How to Reset a Garage Door Opener

Automatic garage door openers are relatively straightforward devices, though they’re incredibly innovative home features that make daily life more convenient. There’s no need to open the garage door manually, reverse out to the driveway and then get out of your car to manually close the door before leaving your home. Instead, you can open and close even the heaviest garage doors at a button’s touch. 

Still, garage door openers can experience issues. Sometimes, resetting the device can restore smooth function. The device’s manual should walk you through this process. If you have misplaced your manual, keep reading to learn the simple steps for a garage door opener reset. 

Reasons to Reset a Garage Door Opener

A reset might suffice if your garage door opener won’t work or the remote or keypad seems faulty. Try resetting the device before searching for emergency garage door services in your area. 

The Garage Door Remote or Keypad Is Not Working

Sometimes, your remote or keypad might not work because the device’s batteries are dead. If replacing the batteries does not restore operation, resetting the device might if the sensitive tech inside has lost its programming signal. However, it might be time for a replacement if your remote is older than a decade. 

You Lost Your Remote or Forgot the Code

Misplacing keys and remotes is child’s play, and you may forget your passcode if you’ve recently moved or are returning home after a long absence. Fortunately, you don’t need to call an emergency locksmith in these situations — you can quickly reset your garage door opener. 

If you have lost your remote, reset the garage opener to reprogram its replacement. On the other hand, if you have forgotten the passcode for an opener with a keypad, you can reset the device at the control panel to program a new one. 

You Have Moved or Suspect Suspicious Activity

Because automatic garage door openers connect wirelessly to their remotes, criminals can use hacking technology to copy your remote’s programming signals and program a new remote to open your garage door. This method is a common way intruders break into properties, even those with extensive home security measures. 

Regularly resetting your garage door remote is the best way to safeguard your home. Resetting the device will wipe its programming signals, ensuring a previously duplicated remote won’t work.

At the same time, resetting the opener and remote or keypad is worthwhile if you have moved. You won’t want previous residents or anyone else accessing your property through the garage, so it’s best to reset the device. 

How to Reset Your Garage Door OpenerHand pressing button and resetting a garage door opener

The garage door reset process will vary slightly depending on whether the system is older or more modern. Here’s how to reset a garage door opener. 

You must remove the outer casings on the remote and opener for older systems with nine to 12 switches inside the unit and a handheld remote. The switches on both devices must match for the remote to connect with the opener. If they don’t match, use a pen or tweezers to manually change the switches so they are identical. 

Newer garage door opener systems have a “home” or “learn” button on the central unit. This button is usually near an LED light or the unit’s antenna. The process to reset new garage door opener systems can vary slightly across different models, but in most cases, you will need to press and hold the “home” or “learn” button for roughly five seconds or until the LED light begins to blink. Press the remote to link the light to the opener while the light is blinking. 

If you have a newer system with a keypad, press the “home” or “learn” button before entering a new passcode. Wait for the light to change to indicate that the code has taken effect, then test the new code. 

Signs You Need to Replace Your Garage Door Opener

Sometimes, a quick reset can restore functionality for your garage door opener. You might need to schedule a professional repair or replacement in more severe cases. 

Here are some typical garage door opener issues that may indicate you need a new system.

  • The garage door came off the roller: In this situation, the door might jam as it slowly forces its way open or closed, or it may not even budge. A professional garage door technician must fit the door back onto the rollers and balance the door after ensuring the rollers are in good working order. 
  • The door hesitates to open and close: You will need to replace the system soon if you press the remote or punch in the passcode and the garage door won’t open or hesitates to open or close. 
  • The door randomly opens, closes or changes direction: When garage door opener systems near the end of their life span, it’s not unusual for them to behave strangely. The door may open or close randomly, get stuck halfway or change direction despite no obstructions in the sensor beam. 
  • The opener works extremely slowly: An extremely slow-moving door is another surefire sign that it’s time to contact a technician for repairs or replacement. You could have damaged springs, an off-balance door or need lubrication for moving parts. 
  • The motor is faulty: Garage door openers can last up to two decades if kept in good condition. However, the motor can wear out sooner due to daily use. If this is the case, it will be louder than usual.

Troubleshooting a faulty garage door opener system can take time and effort. Fortunately, our expert technicians can quickly diagnose the problem and offer a free quote for repairs or replacement. 

Contact Poulson Doors LLC for Garage Door Opener Repairs and Replacement

Whether your garage door opener is noisy or not working, our garage door and opener professionals can restore function. We understand garage door problems are urgent and often a safety concern, so we offer same-day and 24-hour emergency services.

Contact us today to request a free estimate or schedule an appointment. Visit our website to learn more about our residential and commercial services.

 

 


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