Garage doors are an integral part of our homes, safeguarding our vehicles and often serving as the primary entry point. When your garage door opener stops working, it can be a significant inconvenience. However, the good news is that the cause of the problem is often straightforward to identify and can sometimes be easily fixed.
Check the Power Source
If the garage door doesn’t move when the remote or wall switch is pressed, it’s likely that the power source has been disrupted. The most common problem is simply that the motor unit has been unplugged. Start by checking the outlet where the door opener is plugged in. It’s also possible that the circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI outlet powering the door opener circuit has tripped or burned out. If other lights or electrical circuits in the garage aren’t operating, this is likely the cause, and you’ll need to reset the breaker or GFCI or replace the burned-out fuse.
Inspect the Remote or Keypad
A non-responsive remote control or keypad could be the result of several issues. Try moving closer to the door; you may be out of range of the antenna inside the garage. Ensure that the antenna on the motor unit is hanging downward and is not damaged. If the door functions fine with the hardwired wall switch, the battery in the remote control or keypad likely needs replacing. Occasionally, the sensitive electronics in the remote control or keypad may lose their programming and may need to be reset.
Examine the Close-Limit Switch and Safety Sensors
If your garage door opens correctly but doesn’t close all the way, it could be because of an improperly set close-limit switch, misaligned safety sensors, or damaged rollers. The close-limit switch tells the motor when to stop running, and if set incorrectly, it may prevent the door from closing completely. The safety sensors, located near the bottom of the door track on both sides, require a clear line of view between them. If anything is blocking this sightline, or if the brackets holding the sensors are out of alignment, the door may fail to close fully. Damaged or rusted rollers can also cause the door to bind in the tracks.
Adjust the Close-Force Setting
If your garage door reverses before it hits the floor, it might be due to an incorrect close-force setting or damaged rollers. Garage door openers have an adjustment screw that controls the closing force. If your door is reversing before it hits the floor, the close-force setting may need adjustment. Additionally, damaged or rusted rollers can create extra friction, leading the door opener to stop prematurely.
Finally, if your garage door immediately springs upward after touching the floor, this is also likely a close-limit switch problem. In this case, you’ll need to adjust the close-limit adjustment screw on the door opener motor until the door stops upon touching the floor.
While many of these issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting, some problems might require professional intervention. If you’re in Heathsville, VA, or the surrounding areas, and your garage door opener isn’t working as it should, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Easy Open Garage Doors. Our experienced team is always ready to help you with your garage door repair needs. So don’t wait, call Easy Open Garage Doors today for a fast and efficient solution to your garage door problems.
