Repairing Guides

how to repair my garage door opener

by Teresa Beer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • 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.
  • Try The Wall Switch. Next, give the wall switch a try rather than the remote opener. Does this open the garage door? ...
  • Lubricate The Trolley Rail. Ideally, you’ll be doing maintenance checks on your garage door at least twice a 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? ...
  • Adjust The Travel. Has adjusting the photo eyes not solved the problem with your garage door not closing? ...
  • 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.

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Garage Door Opener - YouTube
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This up. And down you see how it's moving smoothly. You want to also make sure that the springs areMoreThis up. And down you see how it's moving smoothly. You want to also make sure that the springs are balanced. So you see how I'm stopping the door right there it's disconnected from the opener.

Full Answer

How do you reprogram a garage opener?

Things You’ll Need

  • Liftmaster garage door motor unit
  • Liftmaster remote garage door opener
  • Ladder
  • Pen (optional)

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

How to open a garage door with an opener manually?

The Hard Way

  • Unwind the coat hanger. ...
  • Go to the center of the door. ...
  • With the hanger reach for the emergency release lever. ...
  • Remove the hanger from between the door and frame.
  • If you were able to disengage the door you should be able to open the door by hand. ...

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Why does my garage door not close?

Why do I have to hold down my garage door button for it to close?

  1. Sensor blockage. One of the potential problems behind a faulty garage door mechanism is a sensor blockage. ...
  2. Sensor Eyes Issue. As we’ve mentioned, it is necessary for the sensors to be free of any blockages, including even the ones that you wouldn’t find as alarming, such ...
  3. Adjusting Sensors. ...
  4. Faulty Lock-Out Button. ...
  5. Faulty Garage Door Opener. ...

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What causes garage door opener to stop working?

The most common reason for a garage door remote transmitter to stop working is a dead battery. However, if ALL the garage door openers stop working at the same time, then most likely the garage door antenna is not attached properly or the garage door opener itself needs to be reset.

What do you do when your garage door opener doesn't work?

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 you troubleshoot a garage door opener?

0:3220:12Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting and Repair - How to fix ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCeiling there there's a little outlet plug something else into there and see if it's working alsoMoreCeiling there there's a little outlet plug something else into there and see if it's working also you can look at the sensors there's a little led light on there are they out are both of them out.

How do I know if my garage door opener motor is bad?

Mechanical meltdownsVibrating. An opener that tends to vibrate might seem harmless in the beginning, but keep an eye on it. ... Opening then reversing. ... New noises. ... Intermittent or unresponsive opening. ... Rolling codes. ... Battery back up. ... Outside keypad. ... Safety features.More items...•

Is there a reset button on a garage door opener?

Resetting Newer Openers To reset the system, you will need to locate the button on the motor that reads “Learn” or “Home.” In many cases, this button will be located on the same side as the device's antenna and next to an LED. LED colors range by brand and model.

Is there a fuse in a garage door opener?

This component is an essential part of inspecting if your garage door opener is malfunctioning. A fuse is an essential part of an electrical circuit. To put it simply, this safety feature is what protects your garage opener if there's something faulty within the circuit.

What are common garage door problems?

8 Common Garage Door ProblemsOpener Switch Not Working. ... Keypad Doesn't Work. ... Remote Control Doesn't Work. ... Garage Door Doesn't Open or Close. ... Motor Runs Without Door Moving. ... Noisy Garage Door. ... Garage Door Opening Unevenly. ... Garage Door Opening and Closing Too Slow.

How do I know if my garage door sensor is bad?

Light indicators: An easy way to tell if your garage door sensors are out of alignment is by checking if the exterior LED light blinks when you attempt to close the door. Green lights mean the sensors are working, while red lights indicate the sensors are not aligned.

How much does it cost to replace a motor on a garage door?

Garage Door Opener Costs If you have a pro install a garage door opener, expect to pay between $220 and $550. The opener itself will typically run between $150 and $500 with another $65 to $85 an hour for labor, which can run between two to six hours.

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.

Is it better to repair or replace a garage door opener?

Garage door opener repair can also be more expensive than replacement. So if it'll cost you less anyway, it's best to purchase a new garage door opener that will also be higher quality and work better.

Why did my liftmaster remote stop working?

The most common reason your remote isn't working is simply that the batteries have worn out. These days, you'll get thousands of openings off your one set of batteries, but eventually, those batteries will just run out. You'll need to try replacing the batteries and trying the remote again.

Do Genie garage door openers have a reset button?

0:001:14Reset a Genie Garage Door Opener - Genie Intellicode - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to press the button on your remote. Three times and that will set the code.MoreYou need to press the button on your remote. Three times and that will set the code.

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 opener doesn't work?

If only one doesn’t work, then you know where the trouble lies. If your garage door opener motor has an antenna , ensure it’s undamaged and in the correct position to receive the signal. Check the batteries in your remote, and ensure you’re using it within range of the opener.

What to do if you can't open your garage door?

If you’re still not able to open it, it’s best to talk to a repair service to diagnose the problem. Now that you know how to repair a garage door opener, you can address any issues that may need attention throughout the years. While some issues can be fixed on your own, others might require a professional. If this is the case, you can contact ...

What happens if the door opener limit is incorrect?

If the limit is incorrect, then it will auto-reverse, as it believes there’s something in the way of the door. This is another safety feature, but it causes problems if it isn’t set correctly. Luckily, it’s easy to adjust the limits on your opener.

How to fix a door sensor?

Firstly, clean off the sensors on your door with a soft cloth. Dirt can collect on the sensors, and break the beam that’s emitted between them. If that doesn’t fix it, they may need realignment. All you need to do is tie a length of string between the two sensors and check it with a spirit level.

What is the problem with a garage door opener?

Your garage door opener has some external controls, which are used to open and close it. For example, the wall switch, keypad, or remote control could be at fault here. You’ll want to test them all, to see if any of them aren’t working correctly. If only one doesn’t work, then you know where the trouble lies.

Why does my garage door opener auto reverse?

When the door hits the grounds, then it knows the door is shut. If the limit is incorrect, then it will auto-reverse, as it believes there’s something in the way of the door. This is another safety feature, but it causes problems if it isn’t set correctly.

How to test a door spring?

They become looser, and won’t be able to open the door. The best way to test the springs is by opening the door manually halfway, and then releasing it.

Why is my garage door opener tripping?

If the circuit breaker or GFCI is tripping repeatedly, it's a sign that there is a short circuit somewhere in the system —possibly even the garage door opener itself.

Why does my door bind in the tracks?

Less frequently, rusted or damaged rollers can cause the door to bind in the tracks. Replacing damaged rollers or lubricating them with silicone lubricant can correct this problem. Sometimes the tracks themselves may shift or get bent, which can also cause the problem.

Why won't my garage door close?

Garage Door Won't Close All the Way. If the garage door opens correctly but fails to close completely, there may be one of three common causes: The close-limit switch may need adjusting. Your garage door has set-limit switches that instruct the motor when to stop running—both when it is opening, and when it is closing.

Why does my door stop opening?

Balky or damaged rollers can also cause the door to stop short of fully opening. Inspect and replace damaged rollers, and lubricate rusty ones.

Why does my door reverse before it hits the floor?

When the door reverses before it even hits the floor, this is often because the close-force setting needs adjustment. The friction of the door rollers within the tracks is fooling the door opener into thinking the door has reached the floor, and the opener needs to be adjusted for less sensitivity.

What is a close limit switch?

The close-limit switch is a safety measure that keeps people from being hit and having the door close on them —it is a necessary and required device for all garage door openers. Adjusting the limit switch will stop your garage door from behaving erratically.

Where is the up limit switch on a garage door opener?

The up-limit switch may need to be moved toward the motor unit. This switch is usually a simply touch-lever mounted on the end of the track near the motor unit, and if it is too far ​away, the motor will stop the door before it fully opens. The solution is to move the switch closer to the motor unit. This is a somewhat rare problem, and will usually show itself immediately after a new garage door opener is installed.

What to do when garage door doesn't close?

With the door closed, pull the emergency release cord and lift the door to see if it opens and closes smoothly. If it doesn't, the problem is with your tracks, rollers or springs rather than your opener. Learn more about garage door repair.

Why won't my garage door open with a remote?

Garage Door Won't Open with Remote Fix: Replace the circuit board If the outlet has power, but there's no sound or no lights when you push the wall switch and remotes, you probably have a bad circuit board. Lightning strikes are the most frequent reason for the demise of a circuit board.

What to do if your opener doesn't run?

If the opener doesn't run when you touch the wires at the opener, use a small wire and jump those same two wires at the opener terminal. If the opener runs, the wire that connects the opener to the switch is bad. Sometimes the staples that hold the wire to the wall pinch the wire, causing a short. Install 18- to 22-gauge wire as part ...

What happens if your doorbell runs?

If the opener runs, you have a bad switch. If you have an older-model opener, a cheap doorbell button might work. If you have a newer opener that has a light and a locking option on the switch, buy the one designed for your model. A new one should cost you about $15.

How much does it cost to replace a socket?

Remove the two wire connections and install the new socket. Replacement sockets cost less than $15.

Why does my door rail bow?

If the door travels too far down, it will cause the rail to bow upward. This also causes excess wear and tear on the shaft and gears. Your door should travel up far enough so that the bottom of the door is just about the same height as the doorjamb.

Why does my door sensor go down?

If the door goes up but goes down only when you hold down the wall switch, check to see that the safety sensors are in alignment. The small light on each sensor should be lit up when nothing is between them. Door sensors do go bad, so if no light is showing at all, you may need to replace them. You can save yourself some time by using the existing wires. Also, direct sunlight shining on sensor eyes can make them misbehave.

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