June 20, 2016

How to replace a garage door opener battery

How to replace a garage door opener battery

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the back-up battery in a garage door opener. Located in the motor unit, the battery supplies power to the opener if the power goes out. Test the battery yearly according to the instructions in your owner's manual. If the battery status light indicates a low battery charge when you unplug the garage door opener to test the battery, plug the garage door opener back in and see if the battery charges within 48 hours. If the battery hasn't charged after 48 hours, replace it with the manufacturer-approved replacement part.

This basic repair procedure works for common Craftsman, LiftMaster and Chamberlain garage door openers.

Quick links
Tools required
Step ladder
Phillips screwdriver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Replacing the battery on a garage door opener

This video explains how to replace the battery on a garage door opener.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect power

    Use a step ladder to access the garage door opener’s power cord and motor unit.

    Unplug the garage door opener.

    PHOTO: Unplug the garage door opener.

    PHOTO: Unplug the garage door opener.

  2. 02.

    Remove the battery

    Open the light cover.

    Remove the battery compartment cover screw and then remove the cover.

    Pull the battery out and disconnect the wires.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the battery wires.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the battery wires.

  3. 03.

    Install the new battery

    Connect the wires to the new battery.

    Insert the battery into the compartment.

    Reinstall the battery compartment cover and secure it with the screw.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the battery compartment cover.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the battery compartment cover.

  4. 04.

    Reconnect electrical power

    Plug in the garage door opener.

Warning: Undertaking repairs or maintenance to appliances or power equipment can be hazardous. Should you choose to undertake repairs or maintenance, you are assuming the risk of injury to your person or property. In an effort to reduce the risk, use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the applicable guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs or maintenance, however, should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your garage door openers

Choose a symptom to see related garage door opener repairs.

Main causes: garage door opener misaligned, travel limits need adjustment, bad travel limit switches, faulty logic contr…

Main causes: garage door locked, damaged garage door tracks, up-force setting needs adjustment, RPM sensor failure, bad …

Main causes: safety sensor beams blocked, safety sensors not aligned, downforce setting needs adjustment, damaged garage…

Things to do: check garage door travel, tighten brackets and fasteners, test safety sensors, check travel limits and for…

Main causes: radio interference, weak remote batteries, sunlight interference with safety sensor beams, safety sensors n…

Main causes: faulty logic control board, bad RPM sensor, broken gears in the drive system, bad drive motor…

Main causes: neighbor's remote programmed at the same time as yours, faulty wall control wiring, bad wall control unit…

Main causes: loose fasteners, broken brackets, need preventive maintenance, worn drive gears, loose or worn belt, loose …

Most common repair guides to help fix your garage door openers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your garage door opener.

How to replace a chain-drive garage door opener gear and sprocket assembly

How to replace a chain-drive garage door opener gear and sprocket assembly

Learn how to replace the gear and sprocket assembly on your garage door opener if the drive motor runs but the door won'…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a garage door opener logic board

How to replace a garage door opener logic board

The logic board is the brains of the garage door opener. If the remote doesn't work or the door doesn't open and close p…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a garage door opener drive chain and cable assembly

How to replace a garage door opener drive chain and cable assembly

If your garage door won’t move, the chain and cable assembly on your garage door opener could be broken. Follow these st…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your garage door openers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your garage door opener.

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

How to repair broken or damaged wires video

Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…

Garage door opener remotes won't work video

Garage door opener remotes won't work video

If your remotes don't work, you might need to disable the lock feature, eliminate RF interference or check the batteries…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…