Fixing Common Garage Door Opener Problems

Many homeowners have experienced the annoyance of a faulty garage door opener. Though not as disruptive as a broken refrigerator or water heater, it’s a problem most homeowners would rather not deal with. And paying to fix garage door opener components can be more costly than most would think. Depending on the kind of mechanism, garage door opener repair costs can amount to several hundred dollars.

Liberty Home Guard does provide garage door opener warranty coverage. This can help you maintain your opener and avoid paying high repair costs out of pocket. But not all garage door opener problems require a professional service call. In this post, we’ll review some common garage door problems that many homeowners could troubleshoot on their own.

How to Repair a Garage Door Opener

1. Replace the batteries.

Sometimes the simplest fix is the most common. Batteries in garage door openers generally last a long time, but a number of factors can affect their lifespan, from temperature to frequency of use. If your battery is going, you may notice that your remote opener doesn’t have the range it once did. You might have to press the button a few times before your garage door opens or closes.

Replacing the battery is easy. Most models allow you to slide off or unlatch the battery panel. Others may require a small screwdriver. If you don’t recognize the type of battery in your device, take it to a hardware store so someone can help you match it.

2. Change the transmitter frequency.

Remote openers operate on specific frequencies. In some cases, users may inadvertently change the frequency, so the transmitter isn’t talking to the receiver. In other cases, a neighbor’s home may be tuned to the same frequency, causing interference. Sometimes there are other sources of interference, such as electronics.

Changing your opener’s frequency is usually simple, but the exact steps in the process vary from model to model. Consult your device’s manual for specific instructions. If you’ve misplaced your manual, remember that many companies put this information online. You can also call the manufacturer to ask, “How to adjust my garage door opener?”

3. Check for track obstructions.

Sometimes the problem isn’t with your garage door opener, but with the garage door itself. It’s a good idea to periodically inspect you garage door components for any problems. You can pass a cloth along the tracks to check for debris or other obstructions. Be careful not to wipe off the grease from the rails. Tracks need to be well lubricated to operate properly. If they appear dry or you notice grinding noises when the door moves up and down, apply some lubricant.

4.  Adjust or replace door components.

Problems can arise with other components of your garage door also. The chain drive could be too tight or too loose. Check you manual to determine the proper specifications.

If both your garage door opener and wall switch are not working, you could have lost power to the garage door circuit without realizing it. Confirm by checking your circuit breaker. If you do have power, you could have a burned out motor that will need to be replaced.

You can check your garage door springs, but you’d likely know if these failed—you would certainly hear the noise. It’s also best to get a professional to replace these. The tension makes them dangerous to those who are unfamiliar with them.

Following some helpful garage door maintenance tips can help you extend the life of these different components.

5. Inspect the safety sensors.

Modern garage doors are equipped with safety sensors to prevent the door from coming down on a person or vehicle. These sensors are also referred to as photo eyes. Sometimes these sensors can become dirty, making them “think” there’s something in the path of the garage door. If this is the case, you may find that your garage door opener will open your garage but not close it. You can gently wipe the photo eyes clean with a cloth.

The photo eyes can also get out of alignment. You can reset the alignment by ensuring they are pointing exactly at each. You can do this with some careful measurements, but a laser level will make the job much easier.

Maintain and Repair Your Garage Door with Liberty Home Guard

Sometimes the fix required for your garage door or its opener is a little more involved. Sometimes the fix is easy enough, but you want a professional to handle the job anyway. A home warranty can help you upkeep your garage door at a predictable and affordable cost.

Reach out to the team at Liberty Home Guard to learn more about a plan that will work for you. Call (866)-526-1752 or use our website for a free quote.