One day it works, the next day it doesn’t. Often your garage door gives you no warning that it needs attention. It may just refuse to open or close, or it closes only part way. It may close only to immediately reopen.
We don’t recommend that you attempt to fix your garage door when it suddenly becomes uncooperative, but there are a few things you can check before calling in the professionals. You may be able to avoid a service call and get it operating again before you are late for work!
- Check the power source – The power cord, batteries and your breaker box are all potential culprits. Did someone forget to plug the opener unit back in after that garage project yesterday? An overload or power surge may have thrown the breaker that supplies your garage. If you are using a remote device, consider when you last replaced the batteries. Even your wall transmitter may run on batteries, so check before you assume your unit is dead.
- Be sure the electric eye is clear – It may seem obvious that there are no toys, tools or other obstructions crossing the path of the electric eye, but take a walk down there rather than the quick glance from your door or your car. A small stick or bit of debris at just the right angle is all it takes to stop the door from closing. Even a relatively small stone may be enough to cause the door to reverse. These are important safety features for your garage door that can sometimes demand a bit of unexpected maintenance. Understand too that the sensors and wiring can become corroded and need replacing.
- Check for transmitter interference – Sometimes when a garage door begins to operate erratically it is due to interference in the transmitter signal. First, confirm that your remote is in good condition and has not been activated accidentally, for example getting bumped in a drawer or bag, or was damaged somehow. Next, check with neighbors, especially those with the same door opening system as you. Sometimes signals cross and a neighbor’s garage door gets triggered by another’s remote.
- Examine track rollers for dirt and debris – A garage door that suddenly becomes noisy, begins to grind during operation, or stops and reverses may be running into debris buildup in the tracks. If you attempt to clear the tracks of debris and add some lubricant, be sure you first unplug the unit. Avoid this problem by scheduling regular maintenance of your garage door and opener system by a professional, who will clean and lubricate all moving parts.
Remember that your garage door and opening system operate under a significant amount of tension. When the springs become stressed, any adjustment or maintenance work can become dangerous when attempted by an amateur. Do not attempt to perform any repairs to your garage door or opener. Here at Above & Beyond, we are available 24/7 to help you with any garage door concerns, repairs or emergencies.