Garage Door Opener Not Working? Here’s How to Troubleshoot It

Is your garage door opener not working all of a sudden? Whether you’re using a Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Genie opener, it’s a frustrating problem and a common one. The good news? Many garage door opener issues can be resolved with a few simple checks.

Before you call in a professional, try these step-by-step troubleshooting tips to get your garage door opener working again.

1. Check the Remote and Wall Button

Start with the basics. If your garage door remote isn’t working, try the wall-mounted control inside the garage.

• If the wall button works but the remote doesn’t, your remote might need new batteries.
• If neither works, the opener itself might not be getting power.

TIP: Replace the remote batteries and stand closer to the garage to test it again. Some Chamberlain and Genie remotes lose range over time due to weak batteries.

2. Confirm the Opener Has Power

Make sure the garage door opener is plugged in. If it is, check the outlet by plugging in another device (like a phone charger or lamp).
Still no power? You may have:

• A tripped GFCI outlet
• A blown circuit breaker
• A burned-out power board (common in older LiftMaster units)

Reset the breaker or GFCI outlet if needed. If the opener still has no power, it may need professional repair.

3. Check the Safety Sensors

All modern openers—from LiftMaster to Genie—have photo-eye safety sensors near the bottom of the garage door track. If these sensors are misaligned or blocked, the door won’t close.

Look for:

• Blinking sensor lights (a sign they’re misaligned or dirty)
• Dirt or spiderwebs covering the lens
• Damaged wires

Fix: Gently clean the sensors and align them so both lights are solid. Then test the door again.

4. Reprogram or Reset Your Opener

If your garage door remote stopped working after a power outage or surge, the opener may have lost its programming.

• For Chamberlain and LiftMaster, press the “Learn” button on the back of the opener until the LED light comes on. Then press your remote button.
• For Genie openers, use the “Program” or “Learn Code” button depending on your model.

Check your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for exact instructions.

5. Inspect the Door and Tracks

Sometimes the problem isn’t the opener…it’s the door. If your garage door is:

• Off track
• Frozen shut (in winter)
• Blocked by debris

…then the opener won’t be able to move it, and may even shut down for safety.

Try manually lifting the door. If it feels heavy or jammed, call a pro to inspect the springs or tracks.

6. Check for Interference or Signal Issues

Some openers, especially Genie and Chamberlain models, can experience radio frequency interference from:

• LED bulbs
• Wi-Fi routers
• Nearby electronics

Try moving or turning off nearby devices and see if the opener starts responding.

Still Not Working? Call On Track Garage Door

If you’ve tried these tips and your garage door opener still isn’t working, it may be time for a repair or replacement. At On Track Garage Door, we service and install all major brands, including Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Genie.

We proudly serve homeowners throughout Commerce, Michigan, and surrounding areas with fast, reliable service you can count on.

Need help now? Call us today for same-day garage door opener repair! (248) 560-7623