problem with my garage door opener

[shephd]

In my garage there is an older Sears Craftsman open. It will open ok but if the automatic light is still on, it won't close with the remote. If I wait until the light is out or manually turn it off, I can use the remote and it works.

new battery in the remote didn't help.

Any ideas on what to look at?

thanks in advance!

 

[battmain]

Something in front of the safety sensors? Something bumped them out of alignment? If none, disconnect the door and see if it works without the weight of the door. Other than that, take the unit apart and see if the plastic gears are worn, if those are not, then I would check the limit stops and ensure they are ok. Some use actual contacts, newer ones are electronic. After that it's an electrical problem and the board(s) need to be replaced. Depending on cost, you can usually order them from Sears parts or decide if it is time for a new opener.

 

[kbs2244]

Has it always done this?
Does the push button control work when the remote dosent?
It sounds like some kind of stuck relay that doesn’t let go until the light timer runs out.
I would unplug it, open the box and blow it out with air.
Then look for any obvious problems like burnt wires.
If you don’t see anything just give it a good bath of WD40 and put it back together.
If that doesn’t fix it then you have to decide if you can live with it or get a new one.

 

[Chris Adams]

Before taking anything apart or messing with it, unplug it for about two or three minutes.
Then try it.

 

[InPrimer]

Here's a shot in the dark. My old Sears worked great with the wall button it would be sporatic with the remote .After restricting myself to launching the remote to the nearest wall or persuading it with a ball peen hammer, I figured I had nothing to lose... On the back of the remote there is a paper "cap" I peeled it off and saw a small flat tip screw almost like those eyeglass repair screwdriver. I recycled the door after pulling the plug and erasing the memory. I started by keeping the button down on the remote and then slowly turning the screw. I finally "dialed it in" and now the wall button as well as the remote work flawlessly. good luck!!!

 

[Nick-NY]

How about just removing the light bulb and seeing if it works. if so id leave it out.

 

[nadogail]

I have seen simular symptoms with Genie openers. Almost without exception the problem went away when I made sure that the photo eyes at the base of the door were properly aligned and the light path unobstructed.

At one property, I found that the setting sun was shining into the opener and blinding it. I made a solar shield from a section of 2" ABS drain pipe to keep the sun out, has worked fine for 4 years.

 

[Schtauffer]

How old of a Sears op?

 

[InPrimer]

about 7 yrs old. I did have a prob with the "eyes" but the remote was really quirky. its for the back door. I have a 50' drive thru and since I had to replace the opener in the house I sold I kept this old one,and installed it in the new garage, as I said the wired button worked well, the remote was a pain,,,, good luck