How To Repair a Garage Door Opener

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Electric garage doors are a great convenience -- until, of course, they break. The bad news: a dozen things could be to blame. The good news: many are easy to fix yourself.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Batteries for your remote control
Your owner's manual
A wet cloth
An electrician (optional)

Warning: Working with electricity is very dangerous — be extremely careful and, if you have any doubts, contact a professional.

Step 1: Check plug

See if the opener's cord is plugged into a working outlet. Of course it's a "duh" — but it's also the most common reason electric garage doors don't open.

Step 2: See if lock is on

Now check the second most-common stupid reason that an electric garage door won't open—the owner inadvertently activated the "lock" feature. Many people aren't even aware of this feature—consult your owner's manual.

Step 3: Turn off and on

Try unplugging the garage door opener and then plugging it in again; this sometimes does the trick by resetting the sensors.

Step 4: Try new batteries

See if dead batteries in your remote control opener are the problem.

Step 5: Reprogram the remote

If the batteries are fine, the remote might have become deprogrammed. Consult your manual for instructions on resetting it.

Step 6: Check beam

Next, make sure the beam sensor is plugged in.

Step 7: Clean the sensor

Clean the sensor's eyes—usually located in front of the on/off button—with a wet cloth. When these eyes get dusty, it can block the signal that turns on the motor.

Tip: Cleaning the sensor every season can reduce problems.

Step 8: Check the chain

Next, check to see if the chain is broken or loose. Unfortunately, if it needs to be tightened or replaced, you'll need to contact an electrician.

Step 9: Open manually

If none of your quick fixes have worked, pull the red release cord to free the door so that it can be opened and closed manually.

Tip: Consult your owner's manual — older systems may not have a red release cord. They can be opened by pulling down a handle or a spring-loaded clip, or by unbolting the arm between the door and opener.

Step 10: Get help

Operate your door by hand until you can have the unit fixed. Contact either an electrician or the service department of the store where you bought your unit.

Thanks for watching How To Repair a Garage Door Opener! If you enjoyed this video subscribe to the Howcast YouTube channel! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=howcast

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[michaelwindsurfer54]

1:33

at the background

boobs

lol

[WestSideAznBoi]

true..

[NicksGarageDoor]

You have got to be kidding me. Anybody can tighten up a chain. And If you 're having problems, you wouldn't call an electrician to fix it! Just like you wouldn't call a contractor to fix your car. Call the pros if you don't know what you're doing.

[jamntx]

Thanks that was the problem had to unplug and plug bk in, it reset and works fine

[rimlanin]

I like how the guy in the tutorial has a neo-nazi tattoo on his arm.....

[MrHITS834]

Can this guy come and help me...*cries*

[ChapmanMartin]

how the fuck do you tighten the chain!? im not calling an electrician

[torresjorge11]

That's for wasting my time Ass!!!!!

[darlenejavi]

an electrician know about a opener or garage doors period. only a garage door tech or specialist would know and this video has no good advice all it says to refer to your manual. one more thing its a chamberlain opener and the guy has a genie opener control....

[1clearchoicedoors]

Good advice. One note. Do not pull on the cord unless the area is completely clear just in case a spring is broken. Would not want the door to come slamming down on anyone.

[madisonelectronic]

2:06 Absolutely incorrect and I ought to know.

[BobNeubauer]

not very helpful