Quick answer
If the wall button works but the remote does not, replace the remote battery and make sure the wall console’s lock or vacation mode is off. If nothing works, check the outlet, the breaker and any GFCI outlet. If the motor hums or runs but the door does not move, the door may be disconnected from the opener, the drive gear may be worn, or a spring may be broken. A blinking opener light usually points to the safety sensors.
Most opener problems fall into a handful of patterns. Find yours below; the first two sections solve a large share of calls without a visit.
Nothing works at all
No light and no sound means no power. Check that the opener is plugged in, reset any GFCI outlet in the garage, and check the breaker. If it has power and still does nothing, the wall wiring or the opener’s circuit board needs testing.
The remote does not work, the wall button does
- Replace the remote battery.
- Turn off the lock or vacation feature on the wall console. It disables every remote.
- Stand closer. If range has dropped, some LED bulbs in the opener can interfere with the remote signal; try a bulb rated for garage door openers.
- Reprogram the remote with the learn button on the opener.
The keypad does not work
Replace its battery, then check that the lock feature is off. If it still does not respond, the keypad needs to be reprogrammed to the opener, following the opener’s manual.
The motor runs or hums, but the door does not move
Three likely causes. The door has been disconnected with the emergency release. A spring has broken, so the door is too heavy to lift. Or a drive gear inside the opener has worn out and the motor spins without moving the trolley. Check the spring first; see garage door won’t open.
The door starts, then stops or reverses
When closing, this is usually the safety sensors or the close force setting; see garage door won’t close. When opening, a door that stops after a few inches usually has a broken spring.
The opener light blinks and the door will not close
On many openers, a flashing light means the safety sensors are blocked or out of line. Clear anything between them and check that both sensor lights are steady. See sensor repair.
Repair or replace the opener?
Opener repairs (gear, sensor, capacitor, remote) cost $125–$350. A new opener costs $650–$1,800 or more installed. If a repair would cost more than half the price of a new opener, or the opener is old and lacks features you want such as battery backup or smartphone control, replacement is usually the better value. See opener repair and opener installation.
Common questions
Why does my garage door opener hum but not open the door?
Usually a broken spring, a door disconnected by the emergency release, or a worn drive gear. A failed starting capacitor can also make the motor hum without turning.
Why did my garage door remote suddenly stop working?
Most often a dead battery or the lock feature on the wall console being switched on. Interference from some LED bulbs, or a remote that has lost its programming, are the next most common causes.
Do LED bulbs affect garage door remotes?
Some can. Certain LED bulbs give off interference that reduces the remote’s range. Bulbs made for garage door openers avoid the problem.
How much does garage door opener repair cost?
Opener repairs cost $125–$350 with Tier One. A new opener is $650–$1,800 or more installed. You get the exact price in writing before work begins.
