Garage Door Opener: Why does my garage door opener work intermittently?
Radio interference from other devices, such as photoelectric sensors for security lights, can prevent a garage door opener from responding to the signal from the remote. The problem is often intermittent. To test, trigger the remote while standing close to the motor unit-if the door opens consistently from that close distance, interference is likely the problem. To solve the problem, identify the source of the radio interference and either move it or turn it off.
If the door doesn't open when you're standing close to the motor unit, follow the troubleshooting tips in our garage door opener remotes won't work video to help you fix the problem. If the garage door opener lights blink 10 times when you're trying to close the garage door, then the safety sensors may need adjustment or the sensor wiring may need to be repaired or replaced.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER PROBLEM
Find and remove garage door opener RF interference source
When the garage door opener works intermittently, the logic board may be experiencing radio frequency (RF) interference from nearby sources such as security lights, ham radios and some electronics. If the remote works only when held within a few feet of the motor unit, RF interference is probably the problem. Locate and eliminate the source of the RF interference. To determine the source, disconnect electrical power to suspected sources, one by one.
Find and remove garage door opener rf interference source
Repair or replace external garage door opener wiring
External wiring connects the wall-mounted door control and the safety sensor to the motor unit of the garage door opener. That wiring can become damaged or disconnected. Check that wires are securely attached to the sensor's photoelectric eyes (each eye has 2 wires) and the wall unit. If any wire is cut, strip insulation from the end of the wire and reattach it. Check that wires are still attached to the terminals on the back of the motor unit. Replace or repair any frayed, pinched, or exposed wires.
Repair or replace external garage door opener wiring
Most common symptoms to help you fix your garage door openers
Choose a symptom to see related garage door opener repairs.
Things to do: check garage door travel, tighten brackets and fasteners, test safety sensors, check travel limits and for…
Main causes: neighbor's remote programmed at the same time as yours, faulty wall control wiring, bad wall control unit…
Main causes: safety sensor beams blocked, safety sensors not aligned, downforce setting needs adjustment, damaged garage…
Main causes: garage door locked, damaged garage door tracks, up-force setting needs adjustment, RPM sensor failure, bad …
Main causes: garage door opener misaligned, travel limits need adjustment, bad travel limit switches, faulty logic contr…
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: 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 RPM sensor
Learn how to replace the RPM sensor if the door only moves 6 to 8 inches at a time and the LED light flashes 5 times. …
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'…
How to replace a garage door opener drive belt
A damaged or broken belt on your garage door opener could be the reason it won’t move the door. Here’s how to fix it.…
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.
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…
If your remotes don't work, you might need to disable the lock feature, eliminate RF interference or check the batteries…
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…