Is the opener for your garage door refusing to work? When this happens (and it’s not uncommon), it can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re in a rush to head out, or in. Sometimes, an expert technician is the only one who can help. But not always! In fact, there are a number of common reasons your opener might not be working properly, and you can troubleshoot these yourself.
In this article, we’ve outlined 9 of the most common reasons for a garage door opener not working. We’ll run through the basics, and explain how you can fix your opener without needing to call out a garage door technician.
9 Reasons Why Your Garage Door Opener Isn’t Working Properly
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a Chamberlain or Liftmaster garage door opener… sometimes your problem is an easy fix! Take a look at this list of common garage opener problems, and make troubleshooting a breeze. If this list doesn’t help, give us a call right away.
1. The Disengage Lever Has Been Activated
One of the first things to check is the disengage lever. Every opener is fitted with a disengage lever, in case you lose power. This lever lets you open or shut the door manually, so you or your vehicle aren’t stuck inside or outside until power returns!
The disengage lever is usually attached to a rope that you can pull, or a knob that can be turned. If this has been pulled or turned accidentally, your garage door opener won’t work properly. If you do need to use the disengage lever during a power outage, you will need to re-engage it so that the door can open and shut automatically. Each lever is a bit different, but you can refer to your owners manual for details on your specific lever, either in hard copy or online.
2. The Garage Door Is Manually Locked
If your garage door is locked, it’s not going to open! Always check this first up, just in case you forgot to unlock the door earlier. Some doors aren’t equipped with a door lock, so this may not apply to you.
3. The Power Source Isn’t Operating
Sometimes, people might unplug the power source for their opener and simply forget they did it. Then, when they press the button to open their garage door and nothing happens, they’re surprised when nothing happens! Therefore, if your opener isn’t working, do make sure you check your power source.
Make sure everything is plugged in and switched on. If your opener is plugged in but nothing is happening, try plugging in another device to check that the powerpoint is working. If the powerpoint is fine, but your opener still isn’t receiving power, you will need professional help, in the shape of maintenance or a replacement.
4. The Photo Eye Sensor Is Blocked Or Damaged
The photo eye sensors are an important part of a garage door system. These sensors create an infrared beam, which stops the door shutting on a car, person, or any object that breaks that beam. When this happens, the door will reverse, going back up. You’ve probably seen it happen already! If your beams aren’t lined up properly, faulty, or have dirt on them, they might stop your garage door opener from working properly. Check your sensors to make sure they are clean and aligned correctly.
5. Remote Control Malfunction
Sometimes, the culprit is your garage remote control! These are usually battery operated, so if the battery has died, your door won’t open automatically. You will be able to open up the remote transmitter (even though it might look like they don’t open) and replace the battery. You can also take a look inside to see if there are any other issues, which might be causing your garage door remote to not be working properly.
6. The Garage Door Has Dislodged From Its Tracks
Garage doors sit on tracks, which keep them in position when they go up or down. If the door runners aren’t aligned with the tracks, it won’t operate properly. Keep in mind that your average garage door is under a lot of tension at all times. If you think your door isn’t opening because it’s out of alignment, or you notice any problems with the tracks, call a technician. It’s important that this kind of issue is handled safely by an experienced professional.
7. Snapped Or Loose Cables
The springs that help move your garage door will lose tension over time. Sometimes, loose springs mean loose cables. These cables can even snap if they start to fray or deteriorate and can no longer do their job. Check your cables to make sure they are still in good condition, because if they have snapped, your door certainly won’t work properly.
8. The Torsion Springs Are Broken
Torsion springs won’t last forever. You should get about 10 to 15 years of use out of your springs before they need to be replaced, because these are the guys that do the heavy lifting. If they break, you can guarantee that’s the source of your garage door opener problems. You should call a garage door maintenance company to replace these safely and efficiently for you.
9. Something Is Blocking The Door
The answer could also be this simple – something is blocking the door, so it refuses to close or open. Always check to make sure there’s nothing in the way, either touching the door directly, or potentially blocking the sensors. It might be your tow bar, a box, or one of your kids toys that’s still sitting against the door. This one is an easy fix.
Get Expert Garage Door Opener Maintenance Today
We always recommend that people have a good understanding of how their garage door and its opener work. This can help prevent small issues becoming big problems over time, avoiding expensive repairs or replacements. If you do need professional help, Lightning Garage Door Solutions is always here.
Disclaimer: Information, materials and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance. It is our recommendation that you contact a garage door technician to deal with all your garage door problems, needs and/or requirements. Anyone who relies upon this information does so knowing willingly that they could damage themselves, family, friends, vehicles, personal possessions and your garage door and automatic opening system.
