Garage Doors – Repair Guide

If your garage door won’t close properly, try adjusting the opener. In case this repair effort fails, you will have to replace the opener, as a last resort.

Garage door openers adjustment

If the door seals properly, but won’t open, there could be two reasons. To start with, ensure that the springs are not broken. If a spring is broken, it is obvious, as it is in two pieces. In this case, refer to the article about garage spring repair.

If the springs are in good condition, then you will need to find the force adjustment screws. Their location varies depending on the make and model of your garage door opener. If you know the mechanics behind it, it will be easier for you to find the adjustment screws. Typically, auto-reverser use principle of transferring force to a momentary contact switch.

The springs or/and switch is often installed either on the top of the unit or inside. Unplug the opener and take the cover off. Plug the opener in and send it through a cycle (do not touch the device). At this point you will probably see where the force adjustment springs are.

Alternatively, you may check it in the owner’s manual. When you increase the tension on the spring, the closing or opening force will increase, too.

Replacing a Garage Door Opener

If the steps above do not resolve the issue, it is possible that you will have to replace the opener. Do not hesitate to replace the opener if it is older than 1993, as these models do not meet safety standards and it is really difficult to find parts or troubleshooting information about them.

It will take 2-4 hours to install a new unit. You may spend even more time if something goes wrong. The good news is that you will probably be able to use some of the existing wiring and hangers.

Typically, you just need to follow the instructions coming with the garage door operator to finish the work successfully.