Should I fix my garage door opener or buy a new one?
My garage door opener loses power in the opening or closing cycle. I had Sears service the unit at the end of last year which corrected the auto stop problem but the power loss problem was not corrected. The unit cannot be operated at all when it loses power. I have tried disconnecting the electrical supply hoping it would reset. I have to use the emergency disconnect cord to operate the door manually. The door runs freely without sticking. After some time, the power returns to the unit but when I try to operate it the same problem occurs. Do you know what the problem is and how to correct it or should I buy a new unit? I was not too happy with the last service since the technician only spent 5 minutes adjusting the travel distance. Please advise.
Expert
Maestro
Your inventory suggests that your house was built in 1995. It also suggests that you have two single garage doors, each withits own opener, in your attached garage. Also, from your question, it appears that the door operates freely and is properly balanced, when disconnected from the opener. Also, the unit appears to reset itself after some time. From your description, it sounds as though the opener is tripping on a thermal overload. Thermal switches are built into many electrical devices to prevent them from overheating. With the door operating properly, the load on the door opener should not be significant considering that the door is a single door. Therefore, it is possible that the unit simply has a defective thermal overload switch, which is too sensitive. Alternatively, but less likely, the unit is simply wearing out and overheats performing a simple task. It is not uncommon for garage door openers to fail after 10 years. Considering the cost of a new unit, versus the potential cost of a service call, you have a tough decision to make. If I were advising my mother, I would tell her to buy a new unit. I would probably suggest a belt driven system which is quieter. If it were me, I would gamble one more service call and explain what is happening in advance, along with make and model number, so that the service person comes prepared. If you choose to use Sears again, I would make them aware of your dissatisfaction with the last service call.
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