What To Do When Your Garage Door Opener Stops Working

By Author: ABC Garage Doors & Repair
Total Articles: 17
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There’s nothing more frustrating than pressing your garage door remote and getting no response—no sound, no movement. If your garage door opener isn’t working, don’t panic. There are several things you can check before calling in a pro.
Check the Power Source First
Start simple: ensure the opener is plugged in and receiving power. Look for lights on the unit. If it’s dark, plug another device into the same outlet to test the power supply. Also, check your circuit breaker—sometimes a tripped breaker is the only issue.
Inspect the Remote Control
If the remote isn’t doing the job, try replacing the batteries. It’s a common fix that’s often overlooked. If that doesn’t help, move closer to the opener. Still no response? Try reprogramming the remote using the “learn” button found on most openers.
Check the Wall-Mounted Button
If neither the remote nor the wall control works, the ...
... wiring could be at fault. Look behind the wall switch for loose or damaged wires. If you’re not comfortable with wiring, this is a good point to bring in a professional specializing in garage door opener repair in Arlington.
Inspect the Safety Sensors
Modern systems use safety sensors near the bottom of the door tracks. These stop the door if something is blocking the path. If the sensors are dirty or misaligned, they can prevent the door from moving. Clean the lenses and make sure both sensors face each other and display solid lights.
Try Resetting the Opener
Sometimes a quick reset can resolve small glitches. Unplug the opener for about 30 seconds and plug it back in. If that doesn’t work, the issue might lie deeper within the system.
Listen for Motor Sounds
If the opener hums or clicks but the door doesn’t move, it could point to motor issues or worn-out gears. These are internal problems that typically require expert help. In such cases, contact a garage door repair professional in Arlington.
Check for Manual Lock Engagement
Many garage doors include a manual lock feature that can stop the opener from working. Look for a handle or metal bar on the inside of the door and ensure it’s not locked in place.
Test the Door Manually
Use the emergency release cord and try lifting the door manually. If it’s heavy or hard to move, the springs may be broken. Damaged springs are dangerous to handle and should always be repaired by a trained technician.
Conclusion
If none of these steps solve the problem, it’s best to contact a garage door specialist. Safety systems built into openers can shut down operation when something's wrong. Forcing the door can cause more damage or lead to injury. A qualified technician can diagnose the issue and get your garage door opener back in working order.
Author Bio:
This post is brought to you by ABC Garage Doors & Repair, your go-to source for expert garage door opener repair in Arlington.