How to Repair a Garage Door Opener
Having trouble with your garage door? You may need to fix or get a new electric motor to open and shut the garage door.
The average lifespan of a garage door opener is 10-15 years, but it can last much longer with proper maintenance and care. Luckily, Safety Garage Door Repair & Installation is here to help!
- 10 Years in industry
- 2000+ completed projects
- Always fair price, free estimate & guaranteed satisfaction


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Reasons Why Garage Door Openers Break
Garage door openers are mechanical devices that are subject to wear and tear over time. Unfortunately, even the most reliable garage door openers break from time to time.
The most common garage door problems include:
- Motor wear and tear
- Wiring or circuitry damage
- Remote control malfunctions
- Broken springs or cables
- Incorrectly adjusted force settings
- Poorly installed opener
- Obstructions in the garage door track

Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting: Instructions
Discover how to diagnose and troubleshoot your garage door opener issues with our easy-to-follow guide. Get your door back on track and avoid costly repairs.
Diagnosing
How to determine whether it’s the garage door opener:
- Check Your Door First: Pull the emergency release cord with the door closed. If it opens and closes smoothly, then there's likely an issue with the opener.
- Look for Misalignment: Check for misalignment or broken springs.
- Listen for Strange Noises: A clear sign your garage door opener is not working is strange sounds coming from it when in operation.
- Check Your Circuit Breaker: Ensure that the circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI outlet powering your opener hasn't tripped or burned out.
- Replace Worn-Out Torsion Springs: When springs wear out or break, they can't lift garage doors.
Troubleshooting
Some ways to troubleshoot a faulty garage door:
- Check the Power Source: Is the opener plugged into a working power outlet? Are all wires securely attached?
- Check the Remote Control: Perhaps the remote control battery is flat?
- Inspect the Motor Unit: Open the motor unit and check for broken parts or disconnected wires.
- Examine the Track: Are there dents, damage, or obstructions that stop the garage door from moving smoothly?
- Reset Your Opener: You may need to reset your unit if something disrupts its normal operating cycle.
Costs of Doing It By a Pro vs. By Yourself
The cost of repairing or replacing modern garage door openers varies significantly based on the type of opener, the complexity of the repair or replacement, and the labor associated with hiring an experienced technician.
Pro
Hiring a garage door opener repairman in North California ranges from $250 to $500, depending on the complexity of the repair. The upside is that professionals know how to repair a garage door opener, and their work comes with a warranty.
Yourself
Doing garage door motor repairs yourself will cost much less since most basic tools are relatively inexpensive. In Northern California, parts and supplies can range from $50 to $400.
Other Things to Consider
If you need a new garage door opener and want to make an informed decision, look no further than our installation guide. Here's how to perform a new garage door opener installation.
Tools Required
You'll need the following tools for a garage opener repair:
- Screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Ladder
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Voltage tester
Safety Measures
Here are a few safety considerations to bear in mind:
- Disconnect the power source before beginning any repairs.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves.
- Ensure no one is standing beneath the garage door and nothing is lying on the garage floor below you while you are working.
- Only use manufacturer-approved replacement parts compatible with your garage door opener model.
- Replace any worn or damaged components immediately, such as rusted rollers or screws.
- Test the system several times to ensure everything functions properly.
How to Extend the Lifetime of a Garage Door Opener
Some tips to help you get the most out of your garage door opener:
- Check for warpage, wear, corrosion, or cracks in the hardware and electrical components at least once every few months and replace them when necessary.
- Have the door opener serviced by a professional at least once a year.
- Lubricate all moving parts regularly to reduce friction and wear and tear, including the garage door opener chain.
- Make sure that all safety sensors are properly aligned and functioning correctly.
- Conduct periodic testing of the emergency release feature.
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Leave It to Professionals Near You!
Without the help of an expert, your garage door could become unsafe and inefficient. At Safety Garage Door Repair & Installation, our team of experienced professionals can help you with repairs, installations, and maintenance.
We are a top-rated garage door repair contractor, rated highly on Yelp and Thumbtack, serving San Francisco and San Diego areas. With our help, you can rest assured that your garage door opener will be installed or repaired with the utmost care and expertise.
Don’t wait any longer – hire a professional today to ensure your garage door opener is in top condition.
Garage Door & Opener Brands We Work with
Proudly Serving All the Following Cities and Their Surroundings
San Francisco Bay Area
- Belmont, CA
- South San Francisco, CA
San Diego Area
- National City, CA
- Oceanside, CA
- Vista, CA
Alameda County
- Alameda, CA
- Berkeley, CA
- Hayward, CA
- Oakland, CA
Santa Clara County
- Campbell, CA
- Gilroy, CA
- Los Altos, CA
Get Your Broken Garage Door Opener Repaired by an Expert Today!
FAQ
How often should I have my garage door opener serviced?
Booking a garage door opener service at least once a year is recommended. Doing so ensures every component functions correctly and any possible problems are dealt with before they escalate into more severe ones.
What should I do if my garage door opener isn't working?
If your garage door opener isn't working, the first step is to check the power source. Ensure the outlet receives enough power and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. If it still isn't working, contact a technician for professional diagnosis and repair.
Is it safe to repair my own garage door opener?
While you can make minor repairs on your own, attempting major repairs or replacements without professional assistance is not recommended. Garage doors are heavy and have complex machinery, so attempting repairs yourself could put you at risk of injury or further damage to your property.