If your garage door opener isn’t working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. Many of the common issues with garage door openers can be resolved without calling a professional—and before you do that, it’s important to rule out other potential causes of your issue.
Here are some quick tips for determining what might be wrong with your garage door opener and how to fix it:
Circuit Breaker Reset
If the garage door opener is not working, first check to see if the troubleshooting guide in your manual or online matches what’s happening with your specific unit. If so, then try these steps:
- Reset the circuit breaker. You can often do this by flipping it back on and waiting ten seconds before turning it off again (this step may vary depending on your garage door opener). Then try opening your door manually with the power off before turning everything back on again and seeing if that works for you.
Check Your Safety Sensors
If you have a garage door that is not working, it’s important to check your safety sensors first. These are small devices mounted on your garage door wall and should be visible if the door is open. If they aren’t working properly, the safety mechanism will not be triggered when you try to open or close your garage door.
When troubleshooting this issue, make sure that:
- You’re using the correct type of battery for your device (usually AA).
- Your batteries are in good working order.
Unplug the Opener and Reconnect
First, you need to unplug the garage door opener and reconnect it. This should reset any connections that might have been worn out or broken during the operation of the door. If this does not work, there is an issue with your opener’s circuit board or sensors, which will require further repair by a professional.
Substitute a Power Cord
- Check to make sure that the power cord is plugged in.
- Try plugging it into a different outlet or a different circuit breaker.
- If you use an extension cord, try using a shorter one or running the opener directly from the garage door opener’s power source.
Check the Fuse
- If your garage door opener doesn’t work, and you can’t find the problem, check to see if there’s a fuse that powers the opener.
- Fuses are usually located in the garage (if you have one) or in a panel next to your circuit breakers. Look for a fuse labelled “garage door opener.”
If you don’t have a fuse box, check your circuit breaker; it should be labelled “garage door” or something similar.
Look for Damaged Parts
- Check for loose parts: If you hear a rattling or clanking sound, it could be the door moving around. A spring mechanism is likely at fault and needs to be tightened.
- Check for broken parts: Is your garage door opener having trouble lifting the door? If so, then a worn-out gear or pulley might be responsible.
For all your Toronto garage door repair and installation needs, contact our team today at 647-923-1209.