Why Your Electric Garage Door Opener Isn’t Responding and How to Repair It

Any household with a garage would want to be able to access it with ease. Whether you have an up-and-over garage door, roller, slider or hinged electric garage doors, you want to trust that they’ll open seamlessly so that you can gather your goods inside, or safely store your vehicle when returning home. However, you may experience the garage door opener not responding, don’t worry there are a number of solutions that can help.

Common Problems with Electric Garage Door Openers

As there are many parts which make up an electric garage door opener, if one element becomes faulty then this could prevent the entire door from operating properly. There are a few common problems that could cause this but thankfully are easy to fix either by yourself or with the help of a professional. The first is faulty wiring which can occur over time due to general wear and tear if the garage opener has not been maintained properly or you’ve had it for quite a number of years. According to Family Handyman, checking the wiring connections and other simple troubleshooting steps can often solve the issue.

The second is that there may be sensor misalignment that has caused the opener to stop working. Obstructions such as dirt, debris, leaves or objects in the way of the sensor may be the route of the problem, or the sensor has been knocked away from its original place and is no longer in line with the other sensor. Finally, dead batteries are also a common problem and can simply be replaced with new ones.

How to Troubleshoot Your Electric Garage Door Opener

Repair and install of a garage door opener

The first step to finding out why your garage door opener isn’t responding is to inspect the mechanism, sensors and any obstructions in the way. If you notice that the motor is running but the door stays static then there could be an issue with the wiring, gear or belt. Also look at the circuit board to see if there are any loose wires, if the fuse is working or if any parts are burned out from a potential power cut or surge. As per This Old House, issues with the sensors or alignment can prevent the door from operating correctly. All electric garage doors will have safety sensors on either side of the door, designed to stop if something is in the way to prevent any accidents. If you notice that they are misaligned then make sure they are level again, but also wipe away any dirt or cobwebs which could stop the sensors from working due to a dirty lens. Another tip is to perform a factory reset of the opener when looking at DIY options. Make sure to check the manual first as manufacturers and models differ from one another.  

Before troubleshooting your electric opener, it’s worth checking if the remote is causing the issue. Find out what to do when your garage door remote stops working to rule out this possibility.

Benefits of Professional Garage Door Opener Repairs

Whilst you try your best to find a solution to your malfunctioning garage door, there comes a time when it’s best to bring in a professional who will be able to identify the problem efficiently and effectively fix the garage door. Some homeowners may be uncomfortable carrying out DIY on mechanics, that’s why our professional team of engineers who are fully trained, qualified and insured are there to help.

To avoid any further damage and to keep you and your loved ones safe when trying to mend the garage door, Abacus Doors provides complete peace of mind as we can complete the job confidently with the right tools, equipment and knowledge to save you time and ensure high-quality outcomes. We’re accustomed to dealing with a variety of makes and models of garage doors and have easy access to replacement parts if required. The International Door Association emphasises the importance of professional repairs for safety and efficiency.

One of the garage doors installed by Abacus

The Importance of Professional Garage Door Maintenance

At Abacus Doors we do our utmost to get your electric garage door operating at its finest as soon as possible. But if all options have been explored and your product has been in use between 10 to 15 years, it may be time to replace the opener. This could be due to factors such as the opener not being maintained properly, you’ve noticed that it’s become noisy or demonstrates slow or jerky movements, or you have experienced repeat malfunctions that a replacement is the best option. See this as a good thing. As time goes on and technology improves there are many advantages to investing in a new door opener. From making use of smart technologies with apps and Bluetooth remote controls, to lowering your energy costs if your old model became inefficient, and also having the new system guaranteed by warranty.

Trust Abacus Doors for Electric Garage Door Opener Repairs

We understand the frustrations that a garage door opener not responding can bring. At Abacus Doors we’re experienced in repairing and maintaining garage doors so that they’re working at their best all year round. Plus our expert engineers are always happy to provide leading guidance and advice on how best to maintain your garage. For more information on how we can assist you, speak to a member of our team.

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