Electric garage door openers are a convenience that most homeowners don’t consider until there is a problem. However, it can be a major issue if your garage door doesn’t open when you are headed out for the day. Learn 13 reasons why your garage door may not operate as it should.
1. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Since your garage door opener is likely on a circuit that services only your garage, you may not notice an issue until you try to open the door. Your electric panel is the first thing to check when there’s a problem. Inside the panel, the circuit for your garage should be labeled. Flipping the circuit breaker to the “on” position may be all you need to do to get your garage door working again.
2. Remote Batteries
Weak or dead remote batteries can prevent your garage door from opening. After checking the breaker, begin troubleshooting by replacing the batteries in the remote with fresh ones. Make sure that they are inserted correctly into the device and match up with the polarity markings. If the remote still doesn’t work after replacing the batteries, you can try reprogramming it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you still continue to have the issue, you may need to replace the remote completely, or it may be an issue with the garage door opener itself.
3. Dirty or Misaligned Sensors
The sensors at the bottom of your garage are a safety feature to ensure your garage door doesn’t close on people or objects. However, the door won’t move at all if the line of sight between them is broken. Start by visually inspecting the sensors on either side of the door. Make sure that they are aligned properly. Clean any dirt or debris that is obstructing the sensor lenses. Check for any signs of physical damage to the sensors or wiring. If the sensors are misaligned, adjust them accordingly and make sure that they are facing each other. Test the door to see if it will open.
4. Manual Lock
If your garage door isn’t opening, it could be due to the manual lock being engaged. Start by checking the manual lock handle inside the garage door. Turn the handle counterclockwise or according to the manufacturer’s instructions to disengage the lock. Once the lock has been disengaged, try to open the garage door again using either the remote control or the wall-mounted opener. If the lock continues to engage due to the vibration of the door opening and closing, you will have to contact a professional to have it replaced.
5. Track Obstructions
If your garage door doesn’t open, another potential cause could be an obstruction in the tracks. Check the tracks on both sides of the door for any debris, such as leaves, small objects, or dirt that could be blocking the path. Try using a broom or brush to clear away any obstructions that you find. Make sure the tracks are properly aligned and that there aren’t any bends or dents that could keep the door from opening. Regularly clean and maintain the tracks to prevent future obstructions and make sure that your garage door operates smoothly.
6. Broken Springs
A common problem behind a malfunctioning garage door is broken springs. To troubleshoot this issue, look at the springs and inspect them for signs of breakage or damage. You might notice cracks or separations. Be careful when you examine the springs because they are under high tension and can be dangerous if they aren’t handled appropriately. If you notice any broken or damaged springs, don’t attempt your own repair. Instead, call a professional garage door technician who will safely replace the broken springs for you.
7. Disconnected Opener
Most garage doors with an electric motor have a manual disengagement mechanism. This mechanism is useful for opening the garage door when your opener is malfunctioning. If you can easily lift and lower the garage door by hand, the emergency release cord has likely been pulled. To rectify the situation, manually move the garage door until the trolley aligns with the carriage. Next, pull the emergency release cord down and toward the door. You will hear a click when it re-engages.
8. Remote Frequency Interference
Remote frequency interference can prevent your garage door from responding to its remote control. In this case, start by changing the batteries, and if that doesn’t work, look for nearby devices, such as wireless routers, that could be interfering with the signal. You can also try reprogramming the remote.
9. Check the Opener Is Plugged In
Faulty wiring can disrupt the power supply to your garage door and require professional help to fix it. However, you can check the main power supply at the top of the opener. In most homes, the opener plugs into an outlet above the unit. Even if it looks like it’s plugged in, try pulling the plug out and reinserting it. Vibrations caused by opening and closing the door can cause the plug to loosen in the socket to the point where there is not a good connection to the power supply.
10. Gear or Motor Issues
Gear or motor issues can keep your garage door from opening. If you hear the motor running but the door doesn’t move, the gears might be stripped. However, you can troubleshoot by unplugging the opener. Then, inspect the motor and gears for obstructions and remove them if necessary. If this doesn’t work, you will likely have to contact a professional to replace the motor or the gear assembly.
11. Limit Switch Settings
If your garage door isn’t opening, the limit switch settings might be the issue. The limit switch determines how far the door should travel when opening or closing. Check the switch settings on the opener unit and adjust them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fine-tune the settings to make sure that the door opens and closes completely without prematurely stopping.
12. Trolley Carriage
The trolley carriage is another potential problem. Try looking for any obstructions or misalignments along the track. Tighten any loose bolts or nuts that connect the carriage to the door. Then, lubricate the carriage’s moving parts to make sure that everything operates smoothly.
13. Lack of Maintenance
Most garage door issues are preventable. During annual maintenance, a professional will inspect your door’s opening system for any potential problems that may result in an emergency breakdown. They will also lubricate the tracks and motor, which can increase the lifetime of your opener. Additionally, they will identify any minor issues that may result in costly repairs down the road.
Contact Us Today
At Lewis Door Service, we have been serving the residents of Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. We install, maintain, and repair garage doors and their electric openers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
