1. No power or a tripped GFCI
Garage outlets are often on a GFCI circuit that trips in wet weather. Check the outlet’s reset button and the breaker. If the opener light is off, this is it.
2. Remote and keypad batteries
If the wall button works but the remotes do not, replace the remote and keypad batteries first. Then reprogram the remote using the learn button on the motor head. If none of that works, the receiver board may have failed.
3. Photo eye sensors
Both sensors near the floor should show a steady light. A blinking light means they are misaligned or blocked. Wipe the lenses, make sure nothing is in the beam (a rake, a trash can, snow), and gently adjust until both lights are solid. If the opener closes only when you hold the wall button down, this is the cause.
4. Lock or vacation mode
Many wall consoles have a lock button that disables the remotes. It gets pressed by accident. Hold it for a few seconds to toggle it off.
5. Travel and force limits
If the door opens partway and stops, or reverses right before closing, the limits need adjusting. Cold weather often triggers this. Small adjustments are fine; big ones defeat the safety reversal, so have a tech set them with a reversal test.
6. Stripped drive gear
The opener hums but nothing moves, and there may be white plastic shavings under the motor head. The nylon drive gear has stripped. It is a $120 to $220 repair on most LiftMaster and Chamberlain units.
7. Logic board or capacitor
The opener is dead, clicks, or behaves erratically. The capacitor (which gives the motor its starting kick) or the logic board has failed. Repairable on openers under 10 years old; on older units a new belt drive at $450 to $800 is usually the better call.
The one thing to check before any of this
Pull the release cord and lift the door by hand. If it is heavy or will not stay up, the spring is the real problem and no opener repair will fix it. The pros we refer check this first on every call.
If you are past the easy fixes, the pros we refer handle garage door opener repair in Fort Collins the same day in most cases. For the manufacturer and safety background on this topic, see LiftMaster’s support site.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my garage door opener just click?
A failed capacitor or logic board. The motor is trying to start and cannot. Tech visit.
Why does the opener light blink?
The safety sensors are blocked or misaligned, or the door reversed on obstruction. Check the photo eyes first.
How do I reset my garage door opener?
Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. For remotes, use the learn button on the motor head. For limits, use the adjustment screws or buttons on the unit.
Why does the door reverse before it closes?
Close force too low or sensors misaligned. Common in cold weather.
How much does opener repair cost in Fort Collins?
$120 to $350 for most repairs; $450 to $800 for a new belt drive installed.
Should I repair or replace my opener?
Repair if it is under 10 years old and the fix is a gear, sensor or board. Replace if it is older, lacks safety reversal, or the repair is more than half the cost of a new unit.
Can I run the opener if the door is heavy by hand?
No. You will strip the drive gear. The spring needs replacing first.
Why do my remotes work only up close?
A failing receiver, interference from LED bulbs in the opener, or a weak battery. Try a different bulb before replacing the board.