Garage door openers are relatively uncomplicated devices driven by an electric motor. This makes them fairly easy to fix and fairly easy to diagnose when something goes wrong. Following is a short list of common garage door opener problems and how to fix them:
Problem: The door opener does not respond to commands.
Fix: This usually indicates a power issue. Check to see if the electrical cord to the garage door opener is plugged in. Check also to see if the remote batteries are weak or spent.
Problem: The opener raises the garage door, but won’t close it.
Fix: This could possibly be the beam sensor. Make sure it is plugged in, and it is aligned properly.
Problem: If the garage door opener runs, but doesn’t open the door.
Fix: This may indicate a problem with the worm gear or chain sprocket, problems usually best fixed by your professional garage door opener repairman.
Problem: The garage door opener operates on its own.
Fix: This also may be a problem best addressed by a garage door opener service company. Sometimes, it can be a simple solution such as a stuck button on the remote, while other times it may indicate a faulty circuit board, which may need to be replaced.
Problem: The garage door opener opens the garage door, but then stops and reverses itself, or the garage door opener stops with the garage door partially open.
Fix: Most modern garage door openers have a safety sensor that forces the door to reverse if something is in the way. Check to see if the area is clear. Also, check to see if the sensor is adjusted in accordance with the owner’s manual.
Of course, if you encounter a problem with your garage door opener and the problem persists, it is best to consult a professional. Garage door opener experts can either fix the problem, or replace the opener if necessary.
