So, you have a big office meeting or a family event planned, and just as you head out, your garage door decides it won’t open.
Talk about bad timing.
When your garage door motor acts up, it can disrupt your day. But you don’t have to worry just yet. With the right knowledge and a few targeted fixes, you should be able to get it running smoothly again.
By tackling these garage door motor issues head-on, you can save time, avoid costly service calls, and make sure your garage door is reliable once more.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore some troubleshooting steps to get your garage door motor back on track.
1. Broken Gears
In case your garage door refuses to budge even when you hear the motor running, you might be dealing with broken gears. It’s a fairly common problem for garage door motors, especially after years of wear and tear.
A. Inspect the Gears
Safety first—make sure the power is disconnected from your garage door system before you start working. Open the motor casing to expose the internal components. Look for gears that are visibly stripped, missing teeth, or worn out.
B. Gear Replacement Kits
If you’re an experienced DIYer, you can purchase a gear replacement kit specific to your garage door model from your local hardware store or online. Follow the instructions closely to remove the old gears and install the new ones. Make sure everything is aligned correctly and securely before closing the casing and restoring power.
However, in case you’ve never done this before or don’t feel comfortable, reach out to a garage door motor repair expert immediately.
2. Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring in your garage door motor can manifest in several frustrating ways. For example, the door might respond unpredictably when you press the remote or wall switch. Usually, this erratic behaviour points to problems within the wiring that connects the motor to the power source and controls.
A. Check the Connections
See that all wiring connections are tight and secure. Over time, vibrations from the door’s operation can loosen connections and lead to intermittent performance issues.
B. Inspect for Damage
Carefully examine the wires for any signs of fraying, corrosion, or other damage. Pay special attention to areas where wires are exposed to movement or the elements. If you find damaged wiring, replace it to avoid further issues.
3. Sensor Malfunctions
Safety sensors are positioned at the bottom of each side of the garage door track, designed to prevent the door from closing on objects, pets, or people. If they’re malfunctioning, you might see the door stop and reverse even though nothing is blocking it, or the door might not close at all.
A. Clean and Align Sensors
For starters, clean each sensor lens with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris. Check their alignment to make sure they’re facing each other across the tracks.
B. Check Wiring
Look at the wires leading to the sensors. Make sure all connections are tight and the wires aren’t frayed or damaged. If you spot any issues, you may need to fix the wires or get someone to help you with this garage door motor repair.
4. Overheating
Each garage door motor has a designed duty cycle, meaning it’s built to handle a certain number of operations within a given time. Overworking the motor by frequently opening and closing the door can push it beyond this limit, leading to overheating.
Motors can also overheat if they’re older or don’t have enough air circulating around them. A common sign of overheating is the motor shutting off unexpectedly after running for a few minutes.
A. Ventilate the Area
Clear the area around your garage door motor. Remove any nearby objects that could block airflow, and consider adding a fan in the garage during warmer months to help cool the motor.
B. Check Duty Cycle
Be mindful of how often you’re using the garage door. If you find yourself opening and closing it more than usual, try to give the motor time to rest between uses.
C. Regular Maintenance
Keep your motor and its components well-maintained by lubricating moving parts and replacing worn-out pieces. Properly maintained garage doors typically run cooler and more efficiently.
5. Noisy Operation
A noisy garage door can be incredibly bothersome. Most garage door motor issues make noise due to loose components, insufficient lubrication on moving parts, or damaged motor mounts.
A. Inspect and Replace Worn-Out Motor Mounts
For this garage door motor issue, check the mounts for any signs of wear. If they’re on their last legs or no longer secure, replace them to stabilise the motor and reduce noise.
B. Tighten Everything Up
Use a wrench or screwdriver to methodically check all visible hardware on the door and the motor unit. Tighten any loose bolts or screws. Remember to check the brackets holding the garage door tracks and the fasteners attaching the garage door opener to the framing.
C. Lubricate Moving Parts
Regularly apply a silicone or lithium-based lubricant designed specifically for garage doors to the rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks.
6. Remote Control Problems
Few things are as frustrating as when your garage door remote control stops working. Inconsistent response is particularly annoying, especially if the door opens sometimes but refuses to close, or vice versa. This could leave you stuck outside or with an unsecured garage.
A. Replace the Batteries
Start with the simplest solution. Open the remote and replace the old batteries with new ones. Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly and test the remote. Often, this is all it takes to get things working again.
B. Reprogram the Remote
If new batteries don’t solve the problem, you’ll need to reprogram the remote. Refer to your garage door opener’s manual for specific instructions. Typically, it involves pressing a button on the opener unit and then pressing a button on the remote to re-establish the connection.
Need Garage Door Motor Repairs? Call Filip’s Today!
Troubleshooting problems with garage door motors can often be simple. However, if these solutions don’t resolve the issue or if you’re unsure about attempting any of these fixes, it’s best to hand over the reins to a professional. They’ll know exactly how to identify and repair more complicated issues before they spiral out of control.
At Filip’s Garage Doors, we’ve helped countless Aussie homes and businesses overcome problems with garage door motors, and we can help you too. Don’t let a faulty motor disrupt your daily routine—our experienced technicians are ready to assist with prompt, reliable service.
Call 08 8555 4269 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a visit. With years of expertise, we’ll have your garage door motor running smoothly in no time. Trust us to handle repairs efficiently, safely, and with the highest level of professionalism.
