If you are having problems with your garage door opener, there are some things you can do to fix them. One of these is to replace the spring and the limit switch. Another is to increase the pulling force. If this does not work, you should consider replacing the circuit board and the wall switch.
Replace the wall switch and wires
A dead wall switch and wires can be a common problem. If your door does not open or close when you press the button on your remote, then it is likely time to replace the wall switch and the wall wires. It can be an easy job, but you will need to make sure that your new unit is compatible with your current opener.
To replace the wall switch and the wall wires, you will need to remove the cover. This can be done by a simple prying process using a flathead screwdriver. Once you have removed the cover, you can pull the old switch out.
Replace the circuit board
If you have an automatic garage door, you may need to replace the circuit board in the opener. The board is a plastic housing that holds wire terminals. When the circuit fails, it can cause your opener to malfunction. If you want to do it yourself, be sure to use the proper tools and safety equipment.
Typically, the circuit board can be found behind the light cover. You will need to remove the cover. This can be done with a screwdriver.
You will also need to remove the light bulb. This is usually done by unscrewing a couple of screws. If you can, try to do the job without using a lower screw.
Adjust the limit switch
If your garage door opener is not functioning properly, it may be time to adjust the limit switch. It is a safety mechanism that stops the motor when it gets to the desired stopping point.
There are two types of limit switches – up and down. The up switch is usually a simple touch-lever mounted near the motor unit. It can be adjusted once or twice, depending on the model.
The down switch is usually adjusted by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise. It can be done with a flathead screwdriver. It helps to fix a problem when the door is closing too fast or too slowly.
Replace the spring
Torsion springs play a vital role in opening and closing the garage door. When they break, it will be harder to open the door and it will be more difficult to close it. In addition, they can also be dangerous. Whether you are replacing them yourself or hiring a professional, you need to follow these safety precautions.
Make sure to wear personal protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves. If you haven’t replaced your springs before, you should contact a local garage door technician for help. There have been cases of people being hurt or killed while replacing torsion springs.
The first step in replacing a garage door spring is to remove the torsion bar from the winding cone. If the winding bar is stuck, it can be loosened using an adjustable wrench. If the winding bar isn’t stuck, it will require filing or sizing.
Check the alignment of the photo eyes
If you’re having problems with your garage door opener, the first thing to check is the alignment of the photo eyes. They are two sensors on either side of the door that can malfunction.
When they are misaligned, they will prevent the door from closing properly. The eyes can be adjusted or repaired by hand. Usually, they are mounted on pivot brackets to compensate for uneven tracks.
The two sensors are about six inches above the ground and have a green light for one sensor and a red light for the other. If the lights are blinking, that indicates there is a physical obstruction blocking the light beam.
Increase the pulling force
If you have a garage door that is stuck or is not closing properly, you may have to increase the pulling force of your opener. Your opener will have several settings that will tell it how hard it can open or close your door.
These settings can be programmed to work with the size of your door. They will also tell the opener how far it should travel when it opens or closes. There is also a sensitivity setting that will stop the opener if an object is in the way. You will have to adjust these settings in small increments.
When you set up a garage door opener, make sure the tracks are plumb. The tracks should not be angled inward or outward. This will prevent the door from catching.
