Whether you call Chesapeake home or another part of Virginia, those automatic garage doors tend to act up from time to time. The good news is most problems can be fixed without calling a pro. In this post, I’ll walk through some troubleshooting tips to hopefully get your door opening and closing again.
Table of Contents
Safety First
But first things first – safety! Before you do any tinkering, make sure the power is disconnected from the opener. No use risking a shock if something goes awry. Unplug it from the wall or flip the breaker. Can’t be too careful!
Check the Photo Eyes
One of the most common reasons a garage door opener won’t function is an issue with the photo eyes. You will easily these safety sensors at the bottom of the door track, about 4-6 inches above the floor. The photo eyes work by emitting and receiving a light beam. If the beam is interrupted, the door won’t close.
Check that the photo eyes are aligned properly and not obstructed by anything in the path of the light beam like boxes, tools, or dust buildup. You can test them by blocking the light beam with your hand or a piece of cardboard. The door should stop moving when the beam is blocked. If the photo eyes function properly, move on to other troubleshooting steps.
Test the Force Setting
All garage door openers have a force setting that controls how much resistance is needed to stop and reverse the door during closing. Over time, this setting can drift and need adjustment. A door that won’t close fully or reverses itself for no reason may have a force setting that’s too low.
Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on checking the force setting using a pressure sensor like a force gauge. Adjust the setting slightly higher and retest until the door operates as it should without being too sensitive. Be careful not to set it too high or the door may not reverse quickly enough.
Check the Garage Door Tracks and Rollers
Problems with the physical garage door itself can also prevent the opener from functioning properly. Inspect the tracks for debris, dirt buildup, or misalignment that could cause the door to get stuck. Check that the rollers are rolling smoothly without binding or coming off the tracks. Grease or replace worn rollers as needed. A door that’s getting stuck or not tracking correctly won’t allow the opener to do its job.
Examine the Drive Mechanism
If the opener motor is running but the door isn’t moving, the issue could be with the drive mechanism. Look for broken drive belts, worn chain links, or other damage that would prevent power transfer from the motor to the door. Replace any worn or damaged parts as necessary. You may also need to tighten loose components if that’s the cause of the problem.
Test the Wall Console and Remote Controls
It’s possible the opener itself is working fine but the remote controls or wall console aren’t communicating properly. Try operating the door manually with the wall console. If it works from there but not the remote, the remote may need new batteries or programming. Test all remotes and replace any batteries that read low. You can also reprogram remotes to the opener if needed.
Replace the Opener Motor if Necessary
If none of the above troubleshooting steps identify or resolve the issue, it’s possible the garage door opener motor itself has failed. Check for signs the motor is no longer running or not generating enough power to lift the door. Motors typically last 10-15 years with normal use, so replacement may be necessary at some point. Ultimately, you might need to go for garage door opener replacement.
Know When to Call a Pro
While many garage door opener issues can be fixed with basic troubleshooting and DIY repairs, not all problems are so straightforward. If you’re unsure of the cause or uncomfortable performing repairs, consider contacting a professional garage door technician. A pro can quickly diagnose complex issues, safely make necessary repairs, and ensure your system is in proper working order. They may also be able to service your system under a warranty if it’s still covered. For persistent problems or those beyond your ability, professional help is recommended.
With some basic troubleshooting knowledge and potential DIY repairs, you can save yourself from an expensive service call and get your garage door opener running smoothly again. Just be sure to prioritize safety during the process. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve common “won’t open or close” garage door issues and get that garage door moving once more.
