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Why Is My Garage Door Opener Not Working?

Why Is My Garage Door Opener Not Working?

An automatic garage door opener allows you to conveniently open your garage door with only the press of a button. But what do you do when your garage door won’t open? It could be a simple fix, like replacing the batteries on your remote or making sure the garage isn’t locked. However, for more severe issues, you should contact an expert technician, so you don’t get hurt. Use this guide to discover why your garage door won’t open or close.

Why Is My Electric Garage Door Not Opening?

Your electric garage door has several components that help it move, and if any of those parts don’t work, the whole system could get stuck. Try opening and closing the door both manually and automatically. If it doesn’t work, before checking the opener, turn off the automatic feature and inspect the system for loose or broken parts. Follow these garage door opener troubleshooting tips, depending on the problem you have with this system.

1. Garage Door Won’t Respond to the Remote

Here are some of the reasons why your garage door might not be responding to the remote:

  • You’re out of range: If your remote doesn’t open or close the garage door, try moving closer to your house. It needs to connect to an antenna inside the garage, but it won’t if you’re too far away.
  • Frequency interference: Along with being out of range, the antenna on the motor unit might not connect to your remote because something may be blocking the connection. Try straightening it out and checking it for damage. Some LED light bulbs could cause frequency interference, so if you have them, you can try removing them and then testing the remote.
  • The remote needs new batteries: If your door works with the wall switch but not with the remote, you may need to change the batteries. Check the instructions for your specific garage door opener remote to find out which type you need.
  • Reprogram the remote: Your remote may have lost connection with the garage door opener in a way that requires reprogramming. Every device is different, so you should read the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to reprogram it.

2. Garage Door Won’t Open With Wall Switch

The wall switch is a button inside your garage that opens and closes your garage door. If your garage door wall switch is not working, you may need to replace it. You might also need to fix the wires that connect to your wall switch if a staple or other obstruction punctured them. To diagnose the issue:

  1. Turn off the circuit breaker for the garage door before testing any electrical elements.
  2. Use a non-contact voltage tester to find out if there’s an electrical connection from the garage door to the wall switch.
  3. If there’s a connection, contact a garage door professional to replace the wall switch.
  4. If the voltage tester doesn’t detect a link, you may need to have the wires replaced.

3. Garage Door Opener Remote and Wall Switch Don’t Work

Garage Door Opener Remote and Wall Switch Don't Work

If your garage door doesn’t open, even if you use the remote or the wall switch, something may be disrupting the power source. To figure out why the remote and wall switch both don’t work:

  • Make sure that the garage door opener has a secure connection to a nearby GFCI outlet.
  • If the lights on your garage door opener aren’t flickering when you press the button, the fuse, GFCI or circuit breaker might have burned out. In that case, try resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse.
  • The garage door opener’s motor may have failed, and you may need to replace the garage door opener.

4. Garage Door Opener Doesn’t Close All the Way

If the garage door doesn’t close all the way, there are several possible reasons why:

  • Inspect the photo-eye: The garage door comes with a photo-eye sensor, a safety feature that prevents it from closing on a child, pet, or object. Obstructions of any size, including dust, could trip the sensor and send the door in reverse. Inspect the photo-eye sensor and remove any objects that are in the way of the opener. You could also check to see if the cord attached to the eye is cut or damaged, which could happen if a rainstorm or a leak occurs.
  • Adjust the close-limit switch: Your garage door opener features several set-limit switches that tell the motor when to stop running. Make sure the close-limit switch is on the correct setting, so the door closes all the way.
  • Replace or lubricate the rollers: Rollers that are rusted or damaged could limit the movement of your garage door along the tracks. Inspect the rollers and replace them as needed. You can also apply a silicone lubricant to allow them to move more freely.

5. Garage Door Not Opening but Motor Is Running

If the garage door opener isn’t working, but it makes noise, there are two possible causes:

  • You may need to replace the motor on your garage door opener.
  • The garage door has lost its connection with the garage door opener.

In both cases, you would need to consult a garage door professional. As you test out your entryway system, pay attention to the type of sound coming from the motor because it could be the gear and sprocket. Whether it’s a grinding or a screeching sound, it may be a clue that there are missing or broken parts within your garage door opener.

How to Fix a Garage Door Opener

What do you do when your garage door won’t open? You call a professional technician to inspect and repair your roof. An expert technician knows each part of these complex machines and can make recommendations on how to fix them. If you try to make any of these repairs yourself, you could seriously endanger yourself or your property.

Before calling a professional, try these easy fixes:

  • Unplug the opener and plug it back in to reset the sensors.
  • Make sure the garage door isn’t on the “lock” setting on your wall switch.
  • Move all objects away from the pathway of the photo-eye.
  • Clean the photo eye sensors with a damp cloth at least once a season.

You can manually open your garage door by disengaging the automatic setting and lifting the door with both hands until you figure out why your electric garage door isn’t opening. Also, be cautious and do not insert your fingers in between the sections of the panels.

Contact King Door in Bakersfield for Garage Door Opener Repair

If your garage door in Bakersfield, California, isn’t working correctly, contact King Door to inspect your property. We specialize in garage door opener repair and will help you figure out how to fix this feature of your entryway system. Contact us online or call 661-397-2744 to schedule service.

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