Troubleshooting a Garage Door That Won't Open or Close Properly
Smooth operation is the primary purpose of any garage door installation. Depending on the problem you're facing with your garage door, you may or may not need the help of a garage door repair specialist to get the door working well again.
If your garage door isn't opening or closing properly, you most likely have a problem with its operating mechanism. Here's a basic troubleshooting guide to help you solve the problem.
1. Check Your Garage Door Opener's Remote Control
Just like modern TV sets have a remote control device that allows people to operate their TVs without getting up from their seats, today's garage door openers feature a wireless remote control that lets people operate their garage doors without getting out of their cars.
If your remote control device isn't working as you approach your garage, something may be wrong with it. To troubleshoot for a faulty remote control, you should first check the batteries. The batteries used in remote controls usually die from normal use and will need to be replaced at some point. It's, therefore, a good idea to keep an extra set of batteries in your car because you can never know when you'll need to use them.
If your garage door opener's remote doesn't work with the new batteries, the remote itself could be toast. To determine if your remote is broken, try to open your garage door using the wall switch that is directly hard-wired to the garage door opener. If the door opens successfully, it means your door opener's remote control is faulty and needs to be replaced.
2. Check the Close-Limit Switch
Typically located on the tracks or in the opener mechanism, a close-limit switch is a garage door safety feature that protects people from having the door close on them. If this switch isn't properly adjusted, it may cause your garage door to reverse its direction before touching the floor. The problem can be fixed by adjusting the close-limit switch correctly. If you don't know the correct settings for your garage door close-limit switch, consult the owner's manual.
If the above tips don't work, there's likely a problem with your garage door opener itself. Garage door openers are relatively complex systems that require a trained eye to troubleshoot and repair correctly. Don't hesitate to contact companies like Plano Overhead Garage Door if you need help with fixing your malfunctioning garage door.