Garage door opener not working

A lot of opener problems turn out to be simple. These checks are safe for most homeowners. If they don't fix it, the problem is usually inside the opener or with the door itself.

Safe checks you can do

• Power: is the opener plugged in, and is the outlet working? Check the breaker or GFCI outlet.
• Remote battery: try the wall button. If the wall button works but the remote doesn't, replace the remote battery.
• Lock button: many wall panels have a lock or vacation button that blocks remotes.
• Safety sensors: the two small "photo eyes" near the floor must face each other. Wipe the lenses and make sure nothing blocks the beam. A blinking light usually means they're out of line.
• Manual release: if someone pulled the red release cord, the trolley is disconnected. Reconnect it with the door fully closed, following the opener's manual.

Signs it's time for a technician

• The motor hums but the door doesn't move (check the springs first: a broken spring often looks like an opener problem)
• The door starts down and reverses with nothing in the way
• Grinding or stripped-gear noises from the opener
• The opener is old and has no working safety sensors

Test the auto-reverse monthly

Openers sold in the US since the early 1990s must reverse when they hit something. Once a month, lay a 2x4 flat in the doorway and close the door. It should touch the board and go back up. If it doesn't, stop using the opener until it's checked.

Questions to ask

• Is this a repair or a replacement, and why?
• If replacing, what horsepower and drive type (chain, belt, screw) fits my door?
• Does the price include removing the old opener and setting up remotes?