When you come home from a long day at work, or you’re running late on the way out the door, a malfunctioning garage door can make a bad day even worse.
Though most garage door repairs should be handled by a professional, here are a few troubleshooting tips that can help you solve minor problems or at least determine if a professional is needed.
1. The Garage Door Won’t Go Up
If the garage door won’t open, check the batteries in your remote control, and be sure that the garage door opener is plugged in and the breaker has not tripped. Check the garage door lock to ensure it hasn’t been manually locked by accident.
If the door still won’t open, with the door in the closed position, pull the release cord on the trolley and try to manually open the door. If it won’t move or is too heavy to lift, there may be something physically wrong with the garage door, such as a spring, rollers that are frozen or binding, pinched or misaligned tracks or broken lift cables.
2. The Garage Door Won’t Go Down
If the door will work only when the wall switch or keypad is used, make sure the garage door sensors are aligned properly, as the wall switch acts as a safety override. Check for leaves, toys and debris at the bottom of the garage door opening, as well, because these may trip the safety sensor.
If the garage door closes but then opens again, the limit switch may need to be adjusted. Use a screwdriver to adjust the down limit switch one turn at a time until the door closes and stays closed.
If the garage door still doesn’t close, there may be psychical damage to the springs, tracks, rollers, cables or hinges that need professional repairs.
3. The Wall Switch Stopped Working
If you can open the garage door with your remote but not the wall switch, the wall switch may be faulty. Call a professional to have it replaced or verify it has failed by removing the switch from the wall and touching the two wires together.
They are low voltage wires for a simple on-off switch, so they’re relatively safe to handle, just avoid touching the bare copper.
4. The Remote Control for the Garage Door Opener Has Failed
When a garage door remote stops working, replace the batteries with a fresh set before trying anything else. If that doesn’t work, make sure the garage door opener is plugged in and the breaker for the circuit is not tripped.
If the remote still won’t work, but the wall switch does, consider getting a replacement remote or a new receiver and remote set.
5. The Garage Door Opener Is Making Unusual Noises
If your garage door opener is making grinding noises, the main drive gear may be worn or faulty. It’s best to have it professionally repaired or replaced. If you hear squealing or creaking sounds, the hinges or rollers may need a bit of lubrication.
If your garage door opener is making buzzing or humming sounds, the motor or door may be stuck, or the motor may be failing. The power should be shut off immediately to avoid motor damage if the door is physically stuck.
Garage Door Repair in Indianapolis & Muncie, IN
Do you need help with your garage door? Choose our experts at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie for professional garage door repairs and garage door replacements anywhere in Indianapolis or Muncie.
Our company has been in business for over 90 years, providing quality garage doors and many other valuable products and services, from entry doors to replacement windows and home insulation.
We feature quality work, exceptional service and impressive value, plus a skilled team that’s dedicated to meeting your needs.
Call 317-489-0825 today in Indianapolis or 765-215-2932 in Muncie, or contact us online to schedule garage door service and repairs anywhere in Central Indiana.
