One of the most frequently used moving parts or objects in any home or business is the garage door.
Aside from its functionality, the hardware is one of the most overlooked objects when it comes to preventive maintenance checks.
But when the door stops working, that’s the only time we can remember how valuable routine checks are.
Any garage door mishaps rarely come with a warning which makes them every owner’s worst nightmare.
A faulty operation can happen on your way to work in the morning or in the middle of the night.
When the hardware fails, however, there are two things to look for in order to determine the possible repairs.
One, determine whether any of the components may have contributed to the malfunction.
The second factor is whether the opener is the root cause of the faulty operations.
If it’s the latter, let us show you how to adjust the garage door opener.
Why the Overhead Door Stopped Working?
Friction and tension are two of the most common factors why the opener fails to operate properly.
Exposure to an excessive door opening or closing may cause system or motor damage.
So, when a garage door opener suddenly stops working properly, check your opening device.
Other than that, most of these malfunctions are manageable with minor adjustments.
You should, however, make certain that you have sufficient knowledge to restore the device’s functionality.
If you believe it is beyond your abilities, consider contacting technical support.
Let’s fix the problem by implementing the quick fixes listed below.
Take precautions to ensure your safety
Dealing with a broken opening device entails a safety risk such as electrocution.
So, before you begin, make sure you understand how to keep yourself safe throughout the task.
That’s because we can’t pinpoint the root cause right away.
Therefore, we must consider other faulty operations until we can finally locate and resolve the problem.
Here’s how to adjust the garage door opener.
Your remote control and wall switch will not respond when prompted
The remote control and wall switch are two prompting devices used to close and open the hardware panel.
If either of these one-tap devices does not respond, check the following:
- Check the motor unit if it is unplugged
- Make sure to plug the cord all the way into the power outlet
- Examine the wiring for frayed wires, tripped circuits, and burned-out fuses
- The garage door opener itself is worn-out
Here are possible solutions when your hardware and the opener will not budge using your one-tap devices.
The antenna is out of range
While holding the remote control, move closer to the garage.
Then, prompt to open or close the door.
If it responds, check this video on how to increase your opening device’s range
But, if not, check the wall switch
The hardwired wall switch is functional
Replace the batteries of the remote control
Reprogram or reset your one-tap devices
If any of the above-mentioned steps don’t work, reprogram or reset your remote control and wall switch.
Frequency of use can wear these devices just like any part of the garage door
However, if you’re not familiar with the technicalities, call your nearest garage door technician in San Jose.
Incorrect Limit Switch Settings
When your garage door opens and closes, your automatic garage door opener determines the proper positions.
An incorrect adjustment on the opener may result in your garage door not fully opening or closing properly.
It can also cause a reversal reaction, in which the door opens immediately after you close it.
You can try adjusting the limit positions on the opener, and the resistance must be sufficient to keep the door in place.
For precise instructions on how to do this, consult your door opener’s manual.
Moreover, you may also call a trusted overhead door technician near you.
The overhead door panel does not fully open
Open your garage door using the remote control.
Next, measure the distance in inches between the opening and the bottom of the door.
Using a ladder, adjust the up limit switch by turning the screw of the opening device.
By doing so, use a flathead screwdriver and turn the screw clockwise.
If you need to raise the door three inches, make a full turn of the screw.
Repeat this process until the door is completely open.
If the problem persists, re-adjust the up limit switch until the door functions normally.
The panel leaves a gap a few inches above the floor
When your hardware leaves a gap or does not fully come to a complete close, here’s how to fix it.
- Using the remote control, close the door. When it comes to a halt, measure the distance in inches between the floor and the bottom of your garage door.
- With a flathead screwdriver, turn the down limit switch screw counter clockwise.
- Make one full turn for every three inches you need to lower the door until it closes completely.
- Then, check again if the garage door opens and closes properly.
If the problem persists, repeat the process until your overhead door works properly.
The garage door randomly opens and closes by itself
If you prompted the hardware to close and it randomly opened on its own–you should adjust the down limit switch.
By doing so, turn the down limit switch screw from the opening device clockwise with a screwdriver.
Make sure to turn the screw one turn at a time until it is fully operational.
Do You Need Technical Assistance?
San Jose Garage Door Doctor has unrivaled years of experience in the industry providing robust and affordable services.
We understand how inconvenient garage door malfunctions can be.
That’s why we made sure that the least we can do is get it back up and running as soon as possible.
For same-day garage door repair in San Jose, give us a call.
Alternatively, you can make an appointment with us at your earliest convenience.
Call our specialist technician in San Jose at any time!
