After a power outage, a garage door opener that will not work is usually still on the manual release, has lost its travel settings, or has remotes that need reprogramming. Most of the time you can get it going again in a few minutes.
Step by step
- Re engage the trolley. If you pulled the red emergency release cord during the outage, the opener is disconnected. Pull the cord toward the door, or run the opener once, to relatch it.
- Check the power. Make sure the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power. A tripped GFCI is common after an outage.
- Reset travel limits. Some openers forget how far to open and close after a power loss and need the up and down limits set again.
- Reprogram remotes. If the door works from the wall button but not the remote, reprogram the remote and keypad.
After a storm or a lightning strike
A storm can do more than cut the power. When the lights come back on, a surge can run through the opener and damage the logic board, the receiver or the wall button wiring. The signs are an opener that stays dead even though the outlet works, lights that blink with no motor, or remotes that quit while the wall button still works.
Start with the simple checks: the outlet, the GFCI and the release cord. If those are fine and the opener still will not respond, leave it unplugged and give us a call. We test the board and the receiver and tell you whether a repair or a new opener makes more sense.
When to call a pro
If the opener is completely dead with confirmed power, hums without moving, or keeps losing its settings, the logic board may be damaged, which can happen during a surge. Our opener repair service and remote and keypad service can often sort it out the same day.
Opener still down in Gresham or Orient? Call (503) 487-8942.
If the power is still out, here is how to open the door by hand safely.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my opener dead after a power outage?
Check that it is plugged in and the outlet has power, since a GFCI often trips during outages. If power is confirmed and it is still dead, a surge may have damaged the board.
How do I reconnect the opener after pulling the release cord?
Pull the red release cord toward the door, or simply run the opener, and the trolley will relatch to the carriage.
My remote stopped working after the outage. What now?
Reprogram the remote and keypad to the opener. If it still will not pair, the receiver may need service.