Humming motor in garage doors is common but requires simple adjustments or is off truck. If the motor hums, but doesn’t close or open the door, this is a clear indication that there’s something wrong. The battery is in good condition, therefore you have to diagnose other symptoms.
After going through this article, I am sure your doubts will be cleared since we have enriched it with juicy information. There are several factors that can make the garage door motor hum like broken spring, stripped nylon gears, etc. Luckily, we have provided straightforward guides and tips to improve the situation.
For you to correct the situation, the article contains reasons for humming the garage door motor, how to fix the situation, tips for betterment and then frequently asked questions. Besides, you will know reliable tools that can also help you through this process.
Causes of Garage door motor hums but does not open problem
Let’s explore some of these culprits and see how we can pin them down;
Power surge or lightning strike: Garage door motors can be affected by power surges or lightning, affecting the back-board. However, the surges and strikes can damage other electronic appliances. Well, the simplest action you can take is to replace the back-board and everything will start to run smoothly.
Stripped nylon gears: When you realize humming in your door garage motor that could be a clear sign that you are having unprotected nylon gears. Your family may be forced to operate minus the opener until the door is checked by an expert.
Broken photo eye: Recently we have seen manufacturers equipping their garage doors with photo eyes which are responsible for detecting if an object or a person is hindering the door from dropping all the way. Since the photo eye is situated a few inches above the ground, any interruption will shut the laser signal.
This will therefore make the motor hum but neither raise nor lower the door. You are required to diagnose for damages or cuts in the photo eye cord because it occasionally gets affected by a leak or rainstorm. Alternatively, dust and dirt can also block the eye, obstructing the laser beam.
Broken Torsion springs: This is the first component that will break in the assembly of your garage door. The motor will therefore hum but won’t roll down or up the door; it’s a toothless dog. You will hear frightening and loud noise like that of a gunshot or firecracker. You need to understand that these springs are assigned to specific cycles.
Popped off or broken cables: This complication goes hand in hand with the broken spring issue. Your cables are likely to be disengaged like on the bike sprocket. With damaged torsion springs, your garage door cable will have no otherwise but to snap.
Occasionally, these cables destroy the wall or vehicle and if you are in front of it, you may end up with serious injuries.
Malfunctioning remote control: Sometimes you might be wondering what went wrong with your garage door, why the motor is humming but in vain. If it happens that your garage door fails to operate with the current remote, below are some of the reasons;
- The remote is out of power. Changing the battery can be the best step.
- The remote is out of range
- The motor’s antenna sometimes gets blocked or damaged; it should hang down from your motor.
Out of modification sensitivity: Here is another complication that could be making your garage door motor to hum but won’t open or close the door. Yes, and it occurs mostly to older or newly installed garage doors. In situations where the sensitivity is installed too high or low, the door won’t open.
User error: It’s possible to struggle opening the garage door yet it’s locked. This issue is what is referred to as user error and it makes the motor run, but your door doesn’t open. Try asking yourself whether it could be locked or not.
Unnoticed obstacle: Another factor that can make your garage door motor hum but won’t close or open the door is the unseen obstacle. These doors are automatic in that they reverse when coming in contact with a certain object. There could be something that you can’t see easily, preventing your door from closing or opening. Sometimes it may open or close halfway.
Off track complication: Sometimes your garage door may be off track, meaning that it will not slide correctly. Diagnosing the problem means that you’ll have to check if the door sticks on the way or slows down. If this is the issue, then there is a misalignment in that area.
Your garage door will only operate smoothly if it rolls properly on the metal track.
General guide on fixing garage door motor hums but doesn’t open complication
Step 1: Assessing the complication
The first and foremost action to take is to identify the real problem. Mostly, you will realize that you are having an off-track door; sometimes the springs can also be damaged. Start by referring to your manual before revising the installation procedure. Doing so is necessary as it will help you consider critical aspects of your garage door.
After identifying the real culprit, explore the following actions to solve various problems;
Step 2: Replace the nylon gears
The best treatment for this complication is to opt for replacement; order a new nylon gear kit from a trusted seller or manufacturer.
Step 3: Clean the photo eye
Thoroughly cleaning the photo eye can be the best solution to restore the normalcy of your garage door. Make sure there is no any kind of dust or dirt that may end up clogging the eye. A reliable and simplest material that is recommended under this action is a tissue paper.
Step 4: Repair the damaged torsion spring
Anything associated with a broken spring should be left to an experienced fellow. Trying to open it may worsen the situation, costing you a lot of money. Yes, it’s dangerous and therefore you should distance yourself from this part; an expert has special skills and tools for the task.
Step 5: Modify the sensitivity
Ensuring that the sensitivity is in good working condition is the first and foremost action for this issue. However, I would recommend assigning this task to experience personnel. Seek his help and don’t worry about the future.
There’s nothing much to do when this is the real culprit. Just revise the user manual for manufacturer’s directions and readjust the sensitivity. Try resetting the limit switch and close force to the accurate levels. If you can’t do it yourself, seek expert’s help.
Step 6: Change remote battery and programme it
If you replace the remote battery(s) and there is no change, I guess it is time to programme the remote. Doing so is necessary since the action will restore the normal working condition of the gadget. Alternatively, if you don’t believe in yourself, I would suggest calling a trusted individual to help you.
Step 7: Check for user error
Try confirming if there are any kind of metal parts sliding down to hinder access. If you spot any, use the locking handle or the knob to ease the lock. Doing so will be more than enough for your problematic garage door.
Step 8: Remove obstacle from the track
Inspect the tracks of your garage door so that you can clear every obstacle. The likely particles to get here are rocks, dirt, trash, plus other debris. Wiping down the tracks will dislodge any particle from the way.
Correct off track problem
To solve this complication, you are required to inspect for bumps, gaps, bends, and any obstacle. Try listening to and be watchful to the progress of the door. If you hear anything like squeaks, consider loosening the screws holding the track to the frame.
Tap the track gently to its required position before retightening the screws. This action can be achieved by the help of a rubber mallet and a level.
Tips for betterment
- Sometimes you may be struggling to open your garage door yet it’s locked. Check on this.
- Your garage door opener has a disconnect switch, knob, or cord that gives you a chance to manually operate the door if there is no power. Therefore, sometimes you might be hassling without knowing that you accidentally disconnected the motor.
- Always clean the tracks of your garage to eliminate dust and dirt that could hinder smooth sliding.
- Don’t open your garage door assembly if you are an amateur.
You might be interested to read also our another comprehensive article of: Positive Battery Terminal Melted- Causes and Easy Fix
Frequently asked questions:
- The wall switch of my garage door is not working. What could be the reason?
Try inspecting LED for malfunction information. Check also if the outlet is pumping power or not. Logic board or wiring could be issued here.
- What should I do if I fail to get in my garage?
Look for a locksmith; he will help you do so if you don’t have a spare key.
Final words
DYing on simple and minor repair projects shouldn’t be assigned to professionals, unless you don’t have enough time. With the above information, contacting an expert should be the last option. Inspect for the above problems and then choose a suitable solution; refer to the user manual if all the above actions fail.
