One of the most common reasons a garage door doesn’t work is because the remote control batteries need replacing. It can be done easily by following a user guide or YouTube video tutorial. If the opener’s photo-eye sensor is covered in debris, it may need to be wiped clean. It will help ensure that it can see its path.
The Door Is Off Track
Often simply a sign of age, your garage door track can become misaligned over time. The routes are bolted to the wall on each side of the door and form a sort of “s” shape for the door to travel up and down. If the tracks get out of alignment, they can cause the door to catch or even break the lift cables that wind around them. The best way to check the track is with a carpenter’s level. Loosen the screws or bolts holding each bracket, then use the level to see if the ways are perpendicular to the ground. If not, it’s time to call a service from coastalgaragedoors.com to realign the tracks.
The Photo-Eye Is Dirty
Over time, the photo-eye sensors can become dirty, blocking the invisible beam and misinterpreting it as an obstruction. If your garage door cannot close when the transmitter button is pressed, it may be a problem with the photo-eyes. To check for this, loosen the screws on each sensor and gently wipe them down with a soft cloth. Please ensure that there are no objects in the way of either of them (especially boxes or items stored nearby) and that they are level with each other. Each sensor should have a small LED light that will glow when it works properly. If the light is off or flickering, that sensor must be realigned. If this is the case, call in a professional. The safety sensors are an important part of your garage door and must be functioning to ensure the garage door isn’t closing on someone or something. If they aren’t, the heavy weight of your garage door could cause serious injury.
The Remote Control Is Faulty
When a garage door remote or keypad is pressed, it sends an infrared signal to the opener that’s then read and interpreted. If the movement dies, your garage door won’t open or close. Check the batteries in your remote and keypad to ensure they’re working properly. If they are, it may be time to re-program the opener. Most newer models have a ‘Home’ or ‘Learn’ button inside the opener unit near its antenna. To start an LED light (whose color will depend on your model), press and hold the learn button briefly. It is done to link the remote with the opener. This process can be complicated, so consult your owner’s manual for specific steps on how to do this. If you still need help getting the door to operate, a professional can help. The problem may be as simple as a disconnected cord that needs to be reconnected or even a blown Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI). The latter is similar to a tripped circuit breaker and should only be handled by a qualified professional.
The Power Source Is Disrupted
The operator may have lost power if your garage door isn’t moving. It’s not uncommon to forget to unplug the operator when carrying out a task that requires working near it. Alternatively, a manual lock has also been activated. These locks typically look like handles with horizontal bars and prevent the opener from operating your garage door until disengaged. If you have a newer operator, it may be equipped with a disconnect switch in case of an outage. To turn this off, locate a button that says ‘Home’ or ‘Learn’ inside the unit next to a LED light (colors vary between brands). Press and hold this button for six seconds. If this fails to resolve the problem, a more serious issue is present and should be handled by a professional. Your remote or keypad may need a new battery if nothing else works. A garage service can help with this if necessary.
