DOES YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER NOT CLOSE OR OPEN YOUR DOOR COMPLETELY? TRY THESE QUICK FIXES BEFORE YOU CALL…

Inspect the photo eyes.

All garage door openers manufactured since 1993 are required to have properly functioning safety photo eyes. These should be located at the bottom of either side of your garage door, no higher than 6″ off the ground. Insure these photo eyes are looking at each other. If a light it blinking, try to realign them. Sometimes the photo eye can be bumped by a trash can, child, cat, etc. and simply needs to be realigned to look straight at the other eye. Also inspect for spiderwebs. If a web is formed over the photo eye, the safety device is detecting something between the safety beams and will not allow the door to close.

Inspect the wall console for “Vacation Lock”

Many different models of garage door openers offer a “Vacation Lock” which is located on the wall console mounted inside your garage. The vacation setting prevents remotes and keypads from opening your garage door. This is an extra measure to keep your home secure while you are away. In most cases, the vacation mode allows you to use the remote one time after it is activated: to shut the garage door upon departure. Depending on the manufacturer, this setting may be known as “lock” or “security” mode. If your remote suddenly stops working, check to see whether this mode has been accidentally activated.

Inspect that you have power to the outlet.

Sometimes the breaker may be off. This can be a simple fix. Try turning on the operator light to ensure there is power.

Inspect that the emergency release is not pulled.

Make sure the garage door opener is engaged. If you see the chain or belt moving, but the garage is not closing, the emergency release may be pulled.

GARAGE DOOR OPENER SAFETY

It is important to always test the safety reversing mechanisms to ensure your openers are safety compliant. Review your owner’s manual for the door opener. If you don’t have the owner’s manual, look for the opener model number on the back of the power unit and request a manual from the manufacturer.

Photo Eye Test.

Make sure your opener has safety photo beams. If photo eyes are not present, it should be replaced. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 are required by federal law to have advanced safety features which comply with the latest UL 325 Standards.

  1. Near the bottom of each side of your garage door, check to confirm the proper installation of photo eyes (black sensors), mounted no higher than 6 inches off the floor.
  2. Use an object to block the photo eye, and push the transmitter or wall button to close the door. The door should not close.
  3.  If the door does close, have it repaired or replaced. Have a qualified individual adjust, repair or replace the opener or door.

Reversal Test.

Make sure your opener has a reversing feature. If a reversing feature is not present, it should be replaced. Garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 are required by federal law to have advanced safety features which comply with the latest UL 325 Standards.

  1. Test the balance of the door. If the door is properly balanced, proceed.
    1. Start with the door closed.
    2. If you have a garage door opener, use the release mechanism so you can operate the door by hand when doing this test.
    3. You should be able to lift the door smoothly and with little resistance. It should stay open around three or four feet above the floor. If it does not, it is out of adjustment. Have it adjusted by a qualified service person.
  2. With the door fully open, place a 2” x 4” laid flat on the floor in the center of the door opening.
  3. Push the transmitter or wall button to close the door. The door must reverse when it strikes the wood.
  4.  If the door does not reverse, have it repaired or replaced. Have a qualified individual adjust, repair or replace the opener or door.

Force Setting Test.

Test the force setting of your garage door opener by holding the bottom of the door as it closes. If the door does not reverse readily, the force may be excessive and need adjusting. See your owner’s manual for details on how to make the adjustment. Test the reversing feature after any adjustment.

Failure to regularly perform these safety tests may put the garage door users and those nearby in danger.

 For more information on the GARAGE DOOR OPENER options we offer, contact our garage door experts online or give us a call today for your free estimate.

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