Garage Door Opener
Not Working?

Start with the easy checks

Before calling us, run through these quick checks. They resolve a surprising percentage of opener calls:

• Remote batteries. Replace them. Most common cause of a remote that suddenly stops working.
• Circuit breaker. Check your panel for a tripped breaker on the garage circuit.
• Power cord. Check that the opener unit is still plugged into the ceiling outlet.
• Wall button test. If the wall button works but the remote does not, it is a remote issue, not an opener issue.
• Safety sensors. Both sensor lights at the bottom of the tracks should be solid. A blinking light means misalignment.
• Lock mode. Some openers have a lock mode triggered by holding the wall button. Check whether the lock indicator light is on.

If the easy checks do not fix it

Motor runs but door does not move

You can hear the motor running but the door stays put. Most likely a stripped drive gear spinning freely without engaging the drive mechanism. Repairable for $80–$150 in parts and labor.

Motor does not run at all

No response, no light, nothing. Logic board failure is the most likely cause. Replacement board is $100–$200 depending on model. If the unit is over 15 years old, a new opener may be more cost-effective.

Opener works intermittently

Works sometimes, not others. Classic failing logic board symptom. The board is degrading before full failure. Act on it before it leaves you stranded.

Remote range has gotten shorter

The antenna wire on the opener unit may be damaged or coiled up. It should hang straight down from the unit. Straightening it often restores normal range.

"A homeowner in Gahanna called us saying her opener had died completely. No response to remote or wall button. When we got there we found the outlet the opener was plugged into was controlled by a wall switch near the entry door. Someone had flipped it off. Two-second fix. We check the obvious stuff first on every call."

Opener questions