Most of us take our garage door openers for granted — until something goes wrong. Nine times out of 10, the problem is surprisingly simple but frustrating nonetheless. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common reasons you need garage door opener repair.
Garage Door Opener Remote Won’t Work
Most of the time this is either a battery problem or the remote is out of range. Check the batteries first. You’d be surprised how many emergency calls for garage door repair we get over a dead set of batteries. Next, make sure the remote is in range and the receiving antenna is in good shape and not bent. In fact, 9 times out of 10, batteries are the solution for a garage door opener repair.
If The Motor Continues To Run After The Door Is Closed
This is a garage door opener repair problem that often happens with newly installed garage door openers that need repair. The up-limit switch probably needs adjusted. It’s important the switch is set at the right distance so the garage door opener knows to stop running when it’s closed. Set it higher or lower until it’s at just the right amount.
If The Opener Won’t Run at All
If your garage door opener isn’t running at all, the first thing you should check is the power source. The opener needs to be connected to a working power source to function properly. Make sure that the door opener is properly plugged into the outlet and that the outlet is working or if it’s battery powered, check the battery. You can test the outlet by plugging in a different device, such as a lamp or a phone charger, to see if it’s working.
If the outlet is not working, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if the circuit has tripped or the fuse has blown. If the circuit has tripped, reset it, and try plugging in the opener again. If the fuse has blown, replace it and try plugging in the opener again.
If the garage opener is properly plugged in and the outlet is working, but the door is still not working, there may be an issue with the power cord. Worst case scenario it’s the internal wiring of the opener. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional garage door technician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Perhaps The Garage Door Motor Needs Replaced?
If you hear the sound of a motor spinning but the door isn’t connecting, chances are you need to replace the motor. The motor assembly is a gray cylinder located within the frame of the opener. Inside is a white tooth wheel mounted to a long metallic piece known as the sprocket shaft. If the motor isn’t working, you’ll need to replace either the gear or the sprocket shaft. You can purchase a replacement kit at most hardware stores. Make sure the kit corresponds with the type of garage door opener you are repairing. The HP on the kit should be the same as your opener. Most are ½ HP.