Troubleshooting Problems with Your Garage Door Opener

Here are some common garage door opener problems and how to troubleshoot them.

• Remote Won’t Work – If you are able to effectively open the garage door with your wall remote the problem is likely with your hand-held remote. Hold the remote within range of your garage door opener. This is where the motor is located. You might need to replace the batteries in your remote-control device and check to be sure that it is properly programmed. If it still isn’t working, it might be necessary to purchase a new remote. You’ll have to be sure that the remote is compatible with your opener. It might be a good idea to buy a universal model to be sure that it will work properly.
• The Remote Works but the Door Won’t Move - If you’re still experiencing a problem with your wall remote and your hand-held remote, there might be an issue with the lights. If they aren’t on, the unit will not receive any power. Also, make sure the motor is connected to the opener. Check the outlet and the circuit breaker to if there is an electrical problem. Once you’ve checked the electrical parts of your door, the emergency release should be examined. Pull on it to disengage it. See if it operates independently of the garage door opener. Try to open the door manually.
• Door won’t open completely/Goes Down Then Up Again – There might be a problem with your limit switch. If it needs to be adjusted, it will cause this type of problem. If you do this and the problem still exist, try opening and closing the door manually. 
• Once the Door Closes the Motor Still Runs – This sounds like there is a problem with your limit switch that needs adjusting. You might need to move it away from the motor unit to see if it stops running.
• The Door Reverses Without Even Touching the Floor – You can start by looking to see if there is anything around the door, blocking the closure. If you don’t see anything, try adjusting the close force.
• The Opener Stops in the Middle of Operation/Won’t Engage – The safety beams can sometimes cause problems with door closures. If the beams are not meeting up, this will make it impossible for your door to close. There may also be debris on the sensors, something like a wire may be in front of the beam or there may be moisture on the lens. All can be easily remedied. The only one that you may need help with is if the beams are misaligned. 
• Door Won’t Open or Close – If you have an electric garage door opener make sure the keypad is working. It might just need to be reprogrammed.
• The Garage Door Sticks – This is another easy fix. When the garage door sticks, your rollers and hinges need to be lubricated. There may also be a problem with the tracks. If they are clogged, out of alignment or dirty, the door will stick.
• The Opener Won’t Work with Either Remote – If your power source has been disrupted it will cause this type of problem. You will have to make sure the motor unit is plugged in and check the circuit breaker and fuse. 
• Garage Door Won’t Close Completely – If the limit switch needs to be adjusted, the door won’t close. Make sure the door is binding by manually opening and closing it.
• As soon as the Door Hits Floor It Reverses – Again, it is probably a problem with the close limit. Have it adjusted. 

As you can see there are some common problems and solutions. If you’re experiencing a problem with your garage door opening and closing, it is more than likely your garage door opener. However, since so much of your doors functionality is related to your garage door opener, there are various reasons why you might be experiencing the problems you are or there might be something very simple. You can make the problem worse by continuing to use your garage when you are having a problem. We don’t suggest that you do this. What we would suggest is that you pay close attention to how your door operates. This might sound unrealistic but you will be able to avoid a costly problem by finding a resolution sooner than later. 

If you want to troubleshoot the problem on your own, just be warned that your garage door opener has many moving parts. The motor is also inside the garage door opener. With so many moving parts, it can become a dangerous piece of equipment if not handled correctly. There are a bunch of videos on the Internet that will tell you how to make repairs to your garage door opener. Some good, some not so good Just be safe if you are attempting to troubleshoot your garage door opener problems.