There are several reasons why an opener remote control might not operate properly and may have range problems, including working only sometimes, only at close distances, or not working altogether. In this article, we explore the possible causes and the right way to go about solving the problem.
Troubleshooting and Fixing Opener Remote Signal in 3 Steps
1. The garage door opener consistently responds to the remote control and keypad, but the garage door won’t close, won’t open, is making noise, or the light is flashing: Possible issues include a mechanical problem with the garage door or electrical problem with the opener. Learn how to fix problems with the garage door not closing, not opening, not moving, or making noises.
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2. The door opener is unresponsive to remote controls and keypads, and programming to the opener is not possible: Possible issues include a depleted remote battery, a defective remote, or a faulty receiver component. Begin by replacing the remote battery or the remote control or keypad. If the remotes still do not work and cannot be programmed, replace the receiver.
3. The door opener inconsistently responds to remote controls and keypads. Although they can be programmed to the opener, remotes and keypads work intermittently, only from close range, and may not work from outside the garage, leading to the garage door not opening or closing with the remote: Possible causes include defective remotes or a frequency interference problem. Begin by replacing the remote battery or the remote control or keypad. If the issue persists, update the opener frequency.
Why a Garage Door Remote Only Works Sometimes or in Close Range
One of the most common causes for the remote and keypad not working, working intermittently or only up close is Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). This occurs when an electric device in the area is emitting electromagnetic noise that interferes with the garage door opener’s frequency, and preventing the opener from receiving the remote’s signal. It could be any electric device that you’ve owned and used for years and just started to emit electromagnetic noise due to recent voltage spikes or surges.
Frequency interference issues have become more common in our modern times because of technology and the increasing use of electric devices. It’s no longer just household appliances, but wireless devices that can increase the chances of interference. Below are just some of the common everyday objects that may generate electromagnetic noise, causing your garage door opener to malfunction.
- Wireless devices, including Wi-Fi touters, cell phones, various mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and cordless phones.
- Home appliances, including microwaves, hairdryers that have DC motors, electric hair trimmers, fluorescent, LED lightbulbs, and garage door openers.
- Household items that have a switching load above 2 amps, including toaster ovens, air conditioners, electric blankets, food processors, etc.
- Audio and visual equipment, including camcorders and electronic camera shutters.
- Any electric device with a circuit board.
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Cases of garage door opener remotes that only work sometimes, from close distances, or simply don’t work at all are not uncommon. There have been several instances over the years, some making the news, including the Rancho Garage Doors Mystery and the Ohio City Garage Door Blackout.
How to Fix Range Problems with Garage Door Openers of All Makes and Models
There are few possible ways to fix range problems and frequency interference with your garage door without having to spend money or contact a garage door repair company.
In case that you use LED lightbulbs and haven’t tried to remove them yet, this may be a quick and easy fix as some LED bulbs might emit electromagnetic noise that interferes with the opener’s frequency.
You can try unplugging all the electrical devices in your household one by one to identify and eliminate the interference source. If the garage or building in which the garage door opener is installed is constructed from steel or metal beams, installing an extension for the opener’s antenna may solve the problem.
If none of the basic solutions worked, you may need to change the frequency of the garage door opener to 310, 315, and 390 MHz Tri-Band. This can be done by replacing the opener unit with a modern one or by retrofitting a receiver, such as the Liftmaster 850LM universal receiver.
While the 850LM comes at a cost, this receiver is compatible with almost any garage door opener available on the market. It is considered one of the best solutions for addressing connectivity and frequency interference issues with remote controls that don’t work from outside, work only in close range, have lost range, or only work sometimes.
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The receiver should be purchased with a Liftmaster 85LM transformer (or any other transformer with power input of 105 – 135 AC, and output of 100mA @ 22VAC), in addition to compatible remotes and keypads (if you use keypads). The programming is being done to the receiver itself, not to the opener. You’ll need to program your car to the receiver as well (if you use its HomLink feature).
How to Fix Range Problems with LiftMaster, Chamberlain & Craftsman Openers
Range problems and interference issues with LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Craftsman garage door openers that were manufactured between 1998 and 2010 (with a red, orange or purple smart learn button), can be solved with upgrading the opener to myQ security+ 2.0 system that works on Tri-Band technology and frequencies of 310, 315 and 390 MHz.
It can be done by replacing the existing wall button with a smart Liftmaster 889LM wall button. Openers that were manufactured between 1998 and 2010 work on a 315Mhz single frequency so any older remotes will need to be replaced as well. The new remotes should be programed to the 889LM wall button itself, not to the opener.
How to Fix Range Problems with Genie Garage Door Openers
Range problems and interference issues with Genie garage door openers can be fixed by retrofitting the Genie GIRUD-1T Universal Conversion Kit. This kit operates on a dual frequency of 315MHz and 390MHz. If the opener continues to experience interference issues even with the new kit, consider mounting the kit away from the garage door opener and right next to the garage door.
Fixing Range Problems with an Updated Frequency
If the opener frequency has been updated to Tri-Band technology and the opener is still experiencing interference problems, the only solution is to override the interference by using the opener through Wi-Fi connectivity. This feature enables users to make their opener smart by connecting it to their home’s Wi-Fi network and using their smart devices as a remote control. Wi-Fi networks operate on higher frequencies, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are less sensitive to common electromagnetic noise and interference.
Fixing Garage Door Range Problems – Final Thoughts
The first step in fixing garage door opener remotes and keypads that only work when up close, work intermittently, or have lost range is to address potential issues and common problems that are relatively easy to fix. This includes replacing the remote’s batteries and ensuring that the door sensors are properly aligned. Then, gradually progress to more complex problems, such as replacing the receiver and addressing potential interference. Consult a licensed garage door repair company if needed.
Range Issues FAQ
- All of your garage door remotes have suddenly stopped working, and nothing has changed. What could be causing the problem? The receiver component may be defective, or there’s a frequency interference problem.
- What should you do if your garage door will open with the remote but won’t close? Check that the door sensors are properly aligned and powered. Look for an error code coming from the opener’s LED troubleshooting light, and consult your opener owner’s manual.
- How can you fix a frequency interference problem with your garage door? Change and update the garage door opener’s frequency by retrofitting a modern receiver or replacing the opener altogether.
- What should you do if the door opener frequency has already been updated but the garage door is still experiencing range problems? Use Wi-Fi and a smart device to open and close the door.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
