Tips to Avoid Costly Garage Door Opener Repairs

A garage door opener is a modern convenience that many people take for granted. But when your opener is not working properly, it can spell trouble. You may be unable to access your garage. You may even run into issues that result in major damage and repair bills. 

But with the right garage door opener maintenance, you won’t encounter many issues. This article will review useful tips and tricks that will keep your garage door opener in top shape. 

Signs That Your Garage Door Opener May Need Maintenance

• Your Garage Door Won’t Open: If your garage door opener is not opening when you press the button, there may be an internal or external issue.
• You Need Several Attempts Before the Garage Door Opens: If you must press your garage door button several times before the door opens, your garage opener may be about to die. 
• Outward Signs of Damage: Outward signs could be telling you that your opener was damaged or tampered with. 

Common Garage Door Opener Issues

Garage Door Keypad Doesn’t Work

Some people have garage door keypads that allow them to access their garages by entering a code. They are usually sold with compatible garage door openers. The opener sends a signal to the keypad that triggers the door to open. 

Sometimes, problems with the keypad can cause problems with the garage door opener. Here are some potential issues. 

• Expired PIN: You may be using a temporary keypad PIN that has expired. If this is the case, you must clear the keypad’s memory and reprogram it. 
• Reboot the System: You may need to reboot the system to get your garage door opener to recognize the PIN. Turn off your garage door opening system, unplug it, wait five minutes, and start the system up again.
• Button Malfunction: If you’ve tried everything and your garage door opener is still not working, you may be dealing with a button malfunction. Try changing the code to one that does not contain any of the numbers in the previous code. If the new code works, one of the buttons involved in the old code may be broken. 

Watch Video: How To Reset A Garage Door Opener

Dead Batteries

Dead batteries are a common garage door opener issue. It’s best to change your batteries before they die completely. Doing so ensures you won’t get locked out of your garage. 

If you have a keypad and it’s working fine, but your opener is not opening the door, the battery inside the remote may be dying or dead. Intermittent service is another sign of weak batteries. 

Internal Damage

Your garage door opener may be malfunctioning due to internal damage. It may have frayed or loose wires due to wear and tear. Or it may have fallen or become damaged in another way. 

If you have loose wires, you may be able to detach them and reattach them to fix the issue. If the opener still doesn’t work, you may need a new one. 

Dust and Dirt Inside the System

Intermittent issues with your garage door opener may also be due to dirt and dust buildup inside the opener. If this is the issue, you can clean the interior with the following steps:

1. Open the device
2. Dampen a paper towel with electrical contact cleaner
3. Use the paper towel to wipe the interior. Be careful not to damage the other components. 
4. Reassemble the device

Problems with the Garage Door

Your garage door opener may not work due to issues with the garage door. For example, the photo-eyes may be faulty or the rollers may be damaged. These problems may require you to call a professional garage door repair contractor. 

Watch Video: How to Fix a Garage Door Photo Eye

The Internal Code Needs to Be Reset

Some garage door openers have an internal code. Most have small switches that must be placed in a preset up-and-down position pattern. The switches in your opener may get knocked out of place and lead to a malfunction. 

If your garage door opener is not working, open it up and check the switches to ensure they are in the proper formation. 

Garage Door Opener Maintenance Tips: Avoid repairs

Garage door opener maintenance is essential. It will ensure you always have access to your vehicle. It will prevent garage door failures that can damage your car or your garage door. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind. 

• Protect Your Garage Door Opener From the Elements: Elements like rain, wind, and heat can damage your garage door opener. Do your best to keep your device protected. Your keypad can also become weather-damaged and interfere with your garage door’s opening process. 
• Change Your Batteries: Garage door openers typically require 1.5V button batteries that need to be replaced every two to five years. You can stay ahead of the curve by replacing them regularly. 
• Clean the System: Disassemble the garage door opener and clean it regularly to ensure dust and dirt don’t interfere with functionality. 
• Keep Your Garage Door Opener Safe: Place your garage door opener in a centralized, safe location so it doesn’t get damaged. 

How to Replace Battery for Garage Door Remote. So Simple! No Screw Driver Required

How Do You Know It’s Time for a Garage Door Opener Replacement?

• You are Unable to Repair It: If you have tried everything and your garage door opener still doesn’t work, you may need to replace it. 
• It’s Time for an Upgrade: You may decide you need a new garage door opener to benefit from enhanced features. For example, if you have an older garage door opener, you may choose to purchase one that works with a keypad. 

Raynor Door Authority Can Help With Your Garage Door Opener Issues

Raynor Door Authority can assist with your garage door opener issues. We will get to the root of your problem. We will help you determine if the issue is with your garage door or the opener. We can troubleshoot and perform the necessary repairs. 

We can provide replacements for any component. We can help you find a new garage door opener. Or choose a Raynor garage door best suited to your needs. 

Raynor has been in the industry since 1984. Our expertise and professionalism make us stand out from other brands. Our community focus ensures we are familiar with your needs. 

Contact us for garage door parts, repairs, and emergency service. Discover how we measure up against our competitors.