Is your garage door frequently opening on its own? This common problem might not hurt the door’s functionality, but it’s an obnoxious issue that poses potential security concerns.
Overhead Door Company of Concord is here to explain why your garage door may be opening itself and how to fix it.
Contact Overhead Door Company of Concord to learn more about our garage door services.
Sensors Are Blocked
If your garage door descends when you want it to but reverses itself, your sensors are probably blocked. The sensors are located at the bottom of the door on the door frame and detect obstructions to prevent the door from closing when something is under it.
To fix this issue, make sure nothing is blocking the sensors. Dirt, grime and cobwebs on the sensor lasers could also block the sensors. Clean your sensor lenses with a paper towel or soft cloth. If this doesn’t fix the issue, call a professional for help.
Misaligned Sensors
Garage doors have two sensors that must line up for the door to function properly. If the sensor eyes are misaligned, you can try to fix this issue by following these steps:
- Locate the safety sensors. Your sending sensor should have a solid amber light, while your receiving sensor should have a solid green light. If the green light is off or flickering, the sensors are misaligned.
- Go to the sending sensor and loosen the wing nut.
- Adjust the sending sensor while observing the green light on the receiving sensor. When the receiving sensor glows solid green, the sensors are aligned correctly.
- Retighten the wing nut on the sending sensor.
Safely test that your garage door is working properly. If the misalignment is severe or repeated, it will probably require a professional adjustment.
Nearby Remotes Are Connecting to Your Door
If a neighbor’s remote was accidentally programmed to your opener using the same wireless code, it could interfere with your garage door, causing it to open when you don’t want it to.
To fix this issue, reprogram the opener and change the code on your remote. If reprogramming is too complex or interference continues, contact a technician for further assistance.
Faulty Garage Door Opener
Your garage door opener is an important system component. If it’s malfunctioning, it can cause many issues. Basic troubleshooting steps include resetting the opener or checking for loose connections.
If this doesn’t help, it’s best to contact a garage door expert to assess the issue and recommend the proper fix. Some problems can be fixed with professional repair services, but others may indicate it’s time to replace the opener.
Settings Need To Be Adjusted
Settings on the garage door opener that need adjustment can also be behind this issue. Settings include:
- Force: Turn the adjustment dials on the opener using a screwdriver. They’re labeled “Up/Down Force” or “Open/Close Force.” Try turning the knob a quarter turn at a time and test the door after each adjustment.
- Limit: Turn the “Up” limit switch adjuster using a screwdriver. Turn the screw clockwise one turn for every 3 inches the door needs to travel higher. To increase down travel, turn the down limit adjustment screw counterclockwise. Turn it clockwise to decrease down travel. One turn equals 2 inches of travel.
- Speed: Using a screwdriver, remove the access panel on the opener. There should be a small screw inside that controls the door speed.
If adjusting the settings is too complex or if the issue persists, call a professional for help.
Turn to Overhead Door Company of Concord
Garage doors are complicated and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. With our regular maintenance services and timely repairs, the garage door experts at Overhead Door Company of Concord have the tools, training and expertise to help with all your garage door needs.
Contact Overhead Door Company of Concord to schedule professional garage door diagnostic and repair services.
