NationStates Jolt Archive

Alright, i'm having problems with my garage door. It's been doing this for the past week. I'll press the Open button, and it'll go halfway, but then stop. But every once in a while it'll open all the way. It's very frustrating. I've lubricated everything, and no chains are broken.

Do you have the safety laser interruptor things?

Get a flamethrower and kill the birds that are obviously causing the problem :p

Yes, nothing's blocking it though.

This is the first time I've EVER seen a topic based on garage doors. Congrats, you win the Original Topic of the Month Award.

Now, it doesn't help you fix your garage, nor is it a real award. Nor have I ever given it out before.

Working at sears you learn a few things...
There is a part in the garage door opener (garage side) that is malfunctioning. I recomend taking it apart, and you'll probably find a jam. Maybe just a malfunction.

You've lubed EVERYTHING? Tell me more - PLEASE!

-jk

If lube isn't the trouble then you probably have a bad angle. (stay focused here, I AM talking about your door now)

The bar that attaches to the door may be placed in a manner that is causing stress half way up and causing the door safety to engage instead of burning out the motor.

It also could be the spring binding up, release the door and try it by hand just to check.

Make sure the bar is centered also - if not it can be causing the door to try to opn crooked and causing stress.

Also check the runners and make sure there is no debris and that the wheels are turning freely and not damaged.

Some doors have a switch on the chain or screw drive shaft that can be moved to adjust the stopping point for your door, has yours slipped?

The only other thing I can think of is that your motor is bad, getting hot too soon.

Good luck.

Yes, nothing's blocking it though.
Does the sun shine on either one? That often causes it to stop the door.

I'd also suggest calling a repair man, but until then use the manual method to close the door.

I'll bet you that what's happening is that your little red laser light is not aligned well when the garage door starts moving...it probably has become loosened.

So, align it and tighten it.

Have you tried changing the batteries on the remote?