How Do I Know If My Garage Door Motor Is Broken? (Solved!)

Several symptoms and signs may indicate your garage door motor is not working properly. If you notice any of the following, it is time to troubleshoot the issue:

Your garage door will not open or close.
You hear grinding noise when you try to operate your garage door.
The garage door opener light is blinking.

There is a burning smell coming from the garage door opener.
The garage door opener remote is not working.

Troubleshooting A Broken Garage Door Motor

Loud or Excessive Noises

One of the most common signs that your garage door opener motor is going bad is if it starts to make loud, grinding noises. This is usually an indication that the gears inside the motor are starting to wear down.

If you wait too long the gears could break rendering the opener inoperable (and the reason why the motor can no longer open or close the door).

Garage Door Opening and Closing Is Slower than It Used to Be

If your garage door is moving slower than it used to, this could be an indication that the motor is going bad.

Garage door openers only last 10-15 years so this will happen eventually if nothing else breaks.

When the motor starts to go bad, it will have a hard time opening and closing the door.

To test this, disconnect the garage door opener from the power source. Then, try to open and close the door manually.

If it is difficult to do this, then it could be some other problem like obstructed rollers or a broken or breaking spring and counterweight system.

Garage Door No Longer Opens and Closes

If your garage door opener motor is completely broken, the door will no longer open or close but the light will come on and it will make an attempt.

What if My Garage Door Opens but Doesn’t Close?

If your garage door opens but doesn’t close, the most likely culprit is a misaligned safety sensor. The sensors are located on either side of the door, just above the ground. If one of them is misaligned, it can prevent the door from closing.

To fix this, simply realign the sensors so they are pointing directly at each other. If that doesn’t solve the problem, there may be an issue with your garage door opener itself.

Consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional to have it serviced.

Both the Wall Switch and The Garage Remote Are Unresponsive

If your garage door opener is unresponsive to both the wall switch and the garage remote, there are a few things you can check.

First, make sure that the power is turned on to the garage door opener. If it is, then check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped.

If the circuit breaker has tripped, simply reset it and try again. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the motor itself.

The Garage Door Opener Light Is Blinking

There are a few things that can cause your garage door opener light to start blinking. One of the most common causes is that the opener can’t detect the safety sensors (photo eyes). If the photo eyes are obstructed or not aligned properly, the opener won’t be able to close the door and will start to blink.

Another common cause is a malfunctioning circuit board. If your opener’s circuit board is damaged due to a recent power surge, it may cause the light to blink.

Light on The Garage Door Opener Isn’t Coming On

There are a few things that could be causing this issue. One possibility is that the light bulb may have gone out. If this is the case, you can easily replace the light bulb.

Another possibility is that there may be something blocking the light sensor on the garage door opener. If this is the case, you can try adjusting the position of the sensor or cleaning it off.

Finally, if neither of these solutions fixes the problem, then it may be time to purchase a new garage door opener.

Garage Door Opener Is More than 15 Years Old

Garage door openers typically don’t make it past 10-15 years on average and this is likely the time when you’ll see the motor or one of the other parts give out.

If your opener is this old, it’s probably not worth trying to repair it and you’ll be better off replacing the entire unit.

Nothing Is Blocking the Photo Eyes or Rails but It Still Doesn’t Budge

If nothing is blocking the photo eyes or the garage door opener rails, then it’s likely that the motor is damaged and will need to be replaced.

In some cases, the chain or belt that connects the motor to the garage door may have come loose or broken. If this is the case, you can try to tighten or replace the chain or belt.

If you’ve tried all of these things and the garage door still doesn’t budge, then it’s time to call a professional for help.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Opener Motor?

The cost of replacing a garage door opener motor will vary depending on the type of opener you have as well as the make and model.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for a new motor. You may be able to find a cheaper option if you’re willing to purchase a used motor, but this isn’t always the best idea.

If you’re not sure what type of garage door opener you have or which motor is compatible, it’s always best to consult a professional. They will be able to help you find the right motor and install it properly.

How To Prevent Garage Door Opener Problems

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your garage door motor from having problems. One of the best things you can do is to have it serviced regularly.

Most manufacturers recommend having your opener serviced at least once a year. This will help to keep the moving parts lubricated and prevent them from getting too worn down.

Another thing you can do is to avoid putting too much strain on the opener by opening and closing the door too frequently.

If you have a garage door that’s used frequently, it’s a good idea to invest in a higher-quality opener that’s designed to withstand more use.

Finally, make sure to keep the area around your garage door clear of debris and snow. This will help ensure that the photo eyes can function properly.

By following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your garage door opener and avoid having to replace it prematurely.

Conclusion

If your garage door opener isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem.

In most cases, a simple adjustment or repair will do the trick. However, if your opener is more than 15 years old or the motor is damaged, it’s probably time to replace the entire unit.

If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your opener, it’s always best to consult a professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.