A garage door remote is a handy tool that allows you to open and close your garage door with ease. Aren’t you thankful for not having to get up and do it manually every time? We know that garage doors are essential to keep your cars or other valuable things safe. However, when you try to close the garage door, and the remote does not work, that becomes a significant problem. The key to fixing the problem is figuring out why the remote is not working. Sometimes, you only need a new battery for your remote; other times, you may also have more significant problems.

Easy Fix: Garage Door Remote Not Working

Is your garage door remote not working? No need to worry, many of the remotes available at Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE can be programmed to work with garage door openers. However, if you still have issues, here are a few things you can try!

Check the batteries

The main reason garage door remote controls stop working is weak or dead batteries. Use quality batteries from trusted brands rather than budget options to ensure the batteries are always good and last longer. Additionally, even though using rechargeable batteries over time is more economical and environmentally friendly, they only have 1.2 volts compared to 1.5 volts from an alkaline battery. In light of this, a remote-controlled device powered by two rechargeable batteries would only receive 2.4 volts while it is intended to operate on 3 volts. This power deficit could substantially hamper the effectiveness and range of the remote control unit.

Examine the battery contacts

The electrical current from the batteries is prevented from fully reaching the circuit board within the garage door remote control by worn-out connections inside the battery case. So it is ideal if you check it from time to time. You can follow these few simple steps:

  1. Open the back panel to access the batteries.
  2. Remove any screws (if it has) from your remote, then open the rear panel. Remove the batteries.
  3. Check the battery contacts before putting back the batteries. Clean and dry them if they appear worn out, soiled, or wet.
  4. Replace the batteries if needed. Your remote’s batteries vary depending on the model.
  5. Reassemble the remote.

Clean the eyes

The eye refers to the protective covering above the IR unit on the remote control and the receiving equipment. The IR signal can pass through this “eye” while broadcasting and receiving. You may use a gentle, damp towel to wipe the eyes clean. Unfortunately, most remote eyes are composed of plastic, which, despite being scratch-resistant, becomes scratched if it comes into contact with metal, abrasive fibers, or is dropped to the ground. If the IR eye on a remote control is severely scratched, chipped, or scratched, there may be no other option than to purchase a new one. The plastic can be polished using specialized plastic polishing solutions.

Reprogram the remote system

The remote occasionally requires reconfiguration. It is best to consult the user guide or the manufacturer’s website for information on programming your remote. Typically, pairing the remote with the opener only requires pressing the open button while simultaneously holding down the programming button on the remote. Once the garage door opener light starts flashing, release the open button. 

Find the Source of the Remote Control Issue in Your Garage

Use the wall control to unlock the door if the new batteries do not change anything. You may find that the door is locked or barred, or its vacation lock has been set. Use the emergency release pull-cord to disengage the door opener and attempt to open the door manually. This handy pull-cord (often red) is one safety feature in most opener models, such as the LiftMaster garage door openers. However, it may have a broken spring if pulling it does not move the door. Lack of lubrication and excessive humidity or salty surroundings may be the contributing factors.
Try using the remote again after doing all the above troubleshooting. It should be working this time. Otherwise, you should contact your trusted garage door service provider, Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE, if it still does not work.

Garage Door Repair Near Me

If you discover that your garage door opener remote is not functioning and replacing the batteries does not change a thing, call Titan Garage Doors Lincoln NE for help. We can provide you with garage door repair or any part replacement and equipment, including your branded garage door opener remote or a universal garage door opener. We are proudly serving the greater Omaha area and surrounding locations, including Lincoln, Papillion and Bellevue, NE, and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Do not hesitate to call us if you need more assistance with any of your garage door problems. On top of that, we offer free estimates to all our clients.