The genie garage door opener buzzing but won’t open is an even problem that most users experience when using the door. Overtime usage and using of the genie garage door with a worn-out torsion spring can lead to buzzing. For your information, the torsion spring is the backbone of the door as it ensures the smooth operation of the door when opening and closing.
As a homeowner when you notice a small buzzing sound coming from the genie garage door kindly ask for help as the springs used in the system may be worn out and hence not working properly. In addition, the buzzing can be higher than expected. It is advisable to change the logic board because it can be in the case that the logic board is affected.
Maintenance and creating close attention in the system results in a better performing genie garage door. Hence, adds an advantage to the homeowner. Below the body of the article, I have answered the frequently asked questions and lastly the summary to give you a recap of what I have explained.
Genie garage door opener buzzes but won’t open
To be frank, there are many reasons why a garage door fails to open at all or opens a bit. The problems experienced can either be corrected by changing the parts or refurbishing the whole system.
It is good to note that before understanding how to replace and seek the problem you should understand the problem experienced and the causes that lead to it. Some of the reasons include:
Worn out tension springs;
| Technique | Function | Essential product |
| The photo-eye is out of range | Ensures security of the garage door | |
| The path does not range | Path hold the garage door in position | |
| Worn out tension springs | Fixes the springs | Check Amazon for the best tension springs |
| Non-functioning remote control | Changes the control of the door | Check Amazon for the best remotes |
i. The photo-eye is out of range
The photo-eye’s main function is to ensure security on the garage door opener. Photo-eye identifies an object or a person when it comes or is brought near it. A buzzing sound from the garage door opener shows that there is a problem with it.
Photo-eye responds to any object or thing very fast and so if it fails shows that the eye is out of position. Here are some of the steps to follow to help you correct:
- Neat the photo-eye
Cleaning the photo eye to ensure dirt and rust does not get into it is the first step to ensure the safety of the photo-eye. Dust if exposed to the garage door causes negative effects to the sensor and the photo-eye.
The photo-eye is set to follow some instructions on how to react and respond to barriers on its way to the garage door opener. When the garage door identifies any object on its path the door will always stay open until the cleaning is done to the whole area of the door. It is advisable to use clean wrath to remove the dust.
- Remove larger obstructions
The photo-eye is two working together at the same time. The photo-eye is placed to face each other and a flashlight is passed between them to detect any object that can be between the two pieces. If an object is detected between the two pieces the garage door remains closed until all the dirt is blown away.
The flashlight that is passed is a LED laser beam. When you remove the object and the photo eye is affected, kindly understand the problem first before correcting or contacting a qualified technician to help solve the issue.
- Check the range of the photo-eye
When the two photo eyepieces are in the wrong positions or they have been toppled and they lose their original position the LED laser beam will direct light to the wrong location. This enables the photo eye to detect obstruction.
Remember that when the pieces are not in a position the garage door will not open and close as expected. The mismatched positions are caused by too much use or a lot of applied force. Ensure the positions of the photo-eye are in place with the help of a level
- Inspect the connection of the photo-eye
The photo-eye can be around five inches from the ground in most garage doors. Too much usage, exposure to pests and bad weather conditions lead to the destruction of the cord on the photo-eye.
Always check the chord if affected by bad weather conditions such as heavy rainfall. You can also change if you notice broken wires in the motor or the photo-eye sensor.
- Inspect the LED light on the sensor
The dimming and brightness of the LED light will help you know if you have a problem. If the light beam is dim it indicates that the photo eye is dirty and it should be cleaned within no time. In the case when you see bright light just ensure always the eye is clean.
If you find that the lights are off or flicking the photo-eye might be affected. Carefully change the lights or fix them to continue working.
ii. The path does not range
When you turn on the garage door opener, the wires and strings are connected to control the door and the speed respectively. The pathway of the metals holds the garage door in position. Thus, the paths should be inline when they open and close every time.
When the door bends or curves it tends to make some sounds and this is caused by an imbalance of the garage door. If the problem persists over time the whole door can be damaged. Simple steps to understand the imbalance of the door:
- Be calm with the door
When your door fails to open, don’t force it. Applying too much pressure on the door can lead the door to stop working. The paths of the garage door can bend and form a curve which can increase the sound effect when opening and closing. Too much force can pop the door out.
- Be in a position and hear any changes
Use your ears to hear any slight sound that your door makes. Always ensure the sound is friendly. Check the curves, bends and barriers and be careful to hear and see the interaction of the tracks.
- Modify the path yourself
Before performing the modification process ensure that the power is turned off for safety measures. The garage door should be closed. Using a slight force on tracks pushes it a little to allow the path to attain its position.
- Make a consultation with our door company
Contact a qualified technician on garage doors to check and place back the door in its favourable position. The technician can tighten the lost parts of the garage door and clean the paths and rollers if there is a presence of dirt.
iii. Worn out tension springs
If the springs are not working be rest assured that the possibility of the door not opening is low. The mechanical energy stored in the tension springs helps in the control of the opening and closing of the door.
The tension of the spring brings the imbalance of the door creating weight on one side of the garage door.
- Wear and tear
Excessive usage of the garage door causes the door springs to break down. The lifespan of the springs goes with the number of cycles. The springs stops working when it has used all the cycles it has been provided with.
Maintenance of the door determines the lifespan of the springs. The springs can tear down before their expiry date or work more than the prescribed time.
- Rust
Rust is one problem that affects the springs. If the springs are coated with rust the lifespan reduces. It is always good to lubricate the springs to prevent rust from getting into them.
- Poor maintenance
Paying close attention to the tension springs more often will increase the lifespan and their working power. If you identify a slight problem, fix or change the springs before they fail to work.
iv. Non-functioning remote control
To open your garage door you just press the remote control button. But if you fail to see the changes then your remote could be the problem. Follow the procedure below to correct:
- Align properly
If the alignment of the sensor is not properly located then you have to get too near to it to function.
- Place the antenna
Install the antenna at the correct position to be sure the sensor is properly operating.
- Change the battery
If the garage door is functioning properly but the door responds to the instruction given by the remote slowly then the lifespan of the battery is over and you need to replace it.
- Reschedule the remote
You can always change the settings on how your remote can work and send the instructions. Seek help from the manual on how to reset.
- Install an app on our phone
Installing the app on your phone will help you to control the garage gate without the remote. This is quite cheap for some users.
- Deactivate the lock feature
Deactivating the lock feature to stop the beam of light from blinking.
- Inspect the door connection
Check the whole system or disconnect and connect the whole system. You can also reprogram the remote.
Frequently asked questions;
- How can I know my genie garage door springs are not functioning?
The issues are identical for example faster closing of the door than expected, space in between the springs, the appearance of the springs looking worn out and noisy sound when the door closes or opens.
Conclusion
In the case where your remote garage door opener is stolen, you can always go stop settings and change the access code. You can delete every data thus preventing anyone from accessing your gate without your consent. Try to follow the information above to correct your garage door and make it work.
Better maintenance of your garage door increases the lifespan of the garage door. In case of difficulties when correcting the issues, always seek help from an expert who can be in a position to sort out every problem.
