People use their garage doors daily. But its maintenance can often be an afterthought until something happens and you can’t get out of your garage. Having basic troubleshooting knowledge on how to fix a garage door opener goes a long way in ensuring that its functionality and aesthetic will last for a long time.
Sometimes, garage door opener problems can be simple and only need a few quick fixes. But for issues that do not have a simple solution, you should contact a garage door repair professional. One of my favorite garage door company in Maryland can help with all your garage door needs.
Common garage door glitches you can fix yourself
The following problems may have a straightforward solution. But you have to keep in mind that following these tips still requires basic knowledge of how a garage door works. Otherwise, proceed at your own risk.
Problem #1: The garage door doesn’t always open.
It can be annoying when your garage door messes up sometimes. At times, it doesn’t let you out of the garage. But other times, it works fine. There could be one reason for this problem – the motor unit might be unplugged
Solution:
Start by checking the outlet where the door in the garage is plugged. Be sure the cord is plugged all the way.
If that doesn’t fix it, you should also look into the circuit breaker. The fuse controlling the door circuit has burnt or tripped. This is likely the cause if some of the lights of the electrical circuits are not operating. If that is the case, then you need to reset the breaker or replace the damaged fuse. If this solution still doesn’t fix it, you should call a garage repair expert.
Problem #2: The door doesn’t open with the remote or keypad.
This can be a case of a dying battery or an out-of-range antenna.
Solution:
Check if the antenna located in the motor unit is positioned correctly and is not damaged. You should also check whether the door works fine with the wall switch. If it does, then the problem lies in the remote’s batteries. You can secure new batteries from garage door suppliers.
Aside from that, you should also reprogram the keypad or the remote control. Sometimes, all it needs is a reset to make the remote or keypad work again. Again, if symptoms persist, consult a garage door opener repair expert right away.
Problem #3: The door doesn’t close all the way.
Several things can cause the garage door to not close completely.
One, it could be the close-limit switch or the safety sensors that need adjusting. If the switch is set wrong, it could cause the door to not close properly. There’s usually a screw feature that you need to adjust to correct the problem. If the problem is with the safety sensors, it means that there could be something blocking the electronic eyes, loosening the brackets holding the sensors.
Or two, it could also be caused by rusted or damaged rollers. Older garage doors can have tracks that get bent or shifted, causing this problem.
Solution:
You will need to adjust the set-limit switches to change how far the door descends. For the safety sensors, which are located near the bottom of the door track, you should also realign them. Doing so will clear the line of view between the electronic eyes, allowing the door to close all the way.
If the problem is a rusted roller, you will need to replace it or lubricate it with silicone lubricant. If you don’t know how to go about it, you will need to hire a garage door company to do it for you. And if the damage is beyond repair, you will also need to get a new garage door opener installed.
Problem #4: The door reverses before it touches the floor.
An adjustment screw is responsible for a garage door’s closing force, which is the pressure that allows the door to go down before the motor is switched off. So when your garage door opener reverses before hitting the floor, you need to check the close-force setting.
Damaged or rusty rollers can also be a problem because they can create extra friction, which could fool the control system into thinking that it has already hit the floor.
Solution:
If the problem is caused by the close-force setting, then you will need to adjust it. But if it’s a rusty or damaged roller that’s causing the door to jam, then you will need to lubricate it or have it replaced by a trusted garage opener installation company.
Problem #5: Door rollers went off the tracks.
This could be a case of misalignment of the tracks or loosened brackets or bolts. If you are having this problem, then you need to have your garage door checked by an expert in garage installation immediately.
Solution:
You can try to fix the problem yourself once you notice that loosened bolts or brackets. You can do this by securing the tracks to the frame with a rubber mallet. This will bump the loosened tracks back into alignment. But if you’re doubtful about your knowledge in realigning the tracks, it would be safer to call on a garage door service and repair company.
Problem #6: The door makes a loud sound when you open or close it.
It’s either a torsion spring system or an extension spring that’s causing the loud thud when you open or close the garage door. Most garage doors are lifted with cables, which means that there may be a broken cable or spring, causing the door to make an annoying noise when lifted or lowered down.
Solution:
Garage spring repair is a serious matter and requires expertise. You can be severely injured if you attempt to fix it on your own. Be sure to call on a garage door spring repair technician to deal with the issue.
Problem #7: Door’s safety reversal system is malfunctioning.
The safety reversal system in your garage door is what makes it automatically reverse when it comes into contact with any obstruction. When this fails, it can put your family’s lives and yours in grave danger. The force of a closed garage door falling on you or any of your family members can cause severe injuries or even death. So if you notice this problem, make sure you deal it with as soon as possible.
Solution:
To prevent your garage door’s safety reversal system from malfunctioning, see to it that you conduct regular inspections. You can do this by placing a piece of wood beneath the garage door and then, closing the door. If the reversal system is working fine, it will detect the object you placed below it. Otherwise, you will have to call a home garage door repair expert right away.
Problem #8: The door opens, yet the motor is still running.
When this problem occurs, it usually means that the up-limit switch must be moved away from the motor. It isn’t something that usually happens so suddenly, though. If it happens at all, you’ll notice it during the garage door installation.
Solution:
If you notice this problem during the installation, be sure to inform the new garage door opener technician about it so they can fix it right there and then.
Tips on seasonal garage door maintenance
Garage repair is often overlooked, which is one of the most common reasons for the door opener to fail in the long run. However making it a routine to conduct seasonal inspection and maintenance twice a year can save you a lot of money.
Here are some tips you can follow:
Observe your garage door in operation.
The most common problems that will require a new garage door start with jerky movements and scraping sounds. But a well-tuned garage door will be relatively quiet and open and close without a hitch. Be sure to check every aspect of your garage door system, including the pulleys, cables, and springs. By doing so, you can save money on professional fix garage door services.
Check the tracks.
Rust and debris can misalign the tracks over time, so be sure to check the alignment now and then. You can make small adjustments yourself if you have experience or knowledge in this kind of DIY work. Otherwise, it would be best to leave the job to a garage door company.
Keep things tight.
Tighten your garage door’s hardware to prevent the parts from loosening, making the brackets fall out of line. A socket wrench should help tighten up any loose parts you see.
Check the rollers.
This should be done twice a year to ensure that there are no cracks or chips. You can do this by removing the brackets holding the rollers. If you see that there are rusted or worn out parts, be sure to contact a professional garage door repair near me.
Check the cables and pulleys.
You need to make sure that the cables and pulleys are still attached to the garage door. Also, see to it that there are no broken strands and damages. But you need to make sure you don’t touch them. These high-tension parts can break if tinkered with, which could injure you. If you notice any damages or signs of wear and tear, get in touch with a garage door spring repair technician immediately.
Ensure proper lubrication.
Moveable parts should be kept lubricated at all times to prevent damage. Rollers and other moving parts need lubrication to function properly and to prolong their useful life. Spray on a generous amount of WD-40 or other lubricants on the rollers and hinges. After that, dry out the parts by wiping them with a clean cloth. Then, apply 3-in-1 oil lightly. If there are parts that seem stuck, soak them in kerosene and then, using a small brush, brush the parts to ensure that the fluid seeps into the cracks.
It’s also important that you lubricate the pulleys on the extension-spring openers, as well as the bearings. A little oil can be used to wipe away the rust on the torsion spring. Use white lithium grease on metal chains or screws on the door opener.
Not sure how to do it? Don’t hesitate to contact an expert in garage doors near me to do it for you.
Balance test.
Pull the release handle on the automatic door opener to check whether it is balanced by its springs or not. Then, lift the door manually until it’s about half open. It should remain in this position without your help, indicating that it’s balanced. If the door in the garage is not properly balanced, the opener could be working doubly hard, putting unnecessary strain on it. If this is what happens when you test the balance, then you will need to employ the expertise of a specialist of door repair near me.
Test the auto-reverse features.
Automatic garage door openers have an auto-reverse feature that will stop and reverse if the door detects an object or person before it touches the ground through a pair of photocells on both sides of the door. To test the system, start your door downward, then pass your leg to check if it reverses and heads upward.
If you have an older garage door opener that doesn’t have this feature, you will need a garage door replacement since it is mandated by building codes in several states.
Need a helping hand?
There are several quick tips on garage door opener repair that you can do yourself since they are not complicated. But if you need replacement on damaged parts or other more serious issues, you will need to contact a new garage door expert today. Schedule a repair with them as soon as you can to deal with your garage door problems right away.
Your garage door is an essential part of your home because it helps protect your family and your property from outside forces. Make it a point to have it checked and maintained regularly, or replaced if necessary.
