Q: How do I know if I need to replace the starter capacitor of my garage door opener?
A: The capacitor is kind of like a big fuse and it is what starts and stops the motor. It is about 2-3 inches long and tubular in shape, filled with chemicals and paper. When it loses its seal, the paper inside can burn from the electrical wires heating up, causing the capacitor to smoke. Sometimes, while it is smoking, it might make a whistling sound.
The Importance of Capacitor Replacement
A capacitor is by far one of the inexpensive parts to replace on an opener unit. Every door technician should have one on his truck at all times, as it is a very common problem. If a technician tells you your unit needs to be replaced because it’s smoking, ask him to just replace the capacitor first and see if that resolves the issue. If a new capacitor does not solve the malfunction, then a new opener unit may be needed.
Signs of a Failing Capacitor
Just because a capacitor has not started to smoke or produces funny smells from heating up does not mean it hasn’t gone bad. Many times, you can tell when a capacitor is bad if you hear the motor click when you hit a remote button or wall button. In some instances, it might also produce a humming noise. The motor cannot start and stop properly because that is the primary function of the capacitor.
When to Replace Your Capacitor
If your capacitor is displaying any of these problems, you should probably consider replacing it. If you are planning to do this yourself, you’ll need to take out the old capacitor and look for the numbers printed on the side, which tell you what size capacitor you will need. Some openers may require two capacitors, especially if you have a ¾ HP opener unit.
Safety Precautions When Replacing a Capacitor
Remember, if you’re trying to replace the capacitor yourself, the first thing you need to do is unplug the opener unit. Failing to do so could result in a shock, which can be painful and lead to serious accidents, such as falling off a ladder.
Replacing the Capacitor: A Step-by-Step Guide
There are usually four wires that plug into a capacitor, so you’ll need to remember where those four wires go when you install the new capacitor. The easiest way to do this is to loosen the screw that holds the capacitor in place and let it hang from the wires that connect to it. Next, hold the new capacitor close to the old one and remove one wire at a time. Unplug the wires from the old capacitor and plug them into the same position on the new capacitor. This ensures that the wires are in the correct place.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively manage the maintenance of your garage door opener and keep it running smoothly.