Button Not Pressing? Fix Common Electrical Issues with These Steps

Garage Door Opener

There’s nothing more frustrating than a garage door opener that refuses to respond to remote controls or wall buttons. Before calling in the professionals for Garage Door Opener Repair in Glen Allen, it’s worth trying some simple troubleshooting of your own. Often a quick electrical fix is all that’s needed to get things working again. Let’s look at a few common culprits.

Garage Door Opener Repair Glen Allen

Check Power Source

First things first – verify your opener is getting electricity. Check that the wall outlet is live, any wall switches controlling it are on, and breakers haven’t tripped. If the motor doesn’t run at all when pressing buttons, a loose or damaged power cord may be to blame.

Test Remote Batteries

Dead batteries in remotes are one of the most frequent causes of non-responsiveness. Simply replace them and try powering up again. Keep spares on hand for this easy fix.

Inspect Electrical Connections

Over time, wire nuts holding electrical joints can vibrate loose. Give all connections a gentle tug to check for security. Refasten any that seem faulty using properly-sized wire nuts. Corroded or damaged wires may need replacement.

Wipe Down Photo Sensors

These important safety eyes can get dusty or dirty, causing the door to refuse closing. Clean lenses with a soft cloth to allow them to line up and signal properly.

Check Photo Sensor Alignment

With the door in full down position, the sensors should face each other from opposite sides about 4 inches apart, without visual obstructions. Adjust mounting brackets if needed until the receiving sensor’s tiny red light illuminates.

Test Wall Control System

Does your wall control unit power up at all when buttons are pressed? Check for loose wires or a faulty circuit board. Replacing an aging unit solves many issues. Be sure any additional controls are compatible with your system.

Inspect for Wire Damage

Garage door openers use low voltage wires which are still vulnerable to rodents, weather and other environmental factors over time. Look for signs of insulation cracks, exposed copper or shorted wires that may cause lost power or signals.

Tackling easy electrical problems yourself saves trips and fees to bring in pros for repairs. With some detective work and simple checks, you can often restore function quickly. Consider basic electrical know-how as preventative garage maintenance too.