A malfunctioning garage door is frustrating, dangerous, and a security threat. If you’re here, you’ve likely already checked to make sure nothing is underneath the door to keep it from closing. If your garage door closes then opens with nothing underneath it, these tips will help you troubleshoot the problem and determine when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Check Your Photo Eyes
The most common problem you’ll run into with your garage door is a dirty or blocked safety sensor. The sensors are at the bottom of either side of your garage door opening. When an item is in the way, they alert the opener to reverse the door. When they are malfunctioning or misaligned, they can cause your door to open even when there is nothing blocking the path.
Start by locating the sensors and wiping them clean with a microfiber cloth. Most sensors come with an indicator that flashes red or green when they are misaligned with their twin on the opposite side. One sensor sends the signal while the other receives it. Adjust them until your indicator light reads that they are back in alignment. Read more about how garage door safety sensors work and find troubleshooting tips here.
Change Your Garage Door Remote Code
Your garage door remote may be on the same frequency as your neighbor’s, causing issues. Try setting up a new code for the remote or investing in a system that prevents this problem. Some garage door openers like the Genie brand come with remotes that auto-generate a new code each time you use it. This way, you’d never have to worry about a frequency mix-up again. As a bonus, it helps to prevent hackers from breaking into your radio signal.
Readjust the Travel Down Settings
The “travel down settings” is a feature that dictates how far your garage door goes down. Harsh weather or damage to your garage door track can cause the setting to change. If the travel down limit is lower than where the garage door stops, it will reverse open immediately.
The location of your travel down settings depend on your garage door opener. For example, the Chamberlain brand has two screws that adjust travel limits while others have levers. Improperly adjusting the travel limits or constantly running your garage door can cause your motor to burn out or cause serious injury to anyone standing under the door. For this reason, it is recommended that you call a professional to adjust the travel settings.
At American Garage Door, we guarantee top-notch work and safety with every door we install. Ask us about a comprehensive yearly maintenance plan for your garage door to avoid issues like these.
Check Your Logic Board
If the problem is the logic board, your garage door opener may also flash when the garage opens or closes. The logic board, or motherboard, is your door opener’s computer. If it stops working, your door can open and close without warning. Garage door openers tend to last upwards of 10 to 15 years. Check your manual for any signs like flashing lights that could indicate the logic board has gone out. If you believe that it has, it’s time to call in the pros to repair or replace the board accordingly.
Look for Other Issues
A malfunctioning garage door is a serious safety concern. Watch and listen for any other problems your door may be experiencing that may be indicators. Problems to look for include:
- Grinding or loud popping sounds
- Broken or misaligned tracks
- Flashing lights on your garage door opener
- Doors that close suddenly or get stuck when opening
Read Common Garage Door Problems to learn more about caring for your garage door at home.
When Should I Contact a Pro?
It’s never too early to contact a garage door professional. If you feel at all uncertain in your ability to troubleshoot your garage door or simply don’t have the time, the pros at American Garage Door can help. We’ll determine the issue and perform any needed maintenance safely to ensure that your garage door is in good shape to last you for years to come.
Contact us today with any questions you have and let our 30+ years of expertise do the hard work for you.
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