How to Repair a Garage Door Opener: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

No one wants to deal with a garage door that isn’t working properly, and the garage door opener is a common culprit here. Knowing how to repair a garage door opener, plus when it might be time to leave this job to trained professionals, can be quite valuable for property owners.

At Crawford Door Sales, we’re here to provide a huge range of garage door repair and garage door installation services, including comprehensive garage door operator solutions. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide on how to approach garage door opener repairs on a DIY basis, plus some notes on when it might be advisable to call in our professionals.

(Note: While we recommend specific instances where calling in professionals might be helpful, do not hesitate to call us at earlier junctions if you feel uncomfortable and require assistance. We’re here to help!)

Checking the Basics

In many cases, simple issues may be causing garage door opener problems – and these can be easily remedied. Some examples include:

• Basic obstructions: Check that the door’s path isn’t blocked by any objects (including leaves, dirt, etc.) and that nothing is inside with the door as it moves.
• Power source: Be sure your opener has a working power source – this may be as simple as checking the connection points and re-plugging in if necessary, or checking batteries.
• Sensor alignment: If the garage door won’t close or seems to act strangely while doing so, check that its sensors are properly aligned. These can get knocked out of place quite easily.
• Emergency release: If you’re aware of the emergency release, check that it’s been disengaged. Failure to do so can cause opener issues.

If none of these basic factors are at play, it might be time for a closer look.

Keypad Issues

In some situations, the garage door opener’s keypad may not be functioning properly. This could be due to a number of causes – some common ones here include:

• Low battery: If you’ve found that your keypad has stopped working, it might be as simple as replacing the batteries.
• Damage or debris: Any damage or debris on the keypad can interfere with its function and prevent it from operating properly. Make sure to check for any visible damage or obstructions.
• Faulty wiring: If your keypad is wired, there could be an issue with the wiring itself causing problems. In this case, it’s best to leave repairs to professionals.

Sensor Cleaning

While we already noted basic sensor alignment above, one slightly more involved process that can help here is cleaning the sensors. If these get dirty or dusty, they might stop functioning properly – in particular, infrared sensors are vulnerable to this issue. Use a clean, soft cloth to gently wipe down your sensors and see if this improves their function.

Remote Control Problems

Another area to check for garage door opener issues is the remote control. Here are a few potential causes for problems here:

• Battery: As with keypads, low or dead batteries could prevent your remote from working properly. Replace them as needed.
• Range: If you’re having trouble opening or closing the door with your remote, try standing closer and see if this helps. This might indicate an issue with signal range.
• Interference: In some cases, other nearby electronics can interfere with your opener’s signal. Try moving any electronic devices away from the opener to see if this helps.

Screws, Track or Cable Issues

If none of the above troubleshooting methods seem to be helping, it might be time to look at the opener’s physical components. Check for any loose or missing screws, as well as any issues with the garage door track or cable. If you find anything out of place, tighten screws and see if this resolves the problem – if not, call our team right away.

In some cases, basic lubrication of moving parts can also help prevent issues like these. If you’re having trouble with opening or closing, try applying lubricant to the opener’s chain or screw drive.

When to Call in Professionals

In many cases, homeowners can handle some basic garage door opener repairs on their own. However, there are certain situations where it’s best to leave things to the professionals:

• Major damage: If your garage door opener has sustained major damage or isn’t functioning at all, it’s best to bring in trained technicians who can diagnose the issue and make necessary repairs.
• Electrical issues: If you suspect an electrical problem with your opener, we strongly recommend leaving this to our experts. Attempting to handle electrical repairs on your own can be extremely dangerous.
• Spring or cable replacement: Garage door springs and cables are under high tension and can cause serious injury if not handled properly. Leave these repairs to professionals who have the proper tools, training, and experience.

In general, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about handling any aspect of garage door opener repair, it’s always best to call in our team at Crawford Door Sales. Our trained technicians will provide expert service and ensure that your garage door opener is back up and running safely, whether you’re in Sandy, Murray or any nearby area.