Are You Having Garage Door Opener Problems? Here's What To Do!

There are many reasons you could be encountering trouble with your garage door. Some are basic, and some are complicated. Let’s discuss some possibilities and solutions.

Do It Yourself

Does your garage door open and shut randomly? If your garage door is opening or closing by itself, check the transmitter. It could be stuck under an object that accidentally depressed the control mechanism. For example, the transmitter could be under items that you left inside your car, or somewhere else close by. Also, test the transmitter’s frequency; it’s possible that a neighbor has the exact same frequency as yours.

Is your garage door not closing? Your garage door has a small photo eye on either side. Between the two eyes is an invisible laser beam, which, when it’s broken, stops the door from closing. See if they’re misaligned or grimy.

Does the garage door go down all the way, but then open again? Then it’s probable that the open-and-shut limit settings of your garage door opener are malfunctioning. The settings instruct the garage door opener on how far the garage door should move before it’s completely closed. If it’s set too high, the door will touch the ground before the opener presumes it should, assuming that your door is hitting upon something in its path; then it automatically reverses, to stop from smashing it. Read the operator’s manual on how to reset the open-and-shut limits.

Inspect the power source. Perhaps the simple truth is that the transmitter batteries have to be replaced. Or, take a look at the electrical outlet; maybe it’s faulty.

Does your garage door opener run for a few seconds, but then turn off? If your garage door still won’t move, this can occur if the door is closed, and the garage door motor attempts to lift the door, yet it doesn’t budge. First, look at the springs. If that isn’t the problem, examine the track for any tiny obstacles or grime. If neither of these is the issue, then see if your garage door has a built-in lock that’s engaging by mistake; this commonly happens with older garage doors.

Does your garage door not open using your remote? There are few causes for this, each easily dealt with. 1. You may be too far out of range from the door. 2. You need to replace or charge the batteries. 3. The antenna on the garage door motor is damaged or blocked from the signal. 4. Your remote has to be reprogrammed.

Does the garage door opener run, but the door still isn’t moving? In case of a power outage, your garage door opener comes with a disconnect switch, allowing you to manually open or close your garage door. This switch is usually attached to a knob or rope, which can inadvertently get unhooked. Shut or open the door all the way, and then reattach the hook securely. Now, using the transmitter, try opening or closing the door again, and it ought to work just fine.

Complicated Issues Requiring Expert Attention

If your garage door slams down with a bang, you likely have a broken spring, which should be countering the weight of the garage door. Or, the cables might be broken. Either way, this is serious. Call a garage door repair technician.

Does your garage door close only part way, and then open again? A garage door is designed with a reversing mechanism to stop it from crushing something in its path. The reversing instruction can be triggered by any objects on the ground that are blocking the door’s path, such as a box, toy, bicycle, or trash can. Another possibility is there’s a buildup of debris on the garage door tracks ~ dirt, a small object, or gum ~ which will prevent the rollers from moving. This is a major problem, requiring a professional.

The garage door track could be out of alignment. This is serious. If the metal track of your garage door isn’t aligned, it will not move. See if there are any bends in the rails, or any gaps between the rail and rollers. The significant weight of your garage door will compound these issues over time, so don’t put it off. The door may become dangerous, so contact a professional.

If your garage door just won’t open at all, then a spring, or both springs, are probably broken, needing repair or replacement. If so, you must contact a garage door repair specialist.

Take Precautionary Measures

Once per month, investigate your garage door system’s components. Tighten any loose bolts you see. Replace any worn parts. If you ever hear any unusual noises when your garage door closes and opens, please don’t ignore it. Consult a garage door professional.

Annually, before the winter comes, lubricate your garage door hinges, springs, and rollers. Some garage door experts advise that you ought to lubricate as often as every three months. Use a top-name brand, so it won’t dry out. A light coating is all you need. If you don’t lubricate, the springs will eventually rust, and the coils will sooner or later bind up against each other.

Schedule an annual inspection with a reliable local garage door repair service. Wires, cables, pulleys, and springs all need extra attention from a professional.

On the whole, garage door maintenance takes only minimal effort and time. When you keep your garage door in excellent condition, it will definitely last a lot longer and cost you less over the long haul.