power reset. For Android TV™ or Google TV™ models, unplug the power cord, wait two minutes, and then plug it in.

Can a garage remote be replaced?

Buy A Replacement Garage Door Opener Remote You can always search for an opener remote from your unit's manufacturer to get a replacement remote control. We recommend quality garage door opener brands like LiftMaster®, as they can equip you with a new remote to replace your old one.

Is my garage door opener going bad?

The Garage Door Opener Makes Excessive Noise Never ignore any strange sounds or loud noise, including squeaking, creaking and clanking sounds. Have the opener checked by a garage maintenance and repair technician to determine whether you need a new opener or just a motor replacement.

How often does a garage door opener need to be replaced?

about 10 – 15 yearsOn average, a garage door opener should last about 10 – 15 years. Some last longer and some last a shorter amount of time, but keeping up with maintenance can help increase the lifespan. If moving parts aren't lubricated, the door isn't balanced correctly, etc., the opener tends to wear out more quickly.

Why is my garage door remote not working?

The most common cause of garage door remote control failure are weak or dead batteries. To be sure that the batteries are always good, use name-brand quality batteries instead of discount brands.

How long does it take to reset a remote control?

A reset is accomplished by removing the batteries in the remote for approximately 30 seconds and re-installing them.

What is the eye on a remote?

The plastic covering over the IR unit on both the remote control and the receiving unit is called the eye. This "eye" allows the IR signal to pass through it in both transmitting and receiving. Eyes can be wiped off using a soft damp cloth. Most remote eyes are made of plastic that, although resistant to scratching, become scratched if rubbed against metal, abrasive fibers or dropped onto the ground. The plastic can be polished using specialized plastic polishing substances, but if the IR eye on a remote control is badly scratched, pitted or gouged, there may be no recourse except to get a new one.

Determining Which Replacement Remote to Purchase

If the company that made your garage door opener is still in business, they may still make and sell remotes compatible with your opener setup. Contact the company's customer service as a first step -- it may save you from the hassle of finding a remote compatible with an older garage door opener.

Step 1: Check the remote for information

Inspect the old remote, if you still have it, for a model number and brand name. In some cases, this information may be inside the battery housing or on the reverse side of the battery cover.

Step 2: Write down make and model information

Check the garage door opener's motor housing -- the large box typically hung on the ceiling where the garage door rests when it is open -- for a label indicating the manufacturer and model number. Some brands may also list a manufacturing date. Write down any pertinent information you find on both the remote and the motor housing.

Step 3: Contact the manufacturer or local retailer

Call the manufacturer's customer service number to order a new remote or find out which type of replacement remote is best for your opener model. If you purchased the opener from a local garage door installation company, they most likely know which remotes work with your opener -- and they may be able to sell you a new remote.

Universal Remotes

If your opener model is no longer manufactured, it may not be easy to find a new remote designed specifically for your opener. If the garage door opener is 20 years old or newer, a universal garage-door opener remote may work as a replacement remote. Some brands may work with even older door-opener units.

Step 1: Add batteries to the remote

Place the appropriate batteries into the new remote, if necessary. Many remotes have the batteries pre-installed. You may have to pull out a protective tab to activate the batteries.

Step 2: Ready the motor unit

Climb a stable stepladder and press the button on the opener's motor housing that says "learn code" or a similar phrase. The motor unit should then show a flashing light or make a sound.

The Basics on How to Repair a Garage Door Opener

When the garage door opener isn’t working like usual, there can be various things that could be causing the issue. Often, it’s going to be something very basic that can be fixed in moments. Even if you think it can’t be any of the following, you’ll want to check just in case:

Try The Wall Switch

Next, give the wall switch a try rather than the remote opener. Does this open the garage door? If so, that’s a good sign as you most likely just need a new garage door opener remote. You can quite easily pick one up, and reprogram it to your garage door.

Lubricate The Trolley Rail

Ideally, you’ll be doing maintenance checks on your garage door at least twice a year. This lets you check the condition of your garage door, and ensures that it’s in full working condition. At this point, you should also be lubricating the door to keep it moving throughout the year.

Adjust The Photo Eyes

Are you finding that the garage door won’t close all the way when you press the button to close it? If you’re seeing it auto-reverse, that’s a good sign that the photo eyes are at fault. These are the two sensors that sit close to the ground, either side of your garage door, and what checks for anything in the path of the door.

Adjust The Travel

Has adjusting the photo eyes not solved the problem with your garage door not closing? Then it could well be an issue with the limits on your garage door opener. This tells the opener how far the garage door should travel before it hits the ground.

Check The Chain Tension

Finally, if you’re finding that your garage door won’t open all the way, that could be an issue with the chain tension. If there’s too much slack, it won’t be able to open the door up properly when needed. It’s quite easy to check if this is the problem.

What to do if garage door won't open?

Lock button engaged. It is not uncommon for homeowners to accidentally press the lock button on the control panel. So if the garage won’t open, keep this in mind as it can be easily fixed. All that you have to do is press the lock button, and the door will be disengaged.

Why is my garage door remote not working?

Another reason for the garage door remote not working is if the Ground Fault Interpreter (GFI) is damaged. The GFI is crucial because it protects your home from electrical dangers. It keeps your home from overheating due to electrical errors. If the GFI is blown, the garage door will also stop working.

How to test if garage door is open?

A way to test this is by standing within 20 feet of the door, press the remote control and see if the garage opens. Once you stand a further distance, the garage won’t open because the signal is not reaching the opener transmitter.

Why won't my garage open?

Dead batteries are one of the most common reasons why the garage won’t open. Usually, remote batteries last for up to two years. If you haven’t changed them recently, it may be time to get new ones. A simple way of knowing if batteries are depleted is by pressing the remote.

Why does my garage door opener not have power?

If the opener does not have power, the most likely cause is a tripped circuit breaker. Locate the circuit breaker, turn it off until it clicks, and turn it back on. If the circuit breaker instantly turns off again, there is a short in the electrical system that must be corrected before proceeding.

How often should I inspect my garage door opener?

When one fails to operate, the results can be frustrating and highly inconvenient. Making regular inspections at least once a year can alert us to potential issues lurking around the corner. A simple visual check and yearly lubrication of our entire garage door system will often prevent many of the common problems described here. As with any home repair project, addressing small problems before they can become big ones is always your best bet.

Why does my door opener stop and reverse?

If the opener runs and the door tries to close, but suddenly stops and reverses, the problem is usually either too little downward force from the opener, or an obstruction is blocking the sensors from seeing each other. The first solution is to eliminate the obstruction if there is one and re-test. If that is not the cause, the door itself may be causing an unusual amount of friction. This happens as doors age, bolts loosen, and components stretch.

What happens if the door sensor is broken?

Regardless of the reason, if this beam of light is broken, the opener will not work and the overhead light will flash. This is an extremely important safety feature, so don’t ever try to bypass it.

What is the head unit of a garage door opener?

The openers you will often see today are likely to be belt-driven, chain-driven, or worm gear-driven (direct drive). There are a few types of garage door openers, ...

Why does my door opener make a grinding noise?

When it fails, there is usually a grinding noise near the head unit. Sometimes the issue is a broken belt or chain, and sometimes the drive gear inside the head unit shears off. All openers will have a small door, or very often, a removable light cover. This is easily identified as the location of the light bulb.

What to use to lubricate a door?

Lubricate any moving parts of the door with a spray lubricant. The pros use silicon or lithium grease. The use of mechanic’s grease or oil is not recommended, as these lubricants will trap dust and grime, making the problem worse over time.

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