When your garage door opener starts acting up, it can be frustrating enough to make you want to go out and buy a brand new unit. But usually the problems are simple to fix yourself without that big expenditure. Give some TLC to your trusty garage door opener with these repair tips before throwing in the towel on it.
Content
Dirty or Worn Out Photocells
The photocells are those little black boxes up high on each side of the garage door – they act as the “eyes” so the door knows when to stop and start moving. Over time, they can get dusty or dirty which may cause intermittent issues like the door not closing all the way. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth often does the trick. You can also check for any cracks or damage that may require replacement of the photocell units. Call Garage Door Opener Repair in Virginia Beach if needed for a new set.
Burnt Out Light Bulbs
Many openers have indicator lights on the console unit to show operating mode. Burnt out bulbs won’t necessarily stop the door from functioning, but can lead to confusion if you can’t see the light signals. Take a few minutes to open the console case and replace any expired bulbs. Spare bulbs are cheap and easy to keep on hand for this simple fix.
Worn Drive Gear or Chain
Over extended use, the metal gear or chain inside the opener motor that powers the door’s movement can become loose or worn. The door may start moving slower or making noise. Tightening any nuts or bolts on the drive system can potentially solve it. You may just need to apply some lubricant or, in rare cases of severe wear, replace the gear or chain.
Batteries Run Down
If the opener remote stops working, the first thing to check is that the batteries in the remote are still good. Nothing wrong with the opener itself if the batteries are just run down. Replace with a fresh set of AA batteries. On units with terminals for backup batteries, make sure those are connected and charged too for power outages.
Loose or Misaligned Rail Assembly
Sometimes vibration over years of use can cause the steel rail that the opener motor runs on to shift position very slightly out of proper alignment. This can sometimes cause the door to bind or the motor to strain. Readjust the rail if any parts look bowed or crooked. Make sure it is firmly affixed at both the ceiling and floor mounts as well.
Before spending money on a whole new opener, take an evening to try some TLC and troubleshooting repairs. Chances are good it just needs a light fix to get back in working order.
Shawn Davis is a wonderful person. He is very nice and always willing to help out! He loves his job because it lets him share interesting things with people who want to know about new developments in the world of technology.
