Why Is Your Garage Door Remote Not Working?

Is your garage door remote not working? It's a common problem, but don't panic - there is always a solution! This article uncovers the various reasons for a malfunctioning garage door remote and how to get it back up and running. If the issue persists, it's time to consider professional garage door repair services to get your door back in working order - fast!

How Garage Door Remotes Work

Garage door remotes use radio frequency (RF) signals to communicate with the garage door opener. The remotes themselves are relatively simple devices. They contain a small battery, a transmitter, an antenna, and a button. Pressing the button activates the transmitter, which sends out an RF signal encoded with information about what action you want it to take.

The signal is sent out through the antenna, picked up by the opener, and activates the motor to move the door accordingly. This happens almost instantaneously, so you don’t have to wait for the door to open or close.

A garage door system operates through a radio signal of 350 to 390 MHz. If your garage door remote has stopped working, it could be due to a disruption or malfunction of this signal. We will provide some tips and DIY fixes to help you identify and fix the issue. Sometimes, it may require professional inspection to get the remote working again.

Garage Door Remote Not Working: Reasons and Tips

Wondering, “why did my garage door remote stop working?” Before attempting to repair the garage door itself, you'll want to check the remote first, as this is often the cause of the issue. Let's discuss why your garage door opener stopped working with the remote.

Issue 1. Depleted Batteries

Dead batteries are the leading and most obvious cause of "broken" garage door remotes. To diagnose this dilemma, try your garage's wall-mounted control panel. If your garage door responds, then it's probably drained batteries.

Tip: Remote control batteries last about two years, so if your remote works intermittently or not at all, it's likely time for a battery change. Make sure to switch out the old garage door remote batteries for new ones of the same type.

Issue 2. Physical Damage

Dropping or stepping on your remote may stop it from working, and the damage may not be visible. Furthermore, rain or snow can affect its functionality.

Tip: If you find that your remote has been physically damaged, the only way to fix it is to get a new one. Store your new remote in a safe, dry place so it won't be affected by rain, cold, or other types of weather.

Issue 3. Signal Disruption

If your garage door remote is not working after replacing the batteries, it could be due to signal or antennae disruption. This is often caused by an obstruction blocking the remote and door sensor, pressing the remote while too far away, or a broken antenna.

Tip: To ensure that your remote will successfully open the garage door, make sure you are within 20 feet of the door before attempting to open it. If you are still having trouble opening the garage door, assess if any obstructions might be blocking the signal.

Also, check the antenna is directed toward your door and that there is no accumulation of dirt on it. If the antenna appears damaged, promptly contact a repair specialist to examine and fix it.

Issue 4. Lock Button Stuck

The engaged lock button on a garage remote is a feature that allows you to lock the garage door remotely. When the button is engaged, the door will be locked even if the door is opened from the inside. It's easy to fix this issue yourself.

Tip: Verify that the lock button on the wall-mounted control panel of your garage door has not been activated. You may have unintentionally pressed this button during regular activities, and you can quickly disengage the door lock by pressing the lock button. After unlocking the door, try out the door's functions by pressing the open button on the panel.

Issue 5. Remote Reset Is Required

A garage door remote can become unsynced due to dead batteries, interference from other radio devices, a power outage, a problem with the opener's logic board, or a worn-out remote. 

Tip: Locate your door opener’s Learn button on the control panel and press it for 30 seconds. After releasing the button, find the same button on your remote control and hold it for three seconds. At this point, you might notice the garage door opener blink or its LED light flash. To determine a successful reset, try your remote again to ensure the garage door opens.

Issue 6. Malfunction in the Door Wiring

If the garage door opener stopped working with the remote, it may be due to a wiring issue in your garage door system or a problem with the opener's receiver board. This could result from a power surge and should be looked at as soon as possible.

Tip: A specialist must assess the opener if a circuit board breakdown happens. They'll evaluate the quality of the wiring on your opener's receiver board by detaching the wires on the motor and control panel, rejoining the machine, and deleting its memory. Afterward, they'll reconfigure your remote, reattach the wiring and re-assess the door to guarantee that it functions correctly

Issue 7. RF Interference

RF interference is an unwanted signal that interferes with or disrupts the normal operations of a radio frequency (RF) signal and may be why your remote won't open the door. Note that RF interference concerns the signal and not the remote control.

Interference happens when another electronic appliance or device near your property (motion sensors, gaming systems, alarms) sends signals on the same frequency as the opener remote, which is between 300 and 390 MHz, the most common being 300 MHz, 310 MHz, 315 MHz, and 390 MHz.

Tip: If your garage door remote control is not working due to interference, call a garage door services company to fix the problem. It won’t take long before the garage door is fully functional again.

Issue 8. A Blown GFI

If you've ever had to reset your wall outlet while using a hair dryer, this is an example of the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) in your house protecting you from hazardous electrical conditions like overheating.

The GFI senses when an electrical current flows through an unintended path, such as through water or a person, and quickly shuts off the power before any damage or injury can occur. GFI's are commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens, and help to protect against electric shock.

Concerning your garage door remote problems, a GFI that is not working correctly typically would hinder the door from operating altogether or possibly activate the auxiliary battery in some models. Your remote may function properly, but the GFI stops the door from responding.

Tip: If your garage door is not responding to commands, check the GFI by pressing the reset button on the wall outlet in the garage, laundry room, or main bathroom. If this does not work, contact a garage door technician for an inspection and any needed repairs or replacements.

Garage Door Won't Work with Remote: Final Thoughts

There are many reasons why garage doors may not work, ranging from something as simple as a dead battery in the remote to signal disruption, or accidentally engaging the lock battery. You may need to reset the remote or replace the GFI, but if you are still unable to identify why your garage door remote stopped working, contact Safety Garage Door Repair & Installation for professional diagnosis and repair.

Our garage door installers can quickly assess the problem and get your garage door opener working again. Get in touch with us today!