Changes in temperature and humidity make your garage door, tracks and door frame expand and contract. If the garage door becomes difficult to move, it can affect the sensitivity setting on your opener. Test your opener to be sure all the sensitivity settings are working properly.
If your garage door fails any of these tests, adjust it yourself or call for service. Don't adjust the springs, counterbalance weights or cables, because these components are under considerable tension and can cause serious injury if they release accidentally.
Time — 1 hour
Difficulty — Easy
Expertise — None
Frequency — Once a month
Where — All US
Steps
- With the garage door closed, disconnect the drive mechanism by pulling the emergency release cord that hangs from the top of the door.
- Check for ease of movement and garage door balance. Call a professional to adjust it if it fails any of these tests:
- Close and open the garage door manually to ensure that it moves easily. It should not take much force.
- Check the garage door balance by pulling the door halfway down and letting go. It should not go up or fall down.
- Open the garage door all the way and reconnect the door to the opener.
- Test the auto-reverse. Place a full roll of paper towels on the floor in the middle of the garage door opening and press the button to make the door close. The door should compress the roll of paper towels and then automatically reverse. If the garage door doesn't automatically reverse, open the door and adjust the sensitivity of the opener, then try it again. If it still won't reverse, call a professional to repair it.
- Test the photoelectric sensor. Open the garage door, stand just outside, and then push the button to close the door. While the door is closing, break the photoelectric sensor's invisible beam by moving your foot in front of one of the sensors. The door should stop immediately, then automatically reverse to the open position. If it does not, call a professional.
Tips and Warnings
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it might not have a photoelectric sensor. It is an excellent added safety feature and worth the investment.
The garage door should not automatically reverse in the last inch of travel.
