Garage door opener won't close...

[zjrog]

Genie Pro Max Model PMX500IC/B

I have to release the door from the chain to close it, and lock it with a screwdriver through the rail. Home is about 11 years old, so is the door opener.

Opener will start to close the door and stop. I've adjusted the closing force, and it helps but not enough all the time. I am asking to see if the brain trust here has thoughts or ideas before I replace the thing. I DID have a brand new door installed a year. And it goes up and down the tracks just fine. At least it feels smooth to my uneducated hands.

 

[aandpdan]

With the opener disconnected, how does the door work? Up and down?

If the door isn't adjusted properly the opener doesn't have a chance.

 

[SARG]

The door openers are like car batteries ...... if they act up ... replace it.

 

[Gary S]

Does your opener have the safety eye to prevent closing? If so, it is likely that it isn't getting a proper signal to work.

 

[zjrog]

Door moves up and down with an easy touch. So I doubt that. The first time it acted up was with a strong wind last week. Should be a good signal, as far as I can tell, blocking the beam the indicators at least are acting properly.

Similar model to mine is under $150 at least. Thinking about a side opener though with battery backup. But pricey.

 

[tyjoja]

mine is always the safety beam, have to clean them. never had to replace any of my garage door openers (3).

 

[sr71]

.....had a similar issue ....ended up being the safety eye (the old ones appeared to be working ....had the green dot and were aligned but something else (not so apparent was hosed) . Bought a new pair online for $20 - problem immediately solved.

 

[jhelrey]

It's a garage door opener! Not a garage door opener and closer! DOH!

 

[SKAutomotive]

It's a garage door opener! Not a garage door opener and closer! DOH!

Beat me too it.

 

[jhelrey]

I installed a battery backup on my Mom's garage door years ago. I don't think she has ever used it nor do I think the battery is even good.

 

[upndown]

If your sensors are bad or mis-alligned, The door will go back up.. not just stop!! If you can find a replacement for $150, it will probably cost you close to that to repair an 11yr old opener..Replace it and be good for another 11yrs.

If by a side mount opener you mean a Liftmaster 3800, read some of the posts on here..sounds to me like they've got some issues! Good luck

 

[zjrog]

Thanks! I gotta pay extra to close? Nuts!

It doesn't act like when the safety beam is blocked. Moves the chain just fine with the door disconnected as well. Otherwise, I've needed new "clickers" for a while. Even with new batteries they just haven't been "right".

 

[zjrog]

Naturally, I ran it this morning and no issues. Checked the safety eye, reverses the chain just fine. Flashes when obstructed. Hooked the door back up to it and its acting just fine again. I went ahead and lubed everything even the track, and I did up the "Close Force" bias a touch. Just a touch. If it does this again, I'm just going to replace it. Period. I can't have this act up for my daughter and wife.

 

[PipesTA]

If it acts up again, you should be able to hold the button on the wired opener button to override the system. Works that way on most Genies, Cmans, etc...

 

[streetisneat]

Next time it happens, see if the sensors are lit up. If not you have a broken wire between the sensor and the motor. If you push and hold the wired button the door will close.(hold untill closed or door will go back up). Seems like the wire is going open at times! I had the same problem, I replaced the wiring to sensors and all is well!!