Garage Door Opener Repair in Lubbock

Why a garage door opener stops working, quick checks on LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers, why the safety sensors matter, and what to ask about repair or replacement.

Before booking, look at the lights on the opener when you press the button. On many Chamberlain and LiftMaster models, Chamberlain says 10 flashes mean a safety sensor problem, usually something in the way or a sensor knocked out of line. Two flashes mean the LOCK button on the wall control is on, which shuts out the remotes; press LOCK again to turn it off. Other brands use different signals, so check the manual for yours.

The safety sensors are the two small eyes near the floor, one on each side of the opening, no more than 6 inches up. Clear anything between them. After a dust storm or a windy day, check that nothing has blown in front of them. Chamberlain also says sunlight shining into the receiving sensor can make the opener act as if the beam is blocked.

If the door sticks, binds or reverses on the way down, leave the force setting alone. Chamberlain says never to turn up the force to make up for a door that binds, because a wrong adjustment could seriously injure or kill someone. A door that is hard to move is often a spring or track problem, not an opener problem.

Under US federal law, DASMA says, openers made after 1992 must have photoelectric sensors or another safety-reverse feature. If yours is older and has none at all, DASMA says it should be replaced. Ask the shop whether repair or replacement makes more sense, and get both prices in writing.

Common jobs

• Openers that hum, click or do nothing
• LiftMaster, Chamberlain and Genie openers (ask which brands the shop services)
• Safety sensor alignment and replacement
• Remotes, keypads and wall controls
• Opener replacement

Have this ready when you call

• The opener brand and model, from the label on the motor
• What the opener lights do when you press the button
• If the door is fully closed and nothing looks broken: whether it lifts easily by hand once the opener is released. Don't pull the release on a door that is open or stuck partway
• Your street or town

Common questions