Question:

Hello,

I have a pair of (207 x 1.75 x 24.5) torsion springs that needs replacement. My garage door is 16×7 non insulated with no windows; maybe around 216 lbs. For something more longer lasting, would (218 x 2 x 28) be a better choice? If not, what size upgrade would be acceptable for my specs?

Thanks, Tom

Answer:

Instead of your current pair of (207 x 1.75 x 24) torsion springs, you can upgrade to one of the following options:

• 218 x 1.75 x 32 – rated for approximately 20,000 cycles
• 225 x 1.75 x 36 – rated for approximately 30,000 cycles
• 234 x 1.75 x 43 – rated for approximately 50,000 cycles

These numbers represent the wire size, inside diameter, and length (in inches) of each spring. All three alternatives provide the same torque output as your existing garage door springs, ensuring your door will operate properly. However, they have significantly higher cycle ratings, meaning they are designed to last longer, depending on daily usage.

Upgrading to a higher-cycle spring is especially beneficial if your garage door is used frequently, such as in multi-car households or commercial settings. While these springs may cost more upfront, the longer lifespan can reduce maintenance frequency and repair costs over time.

The post Upgrading (207 x 1.75 x 24) Garage Door Springs appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

My garage door makes a beeping sound every couple of seconds. What should I do?

– Richard L

Answer:

The garage door beeping function is a built-in alarm system commonly found in LiftMaster and Chamberlain DC models with a battery backup feature. It typically activates for the following reasons:

1. Loss of Power: If your garage door opener is not receiving power due to a power outage or a non-functional outlet, the system will beep. Additionally, the garage door may operate more slowly than usual when powered by the backup battery.
2. Backup Battery Failure: The beeping sound can also indicate that the backup battery is no longer functional and needs to be replaced. This typically occurs 1 to 3 years after the battery’s initial installation.

How to Fix Your Beeping Garage Door

If your garage door opener is beeping, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

1. Verify the Source of the Beeping

Before taking any action, confirm that the beeping is coming from the garage door opener and not from other devices in the garage, such as smoke detectors, battery chargers, or similar equipment.

2. Check for Power

Ensure that your garage door opener is receiving power. Test the outlet by plugging in a device, such as a phone charger, to confirm it’s working.

3. Address the Beeping Alarm

If the outlet is functioning, there are two ways to stop the continuous beeping of your garage door opener:

• Replace the Backup Battery: For instructions on how to replace it, click here.
• Remove the Backup Battery: Disconnect and remove the battery. Note that without a backup battery, the automatic garage door opener will not operate during a power outage.

If the issue persists after following these steps, consult a licensed garage door repair company or a certified dealer for assistance.

The post Why Does My Garage Door Keep Beeping appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

How do I program my LiftMaster garage door opener?

– Mark E

Answer:

To program your LiftMaster or Chamberlain garage door opener travel limit settings, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the rectangular adjustment button until the up button starts flashing and the opener emits a beeping sound.
2. Press and hold the up button until your garage door reaches the desired open position.
3. Once the door is in the desired open position, press and release the rectangular adjustment button. The garage door opener lights will flash twice, and the down button will begin to flash, indicating that the open setting is complete.
4. Press and hold the down button until your garage door reaches the desired closed position.
5. Once the door is in the desired closed position, press and release the rectangular adjustment button. The garage door opener lights will flash twice, and the up button will begin to flash.
6. Press and release the up button. The door will travel up to its open position to set the opening force, and then the down button will begin to flash.
7. Press and release the down button. The door will travel down to its closed position to set the closing force and complete the programming process.

Automatic Force Setup in Newer Models

Newer LiftMaster and Chamberlain garage door openers will enter a force-sensing mode, automatically opening and closing your garage door.

During step 6, once you press and release the up button, your garage door opener will emit an audible and visual alert before automatically opening and closing the door. The garage door opener will beep three times, confirming that the force settings have been successfully completed. There is no need to proceed with step 7.

How to Properly Program LiftMaster and Chamberlain Garage Door Openers

For a standard garage door with standard tracks, you’ll want to program the door so that it’s aligned with the garage header. This setup may vary for high-lift or low-headroom systems. The key is to avoid cable slack and maintain a reasonable amount of tension on the door cables when the door is in the open position to prevent the cables from coming off the pulley.

When programming the down travel, avoid pressing the door against the ground. You may even want to program the down limits so the door stops about half to a quarter of an inch above the ground. This prevents excess pressure on the garage door opener’s rail when the door is fully closed.

Adjusting the Door Position During the Programming Process

If you’ve set the garage door too far up or down during the process, you can readjust it by pressing the down button (to adjust downward) or the up button (to adjust upward).

Indicators That the Program Has Failed

• If the garage door opener lights flash five times, the programming has timed out, and the travel limits have not been set. Return to step 1 to restart the programming process.
• If you hear one long beep after the door attempts to move to set the force, the automatic force setup has not been completed successfully. Return to step 1 to restart the process.

If you are unable to program the garage door limits or force, check for an error code and refer to your garage door opener’s manual for further troubleshooting. Contact a licensed garage door repair company or certified LifMaster/Chamberlain dealer if necessary.

The post How to Program LiftMaster and Chamberlain Garage Door Openers appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

My garage door is opening by itself. What should I do?

– Tammy F.

Answer:

First, it’s important to understand the difference. Is your garage door opening by itself in the middle of the night or randomly during the day? Or does it start to close but then open back up on its own? These are two distinct issues with your garage door, each with different causes.

There could be several reasons why your garage door is opening by itself:

1. Neighbor Has Similar Opener Signatures

If your garage door is opening by itself in the middle of the night or randomly during the day, it’s possible that a neighbor’s garage door opener shares the same code as yours. When they use their remote, keypad, or car opener, it could trigger your garage door too.

The solution is to reset your garage door opener’s memory and erase the current codes by following these steps:

1. Locate the opener’s smart button or learn button. This button is typically found on the motor’s control panel.
2. Press and hold the learn button for 5-10 seconds until the LED turns off.
3. Test a previously programmed remote to ensure it no longer operates the door, confirming the reset was successful.

Erasing the opener’s memory will make any previously synced remotes, keypads, and cars inoperable. After resetting, reprogram any remotes by pressing the smart button and then pressing the remote’s button several times. Keypads and cars may have a different programming sequence.

2. Malfunctioning Safety Sensors

Malfunctioning safety sensors won’t cause the garage door to open by itself in the middle of the night or randomly during the day, but they can make the door reverse after it starts closing.

It’s also possible that you pressed the button on your remote and drove away after the door began closing, only for the malfunctioning sensors to trigger the door to open back up when it’s just an inch or two above the ground. You may then return to find the garage door open, mistakenly thinking it opened by itself.

If your door opens back up after starting to close, try cleaning the sensor lenses with a dry cloth, aligning the sensors, or replacing them if necessary. Additionally, ensure the door fully closes before leaving.

3. Defective Wall Button

A faulty component, contact, or connection in the wall button can trigger your garage door opener to open or close by itself. Check the connections. Disconnect the wall button from the wire for a couple of days. If the garage door no longer opens or closes by itself, replace the wall button.

4. Defective Remote Control

A loose connection or short circuit inside your remote control can accidentally open and close your garage door. Remove the batteries from your remote controls for a couple of days to test the door. Replace the remotes if needed.

5. Malfunctioning Garage Door

Malfunctioning components such as springs, rollers, hinges, bearings, and sections can cause your garage door to open back up while closing, even when it’s just an inch or two above the ground. Test your garage door balance and inspect it for any damage. Make necessary adjustments and replace worn parts as needed.

6. Garage Door Opener Short Wire

The wire connecting the hardwired wall button to the garage door opener may be pinched or have a short, causing your garage door to open by itself in the middle of the night or randomly during the day. To troubleshoot this issue, disconnect the wire from the opener for a couple of days and see if your garage door still opens by itself. If it doesn’t, replace the wire.

7. Defective Components Inside the Opener Unit

A defective component inside the opener, such as the motherboard, a circuit, or a short wire, can cause your garage door to open by itself at random times. Check for loose connections or broken wires, and replace the opener’s motherboard if necessary.

A defective component can also cause your garage door to start closing and then open back up, or close fully, touch the floor, and then go back up again. This could be due to incorrect force or limits calibration, a defective travel module, limit switch, worn electric motor, or worn belt. If this is the case, inspect the opener components for damage. Additionally, look for any error codes from the opener and refer to your owner’s manual for troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting a Garage Door That Opens by Itself

In some cases, a garage door that opens by itself in the middle of the night or randomly during the day can be tricky to troubleshoot. Start with basic repairs that won’t cost you anything, such as resetting the opener codes, inspecting the remotes, and disconnecting the wall button.

If the problem persists, it may be more efficient to replace the entire garage door opener unit, rather than spending money on electrical parts that might not solve the issue.

If your garage door begins to close but then opens back up on its own, start by checking that the sensors are functioning properly, inspecting the garage door components, and testing the door’s balance.

The post Garage Door Is Opening by Itself appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

I need help with my garage door. It does not close sometimes until trying multiple times.

Michael P.

Answer:

There are multiple reasons why your garage door might not close properly:

1. Problems with the Safety Sensors

If your garage door sensors are obstructed, misaligned, or malfunctioning, it will prevent your garage door from closing. Start by inspecting the safety sensors, which should be located on both sides of your garage door opening (bottom left and right). Check the safety sensors’ LED lights—both should be on and solid. If the LED lights are off or one is flashing, it indicates a problem. First, clean the safety sensor lenses with a dry cloth and try to align them using the steps outlined here. Then, test your garage door. If it still doesn’t work, check the connections; you may need to replace the sensor’s electrical wires or the entire safety system.

2. Cold Weather

Cold weather can affect your garage door opener’s motor, preventing your garage door from closing. This usually happens with older garage door opener units. You can try recalibrating the opener’s closing force and lubricating the opener’s rail. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace your garage door opener unit.

3. Garage Door Balance

If your garage door is not properly balanced—i.e., it is too heavy or pulling up, it can trigger the door opener’s RPM sensor, causing your garage door to stop moving. Test your garage door balance using the steps outlined here and make the necessary adjustments.

4. Worn Garage Door Parts

Worn parts such as door sections, hinges, rollers, and brackets can cause your garage door to bind and not close. Inspect your door sections to ensure they are not sagging. Check the rollers, hinges, and brackets for cracks, breakage, or other abnormalities.

5. Alignment

A misaligned garage door can bind against the tracks or garage frame when trying to close. Inspect your garage door and tracks. Fix alignment problems using the steps outlined here.

The post Help with Garage Door Struggles to Close appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

I recently had my garage door springs replaced, and they are shaking and making loud noises when closing. Looking to troubleshoot this problem.

Tyler C.

Answer:

There are two main reasons why your newly installed garage door springs are shaking and making noises:

1. Spring Coils Binding During the Twisting Motion

When your garage door goes up or down, the spring’s coil expands and contracts as it twists. This twisting motion can cause the coil to bind, shake, and make popping noises. If this is the case, lubricate the spring all across its coil. Do not lubricate the cones. Then, open and close the garage door a couple of times to ensure the oil seeps in. Repeat the process if needed. Do not over-lubricate to prevent oil leaks onto your garage door.

2. Wrong Springs Installed

It is possible that your garage door repair company installed the wrong size spring. An incorrect size may lead to shaking and noises due to excessive or insufficient torque affecting the garage door. To check if your garage door springs are the correct size, you can test the door balance by first releasing the door from the opener while it’s in the closed position. Slowly lift the door to the halfway point, then lift it to the quarter-way point. The door should stay in place and feel relatively easy to open and close. A minor deviation should not affect the garage door or cause problems.

What Should You Do?

If you tried to lubricate the springs and it didn’t work, or if you’ve found that your springs aren’t the right size and the garage door is not properly balanced, contact your garage door company and ask them to come back and inspect the work. Politely explain the problem and ask them to fix the issue under warranty.

The post New Garage Door Springs Are Shaking and Making Loud Noises appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

My garage door spring broke recently, so I had both springs replaced by a garage door company. They did a good job repairing my garage door, but they installed two new springs that aren’t the same length and size. Is that a problem?

Nancy L.

Answer:

No. Two springs that aren’t the same length and size won’t affect the garage door’s performance and shouldn’t cause any problems with your garage door. In fact, some garage doors might even come this way from the manufacturer.

The post Should My Garage Door Springs Be the Same Size? appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

I have a 16×7, 200-pound garage door. It’s insulated, with windows, and has tracks with a 12” radius and 4” drums. What is the right spring for my garage door?

Faris O.

Answer:

Based on the information you provided, the right torsion springs for your garage door are a pair of 225 x 1-3/4” x 29”.

The post What’s the Right Spring for My 16×7 Insulated Door? appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

What should be the speed of my garage door when it’s opening and closing?

– Daniel A.

Answer:

The standard speed for a garage door is 6 inches per second. The speed is fixed for most garage door openers and cannot be adjusted. Note that while the standard speed is 6 inches per second, some garage doors can open or close at speeds of up to 12 inches per second.

You can calculate how long your garage door should take to open or close by using the following simple formula: garage door height in inches divided by 6 equals the typical travel speed.

For example, if your garage door is 7 feet high, it should take approximately 14 seconds to open or close. If it’s 8 feet high, it should take around 16 seconds, and so on.

Troubleshooting Speed Problems with Your Garage Door

If your garage door is opening slowly or slamming shut, it may indicate that there’s a problem. The issue could be related to the balance, springs, binding, or the opener itself. To troubleshoot the problem, start by inspecting the springs for breakage and testing the balance of your garage door.

The post What Should Be the Speed of My Garage Door? appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.

Question:

My garage door just broke, and I have home insurance coverage. Should I call the insurance company to fix it?

– Diana P.

Answer:

Hello Diana, home insurance companies have terms and conditions that limit their coverage. Since they charge a service fee ranging from $75 to $150, you should confirm that your garage door is indeed covered before you have them come out.

Based on our experience working with insurance companies, in most cases, they only cover your home appliances, including the electric garage door opener, but not the garage door itself or any repairs related to it. Keep in mind that they will charge a service fee whether the repairs are covered or not.

The post Should I Call My Home Insurance to Fix My Garage Door? appeared first on Champion Garage Door Repair.