When an error code 1-5 comes on, your garage door opener is telling you that there’s a malfunction. This post provides guidance on fixing garage door opener error code 1-5, also known as error code 15.
3 Ways to Fix Error Code 1-5
Error code 1-5 suggests a few possible issues with your garage door opener rather than a single specific problem. The source of the malfunction can be the electric opener, the garage door, or both. If your garage door opener fails to open or close the garage door, you can use the manual release function until the problem is fixed. Read on to find out how to fix the issue based on your symptoms.
1. The Garage Door Moves 3-6 Inches and Stops
Possible issues include a binding garage door, balance issues, obstructions in the door path, broken or worn rollers, springs, hinges, bent or misaligned tracks, and sections. Begin by disconnecting the garage door from the opener using the manual release, then operate the door manually and test its balance.
Loose or defective wiring and connections to the motherboard and travel module can also trigger error code 1-5. Check the connections and proceed to program the opener limits. If the limits cannot be programmed, replace the travel module and the harness. If the limits can be programmed but the opener won’t memorize the settings, replace the opener’s control board.
2. The Garage Door Doesn’t Move, Opener Makes a Clicking Sound
The opener’s motor might have overheated. Wait for about 10 minutes and try again. If the opener makes a clicking sound and won’t work after 10 minutes, proceed to disconnect the garage door from the opener using the manual release. Test the garage door’s balance and inspect the garage door for any loose, broken, or missing parts, hardware, and structural wear.
Try to operate the door opener up and down with the remote or wall button when it’s not physically engaged to the garage door. Proceed to reprogram the opener limits and force. If it still making a clicking sound, replace the opener’s transformer.
3. The Garage Door Doesn’t Move, Opener Hums or Buzzes
Disconnect the garage door from the opener using the manual release and test the garage door’s balance. Inspect the garage door for any loose, broken, or missing parts, as well as structural wear. Try operating the opener up and down with the remote or wall button when it’s not physically engaged with the garage door. Proceed to reprogram the opener limits and force.
Inspect the trolley to see if it’s stuck against the rail’s end. If it is, release the belt or chain, move the trolley towards the center of the rail, and then retighten it. Proceed to reprogram the opener limits.
Power cycle the opener by unplugging it from the outlet and disconnecting the backup battery (if applicable) for about a minute. If the trolley isn’t stuck against the rail’s end and the opener is still making a humming or buzzing sound, replace the capacitor. Proceed to replace the electric motor if necessary.
Where to Begin?
The best approach to fixing the problem is to try basic troubleshooting steps first. This could involve power cycling the opener, balancing the garage door, and reprogramming the opener’s limits.
Although sometimes error code 1-5 can be an easy fix, in more complex situations, the error can suggest that there are multiple issues with the garage door and the garage door opener. For example, there can be a scenario where multiple defective parts will need replacement, like the control board, the motor and the springs.
Should You Fix an Error Code 1-5 Or Replace the Opener?
Some error codes including error 1-5, are quite broad and may be difficult to troubleshoot. You or the garage door repair company may do all the work replacing one part like the motor for instance, just to find out later that there’s another defective part that needs to be replaced. In situations where multiple parts need replacement, replacing the garage door opener instead of fixing it may be more beneficial.
Cost of Fixing Error Code 1-5
If you choose to fix it yourself, replacement parts for this project can cost anywhere from $40 to $300, depending on the part that needs to be replaced and the opener model number. Hiring a certified garage door repair company to fix an error code 1-5 will typically cost between $300 and $700. Alternatively, replacing the garage door opener altogether will cost between $750 and $3000, depending on the opener model and the intensity of labor required.
