One type of house trouble that seems to be small and yet annoying is a garage door opener that isn’t functioning properly. After a few moments, it’s working just fine and then one moment you’re standing in the driveway pushing your remote button over and over and nothing happens. However, before you call for a service call, you should be aware that many garage door problems have easy-to-fix causes, and can be fixed by most homeowners.

This guide takes you through the most common issues, an explanation of the problems and how to systematically narrow down the issue to determine if a detailed handling of the problem is necessary or if it can be resolved with a simple DIY fix. 

The Remote Control Is Not Responding

If your wall-mounted button functions when the handheld remote doesn’t, the issue is typically not with the opener unit, but rather with the remote. The most obvious reason is the batteries. Many homeowners do not change the batteries in their remote until when they no longer function at all, while they use small batteries in the remote that slowly run out of power. Replace with a fresh set and test before concluding if there is a more serious problem.

If the problem is not eliminated with new batteries, the remote may need reprogramming. This occurs during the following instances: after a power outage, after replacing opener assembly, over time as the power outages reset the signal pairing. Most of the opener brands feature a learn button on the motor head unit usually, close to the ceiling. This button is used to reconnect the service when it is activated along with the remote. Each opener is different, so check the manual for the opener you use to see which sequence you have to use.

Nearby electrical equipment using the same frequency may interfere with remote equipment performance as well. Interference is often caused by the LED bulbs combined with the opener box contained inside — sometimes replacing them with appropriate non-interference light bulbs will cure the problem on the spot. 

The Opener Runs but the Door Does Not Move

It’s one of the more bizarre symptoms as once the motor can be heard, then the unit is getting power, but nothing happens with door movement. In most cases, this means that there’s a problem with the motor and the drive mechanism.

Some openers have a manual release mechanism such as the red cord dangling from the trolley carriage which can be used to manually open the door if there is no power. If this cord has been pulled, the door will no longer respond to the automatic door drive system, and the door will not move until the cord is replaced. Usually the trolley can be reconnected to the carriage track by pulling the release cord back toward the motor unit, which will restore full operation.

If trolleys are installed and the door still fails to move, check the drive system for any obvious signs of damage. A broken drive belt or snapped chain and parts stripped out of gears are other mechanical issues that usually need professional repair or replacement. 

The Door Reverses Before Closing Completely

A safety feature in modern garage door openers is a safety reversal system that stops the door closing on people, animals or objects that might get caught in its way, a requirement of the federal government. If your door begins to close and then reverses back up, the safety device is sensing something that caused it to shut, though it may not have seen anything that you would think would have caused the door to close.

Mostly the cause is misaligned photo-eye sensors. Each of these small sensors is placed near the floor on both sides of the door frame that communicate with an invisible beam. The beam appears to be broken and the sensors are knocked out of alignment, so the opener thinks there is an obstruction and goes back. Ensure both sensors face each other in a straight path, wipe all lens contacts clean and see if the indicator light is steady, as this indicates proper alignment.

Highly sensitive down-force settings can also result in a premature reversal. If the force on the opener is set too low, even slight resistance from the weather stripping bar or track friction could set off the reversing mechanism. This can be done without mechanical effort by using the dial on the motor unit to alter its force sensitivity. 

The Door Opens on Its Own or at Random Times

A garage door that operates without input is understandably alarming. But it’s hardly ever a security breach. The most commonly occurring culprit seems to be button panels stuck or failing to work on the remote — a remote stuck in a bag or glovebox being pushed by the pressure to open without you realizing it.

Inspect all remotes in the household, in cars and look for any physical damage or button that sticks. If the remotes look okay, they may be being used by someone in a neighboring household and interfering with your remote. By programming it to a new access code, you can prevent the same from happening again. Most modern systems employ rolling code technology which means that the signal is different for every use, so accidental cross-activation is rare but still possible on older systems. 

Unusual Grinding, Rattling, or Straining Sounds During Operation

Unusual noises are the opener’s method of telling us that something mechanical requires attention. A grinding sound generally indicates that the gears in the motor unit are worn out; plastic drive gears are frequently worn in chain-drive or screw-drive motor units. Loose door track hardware is often indicated by a rattling sound, and this can be bolts, brackets, or roller carriages that have become loose over time.

If you hear a straining noise, this may not be a problem with the opener, but rather the door itself. Garage doors are heavy, and the opener is made to run with a well-lubriciated and balanced door. Worn Springs, imbalanced Door and others require the motor to work harder than intended. To check the balance, unplug the opener and pick the door up half way — a properly balanced door will stay there, an unbalanced door will fall or lift on its own. It is important to note that torsion spring adjustment is a task that should only be done by trained professionals as it is very useful and requires a lot of tension. 

The Wall Button Works but the Exterior Keypad Does Not

The exterior keypad is also a convenient way to access without a remote, but must be maintained periodically that most likely will be neglected by the homeowner. You should always start with the batteries, after that — reprogram the access code through the opener’s learn button sequence. If the keypad has been broken or is very old, the moisture may have affected it or internal contacts may be worn out and may have compromised the parts so much that they cannot be programmed to change, and a replacement is the most viable option.

Conclusion

Garage door opener issues are actually much easier to deal with than they may initially anticipate. Most problems can be addressed with common sense trouble-shooting by checking power sources, sensors, and settings before concluding that the problem is mechanical and calling in the professionals. If you know how your system works and what issues you can handle on your own versus those that require professional assistance, you will save time and avoid any unnecessary costs.

If the problem is far more complex, like damaged cables, broken springs, motor failure or anything that needs hands-on mechanical ability, it is always best to take the time to contact a qualified technician. Garage Door Repair VIP offers reliable garage door opener repair, garage door spring replacement, and complete tune-up and maintenance for your garage door system to ensure your system is safe and reliable all year long!

Call Garage Door Repair VIP today and let us answer your questions and solve the issues efficiently and effectively; helping you to get back to the rest of your day without stress and anxiety.