You’re running late to work, you hit the wall switch to open the garage door, jump in the car, and…nothing! You realize the switch didn’t work, and the garage door is still closed. It’s great to have a garage, but not so great when the automatic door stops working at the most inopportune time.
Don’t despair! A broken garage door doesn’t always mean a hefty repair bill. Wondering how to fix a garage door?
In this article, we’ll walk you through four tips for troubleshooting a broken garage door.
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1. Safety First
Garage door maintenance is important to keep your door in good repair. When it comes to garage door repairs, always unplug the garage door opener first. If someone hits the remote button by accident while you’re working, you could lose a finger or get electrocuted.
Always work with the garage door closed to avoid accidents with the door.
2. Neither the Wall Switch nor Remote Opens the Garage Door
If the garage door doesn’t open when you hit the wall switch or the remote, there’s a problem with your power source. Check the plug to the garage door motor first. Sometimes the plug slips out and isn’t fully plugged in.
Is the unit plugged in properly? The next place to check is the outlet that powers the door. Is it a GFCI outlet?
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If it’s a GFCI, reset the outlet. If it’s still not working, the next place to check is the circuit box.
Look for a tripped fuse in the circuit box and reset it if you find one. Does the fuse keep turning itself off? There’s a short circuit; it’s time to call in a professional to fix the garage door. A professional will also look at the motor to see if it’s burned out and needs replacing. You can learn more here about what services the pros offer.
3. Remote or Remote Keypad Not Working
If the remote control isn’t working, check your batteries first. If that doesn’t do the trick, make sure you’re close enough to the door.
Most newer garage doors send a small signal through an antenna inside the opener. If the remote is too far away, the door won’t open.
Check the antenna on the unit in the garage to make sure it’s not damaged and that it’s hanging downward. If the keypad or remote still won’t work, try resetting them. You can find the instructions online or in your owner’s manual.
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4. Garage Opens but Won’t Fully Close
All garage door openers have a close limit to avoid trapping a person under the door. Try adjusting the close-limit switch which is on the motor unit.
Check the electronic eyes on each side of the door and make sure there’s nothing between them. The sight line between the two “eyes” must be clear. Sometimes the small brackets holding the “eyes” fall out of adjustment, so the sensors aren’t pointed at one another.
Adjust the brackets and make sure the sensors face each other.
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Fix a Broken Garage Door
Sometimes you can fix a broken garage door yourself. If the garage door is not working, try these tips first. If it’s something harder, you’ll need to call a pro.
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