Troubleshoot Your Garage Door Issues

You might not often think about the awesomeness of your automatic garage door, but if you do, you’ll realize it’s a VIP entrance to your home (and can help keep your car cozy and protected in your garage). But you never realize how cool your garage door really is until it decides to play hard to get – by not opening or closing.

From minor issues like a noisy door to more significant problems like a door that won’t open or close, learning how to give your garage door opener a little regular TLC and troubleshoot those quirks will save you time, money, and frustration.

Here’s a quick guide to get yourself out of a pickle and your car into the garage!

Step 1: Visual Inspection

The first step in troubleshooting any garage door issue is to conduct a thorough visual inspection. Click here for a graphic of all the parts of a standard garage door.

Stand inside your garage with the door closed and examine the various components:

• Tracks and Rollers: Inspect the tracks and rollers for any signs of damage, misalignment, or debris that could hinder smooth operation.
• Springs and Cables: Look for broken or frayed cables and check the tension of the springs. If you notice any issues, it’s imperative to call a professional, as these components are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. Safety first!
• Hinges and Hardware: Ensure all hinges and hardware are securely fastened and not bent or damaged.
• Weatherstripping: Check the weatherstripping along the bottom of the door to ensure a proper seal and prevent drafts.

Step 2: Look into Sensor Alignment

Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if an object is in its path. If you’re having an issue with your garage door, ensure the sensors are properly aligned and free from debris:

• Sensor Positioning: Sensors are typically mounted about 6 inches above the ground. Check that they are facing each other, with their indicator lights aligned. 
• Cleaning: The door sensors’ lenses are prone to dirt, dust, and cobwebs that block them from functioning properly. Keep the sensors clean by wiping them with a soft cloth.

Step 3: Investigate Remote and Keypad Issues

If your remote control or keypad isn’t working as expected, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Battery Replacement: Replace the batteries in your remote control and keypad to make sure signal strength isn’t the issue.
• Reprogramming: If the remote or keypad still doesn’t work, try resetting and reprogramming them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Testing Door Balance 

If your garage door has somehow become lopsided, it may be causing issues with the opener. Check your door’s balance like this:

• Try it by Hand: Turn off the automatic opener and open the door halfway by hand. If it stays put, your door is balanced. If it moves up or down, the spring tension might need adjusting.

Step 5: Make Sure All Safety Features Are Working

Make sure your Auto-Reverse Safety Feature is operating properly to prevent accidents and getting stuck:

• Test the Auto-Reverse Feature: Place a small object (like a block of wood) on the ground under the garage door. Try closing the door; it should immediately reverse upon contact with the object.

By following these step-by-step guidelines, you should be able to address minor issues and determine when it’s time to call a professional for more complex problems. 

Remember, safety should always be a priority. If you’re unsure about any aspect of garage door troubleshooting, it’s best to seek the help of a trained technician.