Garage Door Opener Repair in Omaha

Why a garage door opener stops working, safe checks for LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers, and what Omaha companies publish for opener repair.

Start with the lights on the motor unit. Chamberlain says that on many of its and LiftMaster's openers, 10 flashes means the safety sensors can't see each other, usually because something is in the way or one has been knocked out of line. Two flashes means the LOCK feature on the wall control is on, which shuts out the remotes; press LOCK to turn it off. Other brands, and some models, use different signals, so check your manual.

The sensors sit on each side of the door opening, no more than 6 inches off the floor. Move anything between them, such as a recycling bin or a bike tire. Chamberlain also notes that low sun shining straight into the receiving sensor can make the opener think the beam is blocked.

If the door drags, sticks or reverses on the way down, don't raise the force setting to push it through. Chamberlain says force adjustments must never be used to make up for a binding door, because a wrong setting could seriously injure or kill someone. A door that's hard to move by hand usually has a spring or track problem, not an opener problem. In cold weather, Clopay says lubricant can harden and make the door stick or roll unevenly.

Under US federal law, DASMA says, openers made after 1992 must have photo-eye sensors or another way to reverse the door. If yours has no safety reverse feature at all, DASMA says to replace it. Ask the shop whether a repair or a new opener makes more sense for yours, and for the price of each in writing.

Common jobs

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

Have this ready when you call

• The opener brand and model, from the label on the motor unit
• What the lights do when you press the button
• Whether the door moves smoothly by hand once released (only if it's safe to check)
• Your neighborhood or city

Common questions