If you own an automatic garage door opener, you know just how convenient it can be to raise and lower your garage door with just the touch of a button on your car key fob or the click of a switch inside your home.
But even the most reliable garage openers can develop problems that might leave you stuck outside and frustrated at times, particularly if you don’t know how to troubleshoot them correctly.
Your garage door opener may not be working for various reasons, and identifying the reason is a crucial step toward repairing it. For most of the problems, you will have to call the professionals because they know everything about troubleshooting the problem and how to repair the garage door opener. However, there are a few issues that you can tackle at home as well. To fix garage door opener, you must first understand the underlying cause of the problem. So if your garage door opener not working and want to know how to repair garage door opener all by yourself, the following section is for you.
Here are the most common garage door issues, as well as some tips on what to do when they occur so you can avoid paying an expensive service call every time something goes wrong!
Problems and Garage Door Troubleshooting
Following is a list of the common problems with the tips to troubleshoot the problems:
1. Unbalanced Doors: A common problem with garage door openers
The majority of garage door problems for any given garage door opener model are due to an unbalanced door. An unbalanced door is not hung correctly or has something stuck in it, such as a bird nest or squirrel’s nest. If you have issues with your garage door closing by itself, chances are you have an unbalanced door.
To solve your problem, you can either raise or lower your track to balance out your weight more evenly across all springs or call a professional and let them fix it for you. When spring breaks while you’re opening or closing your garage, there’s not much you can do at home to replace it since they are under extreme tension. Your only option is to call someone who will come out and replace them right away. Most openers can encounter this problem, and experts can easily solve it.
2. Worn Out Springs: Broken Torsion Springs
Worn Out Springs: Broken Torsion Spring| Photo by cottonbro
In case the garage door spring broke, don’t worry. It is a very common problem. Over time, garage door springs can become worn out. While you may be able to have a torsion spring replaced, it is usually recommended that you replace all of them at once since they are usually manufactured as a set.
You don’t want to end up with a broken spring system and deal with an expensive repair bill later on down the road. If one or more of your springs need replacing, get it done quickly to avoid future problems and make sure that your new springs match or exceed their original strength rating.
3. Malfunctioning Opener
Malfunctioning garage door openers can be frustrating when they suddenly break down. A common problem is a broken transmission, which occurs when your opener’s gearbox stops working properly. Another common malfunction is when the power goes out to your opener, and it won’t respond or operate.
Power outages can be caused by other nearby devices (like fluorescent lights or large appliances) or by wiring issues throughout your home. These are simple fixes that can prevent your garage door from functioning for days on end until you get them taken care of. In either case, a professional will need to come out and assess your situation before making any repairs.
4. Jammed Rollers
Over time, garage door rollers can wear down and become jammed with dirt or debris. When a roller is jammed, it can cause your door to rise off its track and may result in an accident if you are driving underneath it. Rollers must be replaced every 10-15 years to maintain safety and efficiency of operation. If one of your rollers is not working, check for any obvious obstructions, such as spider webs or leaves. Also, make sure that all your garage door cables and springs are well-oiled.
5. Obstructions Between The Opener and Door Sensors
Common garage door problems are often caused by dirt, snow, and misaligned tracks. Ensure that your sensors can easily see through any obstructions between them and your openers. They need to be aligned properly. If you have a problem with your sensors not being able to see over large items such as stacks of cardboard boxes or large furniture items, consider placing them closer to eye level.
You can also place an object between yourself and these objects to better ensure they are cleared of anything that might interfere with proper operation. Your owner’s manual should clearly outline what is required for optimal sensor functioning.
6. Damaged Photo Eye Sensors
A damaged photo-eye is a common problem that can cause your garage door to stop functioning. As its name suggests, damaged photo eyes prevent your door from properly identifying when it’s supposed to be closed and when it should be opened. This issue is easy to fix with a screwdriver and a pair of pliers.
To do so, find where your safety eyes are located – typically on one side of each door panel – then use pliers to remove them if they’re loose or misaligned. Next, use a screwdriver to adjust their angle, making sure that they line up perfectly with both sides of your tracks and with each other. When you’re done adjusting them, simply reinsert them into place with pliers and continue using your garage door opener as normal.
7. Defective Chain or Belt Drive System
A common problem with many garage door openers is a defective belt or chain drive system. Many times, people will hear a rattling noise as they are closing their garage door. This could be caused by a loose chain or some slack in your track. A few simple adjustments can eliminate these problems, but if they persist, then it might be time to replace them with new chains and tracks.
8. The Garage Door Limit Settings Aren’t Set Properly
The Garage Door Limit Settings Aren’t Set Properly | Photo by Pixabay
Sometimes, your garage doors can close completely and come back up rather than staying closed. The issue typically occurs when the new garage doors have only just been installed, or old models need a reset. It may cause the opening and closing limit setting of garage doors to malfunction.
The dimensions of the door will be displayed on the door opening window when the garage door closes fully. If the settings are too low, the door can hit a wall before the opener expects. The system will then automatically stop breaking down anything underneath it.
9. The disconnect switch was enabled
You might hear the garage door motor running during normal opening times, and it is impossible to close it if the disconnect switch is activated. All garage door openers include disconnect switches to keep your power supply running. This lets you manually open and close doors and keep the car safe when it’s turned on. The wall switch is usually pinned on a rope that can be held up or plugged into an electrical outlet and can turn on. Occasionally, a wall switch can accidentally go off and disconnect the door from the motor. You should ensure that the disconnect switch is turned off to get your opener functioning properly.
10. Garage door opener wiring problems
Garage door opener wiring problems | Photo by Daria Shevtsova | Sourced from Pexels
The sensors may not fit properly, but they may indicate faulty wiring issues. The problem could be due to faulty safety sensor wires. If you’ve had a problem with the safety sensor during the cycle, then you should try to wiggle the wire supplying the safety sensor with the remote control. When garage doors open during the installation process, the wire can cause an issue. Continue adjusting the wires one at a time to find the wires that caused the failure. Tampering electrical components like its circuit breaker may result in further damage or serious injury to an unskilled handyman.
11. The transmitter batteries are dead
If the batteries on the transmitter have died, it will never open the door of the garage. Firstly, make sure the transmitter on the wall inside the garage is still open when you press it. In such cases, the transmitter should probably be replaced simply by replacing its old batteries with new batteries in a car. If you have multiple car transmitters installed on your garage door, your other transmitters need batteries very soon. Adding an electrical outlet to the garage is pretty easy.
12. The door has been locked manually
A common issue is when the garage door has been manually locked. This happens if someone engages the manual lock handle on the door. As a result, the door won’t open or close using the opener. To resolve this, locate and disengage the lock, usually found as a horizontal bar or a slide lock on the inside of the door.
13. opening again when closing
If the garage door starts to close but then reverses and opens again, the safety sensors might be misaligned or obstructed. Another possibility is that the door’s travel limit settings need adjustment, causing the opener to mistakenly detect an obstacle. Checking for sensor alignment, cleaning the sensor lenses, and adjusting the travel limits can usually fix this problem.
14. Garage door opener remote doesn’t work
When a garage door opener remote doesn’t work, it could be due to dead batteries, a disrupted signal, or the remote needing reprogramming. Start by replacing the batteries and ensuring you’re within range. If it still doesn’t work, try reprogramming the remote to the opener unit by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
15. Garage door motor runs without door moving
If the garage door motor runs but the door doesn’t move, it might indicate a problem with the drive mechanism. Common causes include a broken chain or belt, a disengaged trolley, or worn gears inside the opener. Inspect the drive system for visible issues, and consider consulting a professional if you’re unsure about repairs.
16. Door doesn’t open in winter/cold weather
Cold weather can cause garage door issues, such as the door not opening. Lubrication may thicken, causing resistance, or the metal components may contract. The opener’s sensitivity settings might also need adjustment to account for the increased resistance. Regular maintenance, including lubricating moving parts with a winter-appropriate lubricant, can prevent these issues.
How to fix garage door opener?
You can start by first checking the power source and remote control batteries. Ensure the safety sensors are aligned. Try resetting the opener by disconnecting and reconnecting the power and lubricating moving parts. Additionally, eliminate any obstructions in the door’s path and adjust travel limits. Inspect and replace a worn drive gear if necessary.
Also, verify that the manual override isn’t engaged. Additionally, inspect the garage door springs and cables for any signs of wear or damage. If uncertainties persist, consult a garage door technician for a thorough diagnosis and repair.
Conclusion
We hope this post will help you identify the cause of your malfunctioning garage door openers and help you find the most optimum solution. If you need professional help with any of these issues, Aaron’s Garage Door Company will be your best bet for your garage door repair.
Repair Garage Door FAQs
How do I know if the limit switch on my garage door opener is malfunctioning?
The limit switch controls your garage door and how far it can open or close. If your limit switch is malfunctioning, you will notice signs, like your garage door is not stopping at the desired position, and it doesn’t stop or close at the right time.
How does the limit switch on the garage door opener work?
Similar to any other remote or switch, the limit switch sends a sign to the garage door opener to activate or deactivate it. There are several types of switches, like wall-mounted switches, remote controls, keypads, or smart devices. Each one functions differently.
How can I figure out why my garage door opener is not working?
There are many possible reasons why your garage door is not working. The power source is disconnected or interrupted, the batteries are low, or sensors are blocked, dirty, or maligned.
Should I repair or replace my garage door?
To answer this question, you should consider several factors, like the age and condition of your garage door and its components. Also, the cost of availability of repair parts and labor. Your budget and the condition of your garage doors should play a main part in determining the right approach.
What is the average cost to repair a garage door?
The average cost to repair a garage door is based on various factors. The type and size of the garage door and the type and quality of repair parts and materials are some of the important factors.
How do I make my garage door close automatically?
If you want to make your garage door close automatically after a certain period of time, you should check for the feature, as some garage door openers have a feature that allows you to close automatically after a certain period of time. It is quite a useful feature in case you forget to close your garage door.
What’s included in Home Depot’s Garage Door & Opener Repair service?
The professional Home Depot’s garage door and opener repair services include consultation and inspection of your garage door with a written estimate of repair cost, time frame, and one-year warranty on labor and parts.
Is garage door repair covered by home insurance?
There are two factors that impact the answer to this question: first, your home insurance policy and the type of damage. Generally, home insurance covers garage door repair if the damage is caused by an accidental, unintentional, or natural occurrence like fire, windstorm, hail, vandalism, theft, or vehicle collision.
How do garage door repair prices vary by material?
The cost of replacement parts and materials impacts the cost of garage door repair. While steel is the most common and affordable material, wood might be more expensive. Also, wood garage doors require more maintenance than steel ones.
