Common Garage Door Operator Issues

The most common issue with operators is related to the sensor eyes at the bottom of the garage door that are on each side of the garage door on/near the tracks.  Also it is not uncommon for a garage door to stop travel in either direction due to sensitivity adjustment issues which are adjustments found on the operator motorhead and can be manual or digitally adjustable.

1. First of all, verify the door spring is not broken and that the door works correctly in manual mode. You may need to call us for more information and to avoid injury.
2. Verify the sensor eye(s) monitoring light(s) is lit and/or not blinking.  (Some brands of operators have a light on each eye that must be lit solid to be working properly.) Grass, cobwebs, leaves, tools, and other assorted items can partially block the view of the sensors and cause the door to refuse to close.  Adjust each of the "eyes" until properly set and a solid light is achieved.  Some bracket adjustment may be necessary too.
3. Sensitivity controls might need to be properly set to allow door to operate, but not adjusted for too much force that will cause injury or death. DON'T touch if uncertain of the proper setting!
Always follow manufacturer recommendations!

Open/Close Limit Test - NOTE: quality garage doors only - cheap or broken doors may fail due to quality issues alone.  Also, only modern operators that must meet this criteria will pass this test. ALWAYS follow manufacturer recommendations first!
The garage door must operate properly in manual mode before any of these adjustments are performed on an operator and ultimately  connected to a garage door!

Place a 2" solid object (i.e. 2x4 laid flat) under the garage door.  Operate the door in the DOWN direction with the garage door opener connected.  The door MUST REVERSE WHEN IT HITS THE OBSTRUCTION.  If the door only stops on the 2x4 but doesn't reverse the limit adjustment must be re-set correctly. Then check the door without the object after any adjustments are performed to ensure the opener works in a full up and down cycle.

WARNING!!!!
To reduce the risk of SEVERE INJURY or DEATH:
1 Too much operator force on a garage door will interfere with proper operation of safety reversal system.
2 NEVER increase force beyond the minimum amount required to close the garage door.
3 NEVER use force adjustments to compensate for a binding or sticking garage door.
4 If one control (force of limits) is adjusted, the other control may or may not also need adjustment.
5 After any adjustments are made, the safety reversal system MUST be tested.  The door MUST reverse on contact with one-inch (25mm) high object (or 2x4 laid flat) on floor, per manufacturer recommendations.

Additional Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Operator manufacturers recommend the following service tips at least once a month (we must admit that we don't even do these to our doors...but you should.)

1.  Verify that your garage door spring is not broken before attempting to raise or lower your door manually...a broken spring will have a gap in the coils. A weak spring will not allow the door to stay fully open or even come down very hard.  BE CAREFUL when raising a door manually!

2.  Learn how to disconnect and reconnect your door from the operator...be sure to follow operator manufacturer recommendations.  This is important to know if you have a power outage and use the door manually.

3.  Verify the garage door operates smoothly, and without much resistance...if it is too heavy for you, then it is too heavy for the motor too. It is possible that you have either a broken spring or the spring(s) need to be adjusted by a professional.**
**This is NOT something you should ever attempt to do yourself.

4.  Lubricate every hinge and roller wheel on the garage door with a silicone spray.  Do NOT use oil or grease as they will attract dust and dirt and lessen performance.  Also, a little bit of lubricant on the torsion spring(s) and operator rail are recommended.



FINAL NOTE:

If you are unfamiliar with the proper operation of a garage door, electrical components, use of a ladder or step stool, or may have any other limiting physical factors, please do not attempt to do any work or adjustments or tasks mentioned our website. Simply call a professional.

Do not attempt to use these tips if you do not wish to assume all liability for any and all injuries or damages - the information provided is just that, information  and not training.  This website, or any other documents found on the internet may not follow manufacturer recommendations, and are therefore for reference purposes only.  Only manufacturer documentation is official in their wording and instructions pertaining to the installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of a garage door and/or electric operator.

There is no implied or expressed warranty or liability by us or our affiliates, nor will we be held liable for any claims resulting from any documentation.

Of course, if these are things that you would prefer to have a professional do for you, please call:  (317) 575-9677