All garage door opener systems have their little quirks and tendencies, and sometimes, they seem to have minds of their own. And a malfunctioning garage door opener can be a massive inconvenience, especially when you’ve got someplace to be!
If your garage door won’t respond to its remote control or wall switch, there are a few tricks you can try to get it working again. Here are five ways to deal with that obstinate opener.
Peek at the Plug
It’s a little embarrassing, but it happens to everyone: you get frustrated that your phone charger doesn’t seem to be working, but then you look over and notice that it’s not actually plugged into the wall. Believe it or not, the same thing can happen to your garage door opener system. The door opener motor can’t operate without a power source, so before doing anything else on this list, head into the garage and check that the opener is plugged in. Once you confirm it has power, try to open the door again.
Examine the Entrance
Even some of the oldest garage door opener systems have specific built-in safety features. One of these important features is a sensor that prevents the door from closing on a person, pet, or vehicle. These sensors are life-saving, but they can also cause opener issues when something ends up triggering them accidentally. Check the entrance of your garage carefully for any objects in the way on each side of the door. Common culprits for sensor triggering include brooms, rakes, and other items stored in the corner of the garage. If you have a panel door, also check for small items or debris between the garage door’s panels. Move all items safely out of the way, then see if the door opens and closes normally.
Swap Out the Batteries
Do you use a remote to open the door? If you’re suddenly experiencing opener issues every time you use the remote, its batteries might be weak or dead. Most openers’ battery compartments can be accessed with a small Phillips head or flathead screwdriver. Once you’ve gained access to the batteries, carefully remove them, check for corrosion or rust inside the compartment, then insert fresh new batteries. If your opener remote uses a type of battery you don’t recognize, check your owner’s manual for specifications, then order the necessary batteries online or at a specialty store.
Reset the Remote
For many computer issues, the “turning it off and on again technique” works wonders. The same often holds true for garage door openers. If your door still isn’t opening and closing, a system reset may help. Each garage door opener is a little different, so you’ll need to do a bit of research. Locate the reset instructions in your owner’s manual and follow them, or search for the model name and brand of your opener system online to find a video tutorial. Once you’ve reset your system, you might find that your opener is magically capable of lifting the door once again.
Evaluate Your Electrical System
Even after you’ve replaced the batteries and made sure the opener is plugged in, it’s all for naught if your home is experiencing larger electrical issues. Locate your circuit breaker and find the proper switch for the garage door opener, then turn it off and on again. If your garage door frequently trips the circuit breaker, make an appointment with an electrician to talk about possible solutions.
Contact Eco Garage Doors Today!
If none of these tips have gotten your garage door opener working, don’t sweat it. Our trusty garage door repair experts at Eco Garage Doors are just a phone call away! We work with all types of garage door openers, from old-fashioned to state-of-the-art, so you never have to worry that we can’t give you a hand. Whether you need some simple troubleshooting solutions or a completely new garage door opener installation in Austin, TX, there’s nothing our team can’t tackle. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll see you soon!