Garage Door Opener Busted? Here’s What to Do

What’s wrong with your garage door opener? From our years of providing garage door service to our Elk Grove neighbors, we’ve learned that 9 times out of 10 the problem is remarkably simple. The batteries are dead in the remote. A fuse blew in the garage. The photo eyes are dirty or out of alignment. The transmitter needs reprogrammed. Every once in a while, a motor will be burned out or an entire opener needs replaced. We’ve seen it all. Though we can make some suggestions over the phone, if your opener has a serious problem, we’ll need to make a house call to check it out for ourselves.

What to Do

There are a few things you can do on your own. Here are some quick troubleshooting tips you’re welcome to try before you call us: 

Start by checking your garage door opener’s power source.

1. Check that the garage door opener is plugged into a working power outlet.
2. If the opener is hardwired, check the circuit breaker to make sure it hasn’t tripped.
3. Replace the batteries in the remote control or keypad if they are low or depleted.

Check the safety sensors for the door.

1. Safety sensors are located near the bottom of the garage door tracks. They use an infrared beam to detect objects or obstructions.
2. Check if the sensors are aligned properly and facing each other. They should have a solid, unobstructed connection.
3. Clean the lenses of the sensors with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking the infrared beam.

Check if the problem is with your remote control.

1. Test the remote control by pressing the buttons to see if it activates the garage door opener.
2. If the remote control doesn’t seem to have power, try replacing the batteries.
3. If the remote control still doesn’t work, check the manual for reprogramming instructions.

You can easily reset your garage door’s opener. Sometimes that does the trick.

1. Disconnect the garage door opener from the power source by unplugging it. You can also try switching off the circuit breaker.
2. Leave it disconnected for a few minutes to allow the opener to reset.
3. Reconnect the opener to the power source and see if it is working now.

If you haven’t been keeping up on your door’s maintenance, try lubricated moving parts.

1. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the garage door opener’s chain, springs, and other moving parts.
2. Lubrication helps reduce friction and ensures smooth operation of the opener.
3. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate lubricant to use.

Check your garage door’s tracks to make sure nothing is stopping it from opening.

1. Examine the tracks on both sides of the garage door for any obstructions. Even debris can hinder the door’s movement.
2. Remove any debris or objects that could be blocking the tracks.
3. Ensure that the tracks are properly aligned and free from bends or damage.

When in doubt, check the instructions that came with the door.

1. If you have it, refer to the user manual provided by the manufacturer of your garage door opener. 
2. The manual should have troubleshooting steps and instructions tailored to your model.
3. Follow the recommended steps outlined in the manual. They should help to troubleshoot and address any issues with the opener.

If none of these options work, you can always give us a call and our team can figure it out.

When You Need a New Opener

If the motor has a grinding sound, chances are you’ll need a new motor. If the opener is more than 10 years old, you might consider installing a new one anyway. Those openers have a lifespan just like anything else. It’s better to install a new one before the old one’s completely burned out so you’re not stuck.

Do You Have the Right Horsepower to Install on Your Garage Door Opener?

When choosing a new motor to install in your garage door opener as a DIY repair, it is critical to have the right horsepower. This can depend upon the size and weight of the door. Most standard doors in the consumer sector require a motor with at least ½ hp. Commercial doors likely require more, as much as .75 to 1.5 hp, depending on the size and weight of the door. Talk to a garage door professional.

But it really is a good idea to go above ½ hp for a commercial door regardless. This way, your opener can open and close your door quicker and with less strain. It won’t hurt the opener and by having a stronger motor it will require fewer repairs overtime.