Garage door opener troubleshooting & repair - How to fix sensors, remotes, wall consoles, & more
Vložit
- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- 01:09 - Anatomy of a garage door opener
04:07 - Troubleshooting sensors
07:56 - Troubleshooting remotes
12:28 - Troubleshooting wall consoles
13:38 - Troubleshooting the mechanical systems
21:18 - Troubleshooting power and opener internals
Wondering why your garage door opener won’t work properly? Is the remote not working? Are the sensors or other lights flashing? Is the wall console basically as useful as a wall mounted potato at this point? In this video I walk you through my garage door opener system (which has all of these issues and more) as I troubleshoot every component and provide some tips to help repair any issues you might find in yours.
As a first-time homeowner myself, this channel is about sharing my experiences in first-time home ownership with you in hopes that I can help you and others learn from my mistakes, complete projects of your own, and hopefully save some time, money, and frustration in the process. Good luck!
If you find this video helpful, please SUBSCRIBE - It helps let me know that these videos are helpful, and it helps us spread the word. Thanks for taking the time to watch and support the channel!
The two garage door openers I have in my garage are Genie screw driven openers. There are many brands out there (Genie, Liftmaster, Chamberlain and more) and many different drive types. But, regardless what model yours is, and regardless if you have a belt, chain, or screw driven garage door opener, many of the issues and fixes will be similar across all of the various systems.
Owner’s Manuals: ----------
Genie:
bit.ly/3dUvoeO
Liftmaster/Chamberlain:
bit.ly/2J6eyhV
Replacement Parts: ----------
Some of the links below are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Genie:
- store.geniecompany.com/collec...
- amzn.to/3N2NbSi (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Liftmaster:
- www.liftmaster.com/replacemen...
- amzn.to/3ikQ1Ur (Amazon Affiliate Link)
Chamberlain:
- www.chamberlain.com/garage-do...
- amzn.to/3qibF0g (Amazon Affiliate Link)
General Information: ----------
Genie’s website:
store.geniecompany.com/
Liftmaster’s website:
www.liftmaster.com/
FCC Part 15 Information (Radio Frequency Devices and Interference):
www.fcc.gov/oet/ea/rfdevice
Disclaimer:
I am not a professional. Videos produced by First-Timers Homes are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this video and website is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Some projects, techniques, and material use may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to demonstrate and simplify projects to their basic steps. Please be safety and risk conscious, and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this channel and site. First-Timers Homes does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware that by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and First-Timers Homes cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. First-Timers Homes cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Please be sure to ALWAYS stay informed with your local building code. Have fun and stay safe! - Jak na to + styl
01:09 - Anatomy of a garage door opener
04:07 - Troubleshooting sensors
07:56 - Troubleshooting remotes
12:28 - Troubleshooting wall consoles
13:38 - Troubleshooting the mechanical systems
21:18 - Troubleshooting power and opener internals
Good luck troubleshooting!
Trouble shooting sensor
Best garage door troubleshooting video I've found. Thanks.
My dude!!!! My brother!!! You are by far THE MOST articulate explicit explanatory tutor with exemplary tutorial instructions than ANY OTHER of these guys videos!!!! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
It's always awesome to hear when someone liked the video - thanks for watching and leaving a comment!
Very comprehensive coverage of possible problems. Thanks.
Thanks for watching Hans - hope it helped!
Very descriptive. You don't skip a beat. Thank you! informative. Nothing you didn't cover. No music added to your video track which would drown out your voice. Excellent!
Hi Marsha, I'm glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks for letting me know and thanks for watching!
Most comprehensive explanation I've found.
Thanks Mariella!
Very informative! Thank you
Thank you for this video. This is by far the most thorough video in the subject, and the amount of clear advice provided here surpasses all the other videos I watched! Much appreciated!
Thanks for the comment Gil - glad to hear it was helpful!
Very comprehensive. Thank you!
Thanks for watching Austin! Glad it was helpful.
Well spoken. Great info. I released a double garage door that was 3/4 open. It came down like a rock! Antenna wire should point straight down towards floor.
Stay safe out there! Thanks for watching
Great video for checking garage door issues, thank you.
Glad to hear it's helpful, thanks for leaving a comment!
Thank you for explaining the parts and what they do at the beginning!
Thanks for watching Elaine, glad it was helpful!
Awesome! This is a much needed channel.
Our goal is to be helpful, thanks for leaving a comment Brian!
This is the most comprehensive video, thank u so much to taking your time to do it for us:) I think u should be a garage experts bc your video has more details than anything I ever seen
You're a life saver! I had no one to help me (single mom) and my brother put in LED bulbs when he was in town! I popped the bulbs out and now everything is back working! Obviously the manual does not warn of LED bulbs or even special garage bulbs!
A great big huge grateful THANK YOU!
Glad to hear that everything is working again! Thanks for leaving a note
Good overall information! Thanks for posting!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video 📹! Reprogrammed remote per your instructions and back to normal 😀 👍
Very informative, thank you!
Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!
Great job. I had problems with the opener working sometimes and then not at all. It drove me crazy. After checking everything I knew to do, I removed the wall mounted pad, unscrewed the wires and cleaned them by scraping with my pocket knife. Sometimes wires, especially copper wires corroded and needs cleaned. Mine had too long of wires around the screw, so I shortened them and they have worked great for two years now.
Today, I'm helping my neighbor find out why his garage door won't open. You have helped me tremendously.
Thanks and let's find some other problems in our newly purchased house.
I installed new Genie car garage door opener 2 years ago and so far so good!
It now happening sometimes not open all the way while closing nó issues!
I check its sensors were ok. I removed light LED bulbs and still the same !
Do you have any ideas please help
Thanks
Looks great, I'm only 2 minutes in and I've learned A LOT
I'm glad it was informative, thanks for watching!
Really good video. Very detailed it
Thanks Juan!
Very good advice thank you
Thanks for watching!
Thank you ! I just found out how to make my garage door work!
Nice! I'm glad it helped
Thank you for your video. Door wouldn't close this morning after opening it. Only on my 2nd cup of coffee. Watched 2:34 of the video and went to get the model # and check/clean sensors. Cleaned the sensors and found 2x4 just in the way from remodeling job I'm doing in the house. I like the way you start off the video explaining. I will save for next time. Again, thank you.
Thanks Philip! I appreciate the feedback and I'm glad to hear that the video was helpful.
Thanks much! The best video, I was checking everything (no red light, steady green light...) when all i had to do was unplug and replug the opener to reset it!
Nice! Glad it was an easy fix. Thanks for the comment!
Unplugging then plugging did the trick 😅 thanks!
Nice! I'm always relieved when the simple things fix the issues haha
Pretty Good video, very smart youngan
Thanks for watching Alan!
THank you! you helped me :)
Hi Wendi, I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for leaving a comment to let me know!
BEFORE YOU BUY THE OVERPRICED "GARAGE OPENER LED BULBS" READ THIS
The more "modern" LED bulbs are made to work with dimmers, just like the old incandescent lights. In order to make that happen with LED bulbs, they put in the LED bulb a variable square pulse wave generator which is basically very close to a classical variable frequency oscillator.
And that basically, is why SOME LED bulbs interfere with your garage door RF receiver.
The solution to your problem is very simple and very cheap.
Go to the nearest HOME DEPOT store and buy the CHEAP NON-DIMMABLE LED bulbs. TA DAH!
Yes, the only "special" thing about the "special" garage LED bulbs is the huge price mark-up
Thank you! The bottom wire on the "red" sensor was doubled-up with the top wire - thus not completing the circuit. I screwed the second wire into the bottom, and presto - I have power to the green and red LEDs!
Nice!
XCLNT PRESENTATION, ALOT OF OVER-ALL TOPICS VERY WELL, EXSPLAINED !!!😎😎😎😎👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you, sir. All I had to do was change out the batteries in my remote (& PRESTO!!) 🙂
Nice! Glad it was an easy fix. Thanks for watching!
I'm a first time home owner(haven't moved in yet) and this is useful info I'm sure I'll be using within the next month since the former owner rigged the garage door to not open because they were storing classic car in there. Pretty sure they removed the trolly pin... no clue were they put it.
Yikes... but, exciting! Good luck with the opener and congratulations on the home!
Good he did a lot
What are the 3 buttons on the fob for?
Note that your motor also has a coder wheel, and an electronic eye/led. These are used for positioning the door up or down and travel distance. You can clean the lens if it's covered in dust
Interesting, that's good to know. Thanks Robert!
I am assuming that the coder wheel is the feeble looking fan that goes around with the motor. Thanks for the advice!
Question. I have a genie opener with a universal sensors. Both lights are solid but I can't close it. I can open it normally but it won't close.
Our consoles are both blinking green very quickly. Will try your suggestions. TY
Good luck Diane - thanks for watching!
Have you had to replace the sacrificial gear teeth in the trolley yet? Thanks for the video.
Hi Steven, thanks for watching. Luckily, no problems with the trolley or drive system yet.
My garage door seems to have become disconnected from the chain. Your video shows that you can slide the connection onto the other part and it clicks into place. Mine doesn't click, and if I turn on the chain, it just slides and the chain doesn't move the door.
Thank you for your videos! I could not find the answer to my problem. My garage door randomly will not close using either of 2 remotes or one in rear view mirror. It always closes with wall remote. However if you wait 1-3 minutes after first attempt, all remotes will work and the door closes.
Hi Betty, certainly sounds like it could be something related to the signal. Might be worth giving the manufacturer's help line a call. Good luck, thanks for watching!
Question, about 6 months ago I had a motion light installed outside of my garage, 2 times in the past month I woke up in the middle of the night the light was on, and the garage door was open. I close the door and the motion light outside the door goes out. The light is mounted above the garage door on center, outside. Can the motion light somehow trigger the garage door to open??
How to set the limit switches
Thank you! It’s great explanation but I have problem with my Genie screw drive garage door the issue happens only with remote control. Door starts up about 20’ and close back please help
Hi Yoseph, if it's only happening with the remote my first thought is that perhaps there's an issue with that remote. If I were having that issue, I'd probably try using a different remote. If the alternate remote works, then great, it's probably the remote. If not, then unfortunately probably going to need to do more troubleshooting... Try reaching out to Genie's help line for more specific help. Good luck!
Great info. I had the liftmaster 1998 model when we moved into the house. Never used remote control before and the wall control worked fine. I plan to use the remotes in the near future but it won't program to the remote (new battery, it worked on my previous house and also the right model for the current house). I purchased 2 new remote controllers and still could not program them. What do you suggest that I can troubleshoot the issue? Thank for the help
Hi Doug, if you're confident in the compatibility between the remotes and the opener units, then it may be worth double-checking the teach-in process for the Liftmasters. I'm not as familiar with the Liftmasters, but do know that the process for teaching-in can be different for them than the Genie process I went through in the video. I put a link below to a helpful support page. If you're confident in the teach-in process, then another thing that might be helpful to check is the signal strength - check to make sure any antennas are still attached and not restricted, check for any sources of signal interreference like LEDs, etc. If none of that helps, it may be worth giving them a call. Good luck and thanks for watching!
support.chamberlaingroup.com/s/article/Remote-control-programming-overview
Hello , my genie powered garage door has 2 inches blanking red lights : how to reset
It will be helpful if you identify the wires by color a bit more clearly. But overall it’s a great video. Thanks for sharing
I appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!
I haven’t seen my problem addressed in these videos. Mine was working fine and out of the blue I noticed that when I was at the base of my driveway my remote wouldn’t always open the door but, sometimes the closer I got to the door it would open. My first thought was change out the battery in the remote. I did that and it still wouldn’t always open the door. Finally, I occasionally could get it to open if I was within 10 feet of the unit but, if I I wanted to close the door it wouldn’t close. I would get out of my car and walk to within 10 feet of the door and it might close and it might not. I would try the outside wall mounted unit with a numerical code and it wouldn’t close. Finally it wouldn’t close at all and I had to disengage the door by pulling on the rope and pull the door down by hand. Once in awhile with the track disengaged I have clicked on the remote and the slide on the track would activate and run the length of the track bar but, pressing the remote again would not activate the track. I would have to pull the car out of the garage, pull the rope to unlock the door and pull the door down by hand. What in the heck is wrong with my garage door? It’s got a mind of it’s own! I only know of one battery to change out and I have done that. It’s like something is stopping the signal to the unit. When pressing the remote I can see the red bulb inside flashing but it’s not getting the signal. Help!
Hi Jerry - wow. Sounds... complicated.
If I were having those issues, I'd probably start by trying to rule out signal issues.
Easiest way to do this is to verify if the wall console - mounted on the wall inside of the garage, not the externally mounted console/keypad - can open/close the door immediately after/in the same conditions/at the same time that the remote issues show up. If the wall console consistently works when the remote doesn't, it's more likely to be a signal issue or a bad remote (troubleshoot or replace the remote/try a known good one). If it could be a signal issue, I'd check the model's owner's manual for any troubleshooting codes - sometimes the lights blink in specific sequences that will correspond to a particular failure mode that the manual outlines (various models differ). I'd also make sure the antenna is free and clear to receive the signal without issue (things like being wrapped around a support or stuffed inside the opener itself can cause interference). I'd also check the safety sensors for light interference - if the sun or another light is hitting them in a particular way at a particular time of day, it could cause the door not to close because it would think something is breaking the safety beam. And, I'd also check to make sure that there aren't any LED bulbs around that aren't up to FCC spec - they could cause signal interference (if the remote works with all of the lights off around the garage - this is a sign that this could be a problem)
If the signal was fine but I were still experiencing issues, then I'd dig into the mechanical aspects. If the system was reliably responsive with the door disconnected from the trolley, but unresponsive with the door connect to the trolley, I'd check the door for balance and ensure the system's force controls are set properly. If the force triggers are being tripped, the system would error. I'd probably also check that all of the rollers and bearings are secure and rolling freely - old, loose ones may bind during operation, which could trigger the force controls. I'd also check the drive system to see if any of the gears/chains/screws/etc. for the respective system are intact, lubricated, and functioning properly.
In any case, I have to disclaim that I'm not a professional and it probably wouldn't hurt to get ahold of a professional or give the helpline a call for your particular opener. Hope this helps and if you ever figure it out, let us know!
So I also have two separate motors and one has a wall console just like in your video and the other has a wall button without the light feature. The console with the light button turns the light on for the one it’s programmed to but not the other one. Is there a way I can program the motor that’s connected to the console without the light button to the one that does? The only way I can turn that light on is when I open the garage door and it only stays on for so long then timed out. I would like to be able to hit the light button and control both lights on each motor.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! A lot of these systems will have several wall console options that range in features from those with just the button, to those with the light switches, vacation locks, etc. So, I'd probably check to see if the manufacturer of the brand has another wall console that's compatible with the opener model in use, but that also includes the light switch and any other features needed. Usually, the owner's manual or the manufacturer's website will list which components are compatible with the various models of openers. If you can find a wall console that works, you might be able to just upgrade the console that doesn't have a light switch, to one that does and be all set. Also, quick disclaimer, I'm not a professional, so be sure to check and follow the manufacturer's guidance for instructions and compatibility of wall consoles to avoid any issues. Hope this helps, good luck!
I lost my chamberlain remote (from 2013) , so I bought a new chamberlain 950estd but the easy 3 step programming will not allow ‘connection’ between the garage door motor and the remote.
Hey Eli, sorry to hear about a new remote giving you issues. I'm not sure about the full context of the issues you're having and I don't want to give you any bad advice so I'd probably just start with the high level stuff and check compatibility of the remote with the opener, check for anything that could be causing signal interference (like if the antenna is blocked or broken, or if there are LEDs or something that could be causing interference), and if that's all good I'd probably clear the memory of the opener so the old remote that you lost is removed and then try reteaching in the new one again.
Here's a link to a chart on the Chamberlain support page to help check the compatibility.
support.chamberlaingroup.com/s/article/Chamberlain-Remote-Compatibility-1484145517828
And here are a couple links to a Chamberlain video for that specific remote, and the owner's manual for the 950ESTD. The owner's manual shows how to erase the memory and a couple of different ways to try teaching in the new remote.
czcams.com/video/IxVb8qOak_w/video.html
embed.widencdn.net/pdf/plus/cgi/4tw9xr0hky/114a4240.pdf?u=8agqx6
Hope this helps!
My remote was working perfectly when i bought it. It opens sometimes and mostly the opener just blinks when i press my remote but it won’t open. Thoughts and ideas?
Hey Jason, any chance the opener has a locking feature on it? If the light is blinking when you push the button, it sounds like the signal is being received by the opener just fine. Some of the systems will blink like that if the lock has been engaged for some reason and someone tries to open it with a remote while it's locked. Hope this helps!
Our problem is that it goes up fine, but if you use either of our two remotes to close the door, 9 out of ten times roughly, it will try to go UP instead. This started after I oiled the chain to prevent squeaking.
Hi Steve, that definitely doesn't sound like desired behavior haha. Let us know what it turns out to be if you figure it out. Good luck!
I currently have a chamberlain 1/2 horsepower garage door opener, its atleast 13 years old. Ive never had any issues until about the last month or so, my remote works but for some reason in the morning when I get into my truck and hit the button nothing happens. If I wait about 1-2 minutes and hit it again, it closes right away. I've checked the sensors, they seem to be working fine. Any tips before I just go and buy a new door opener?
Thanks
Hey Justin, thanks for leaving a comment. If mine were doing that, I'd probably start by double checking that the remote is good, signal is strong, and that there isn't any signal interference if the trouble seems to come up when trying to close it while in a vehicle. If the wall consoles can open and close the door without delays or issues, then I'd probably take that as a decent sign that it might be related to the remote or signal. If the issues only happen during a specific time of day (like in the morning when leaving for work or something), then I'd probably check for sun interference on the sensors. Refreshing the batteries, trying a different or new remote, trying that remote on another opener if possible, making sure that the antenna is clear and still well attached, checking the lights around the garage/in the opener to ensure they're FCC compliant, and checking sun glare on the sensors when the issues come up might be helpful checks. I'm not a pro though, so if it's really giving you trouble, it might be worth a quick call to Chamberlain support before sinking the money into a new one. Hope this helps!
Zack, I just installed a Genie 7055 opener. This unit comes with a wall unit that has to be hard wired. I used the existing wires from the unit that is being replaced. I set the closed limit and the open limit on the power head but the garage door will not close or open when I try to use the wall control. The light is on showing that I have power to that unit. Any thoughts?
Hi, if the remote works and the issues only show up when trying to use the wall console, that helps narrow it down.
If that's the case, then I'd check one more time to make sure the wires are routed to the correct terminals on both the powerhead and the back of the wall console, as well as to the sensors. And, that the stripped ends of the wire have good contact with the terminals. If the old wiring is really old, it might also help to try wiring the wall console to the powerhead using the new wire that came with the unit - even if in a temporary fashion - just to rule out any possible issues with the old wire itself like a possible intermittent break in the line somewhere or a staple that has worn through the insulation. It seems there are a few different wall consoles out there, but may also help to check any vacation locks or other security features, just to make sure they aren't accidentally turned on.
If the unit isn't working with either the remote or the wall console; You also mentioned that the open and closed limits were set? It might help to check those again for both the travel limits as well as the force limits. If the force limits are set too softly, the door might not move because they'll trigger. It might also help to double check the door balance. If the door is out of balance combined with lighter force limits, it could cause that behavior as well. It may help to double check the wiring of the sensors, too. If the sensors are using the old wiring like the wall console, it could have a break or ground in the line somewhere too. May also help to double check that the sensors are wired to the correct terminals, that could cause the issue as well.
Disclaimer; be sure to follow all the safety instructions in the installation/owner's manual as well.
I'm certainly not a pro, so I wouldn't hesitate to also give Genie's support a call. In any case, I hope that helps. Good luck!
you have two wall consoles. I'd swap these two to see if the one you suspect is bad really bad.
Are there DIP switches in the garage door motor, so I can see if they correspond to the DIP switches on the remote. How do I locate these switches on the motor? The remote hit the floor, opened up and I don't know if when I was handling it I changed one or more of the DIP settings. I just know that it is not working now and it was before it fell down. I took of the cover for the light bulb and the switches are not there. Do I need to go to the back side where there is a plastic box near some very thin wires and open up that to find the DIP? I have a 9300 Challenger Opener and I need some help. Thanks
Hi Gail - this one is a little outside of my knowledgebase. A quick Google search did show that both the remotes and the opener assembly should have DIP/Code switches. Looks like there's a receiver within the opener assembly somewhere that has an access panel that can be removed to view the DIP switches. I'd try a quick Google search for a Challenger 9300 owner's manual to see if anything helpful comes up.
Also, if it came apart when it hit the floor it might be worth checking that the battery is in correctly/still has good contact with the terminals.
Hope this helps, good luck!
Model950a 2:50
Limit switches have not been set yet
Have a Genie 1055 and the wall console works but is not lit up. Any advice? Thanks
Hi Charles, sounds like maybe the LED inside the console might have an issue. Depending on how old it is, might be worth taking apart to see if there are any obvious issues with the board inside, or wiring connections. Might also consider replacing with a new one.
My remote is new and has new battery in it, but it wouldn't "learn". Garage door opens using wall console, but the remote would not learn after clicking purple learn button. What would be the reason?
Hi, thanks for leaving a comment. There are a lot of different brands and models out there, so there's a lot that might contribute to the issue. But, if mine were doing that, I'd start by trying to figure out where the problem is in relation to the opener, signal, and the remote itself.
It might be worth checking your specific opener's teach in process in the owner's manual for any details that might be helpful. Some have LED's that will blink letting you know they're ready to learn, some require you to hold certain buttons for a period of time, and usually there's a limit to how many remotes can be held in an opener's memory. So, if the house has had a lot of remotes in use in the past, the old ones may need to be cleared from the memory.
Some other things I'd probably check:
- If other remotes work on the opener, then the signal and opener's antenna setup are probably fine and it might be a problem with the new remote itself (maybe it came with bad batteries, factory defect, broke in shipping, etc.), or the opener's memory may be full
- If no remotes work on the opener, then it could be issues with the signal or the opener's antenna setup/receiver
Once you can figure out the specific component with the problem, the video walks through troubleshooting most of the specific areas related to common components that have issues.
Disclaimer here though, since I'm not a pro and everyone's situation is different, it might help to give the manufacturer or a professional a call to help diagnose.
Hope this helps!
8 Wires & 4 Wires. I have 8 wires, 4 wires on each side.
Directions
Twist solid color wires together
Twist stripe color wires together
That makes 2 twisted wires on each side.
Connected 2 twisted wires to top screw and 2 twisted wires to bottom screw.
Test
When wired right Geen LED is on (not blinking) and Red LED is on (not blinking) when sensors are alighted.
Sensors are not aligned or blocked Red LED blinks
Wires 8 or 4 wiring.
This is fantastic, but I think I went deaf in my right ear a few times :D
Still have a few things to learn on the editing side, ha. Thanks for watching!
@@FirstTimersHomes It sucks that yt won’t let you re-upload videos. I’ve had this problem with my own videos a few times.
But that minor issue aside, this is a fantastic video. Well done.
Thanks for the feedback!
It goes up and down but dosen't stay shut. I cleaned the sensors, all rights are working but again it won't stay down when I close it?
Hi David, weird. If that were happening to mine, I'd probably check to see if any of the remotes or consoles have a jammed button that could sending a signal. Good luck, let us know if you figure it out!
My garage will not stay down?
Link cable came lose
Fix senor
Seems like chamberlain has a monopoly on garage door openers now. Sucks because there stuff seems to be designed to fail intentionally.
Garage door works with wall pad , but not my remote and yes it has new batteries Help!
Either locked, not programmed, signal interference