Diagnosing Remote Malfunctions
I have a Liftmaster/Craftsman opener. My remotes won’t work, but the wall button does. There are two reasons for this kind of malfunction on a Liftmaster or Craftsman garage door opener. The first and most straightforward way to diagnose this problem is to check if your opener has the remote lock turned on. You can only access this function if you have the correct wall control that includes a lock button.
Understanding the Remote Lock Feature
If you have a doorbell button for your garage door opener, you cannot use the remote lock function. This means that there is no way to lock out the remote with just a doorbell-type button; you would need a wall control. To determine if the remote lock is activated, look at the wall button—the green light will be flashing. To unlock or lock out the remote, hold the button down for a second or two. Sometimes, people accidentally hit this button and lock out their remotes without realizing it.
Checking the Batteries
The other straightforward solution is to ensure you have good batteries in your garage door remotes. Weak batteries can cause intermittent or complete failure when trying to operate the door. Replacing the batteries can be a quick fix that saves you further troubleshooting.
Complications with the Receiver Board
Now, for the more complicated aspect of this malfunction: the receiver board in your garage door opener. This component is part of the control board that manages all the functions of your opener. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to replace on Liftmaster and Craftsman openers. However, finding a receiver board or control board might pose a challenge.
Differentiating Between Brands
In contrast to Liftmaster and Craftsman, Genie garage door openers—especially older models—have a separate receiver board. These boards are also easy to find and replace. If you have more than one remote and both are not working, it’s highly unlikely that both remotes failed simultaneously.
When to Call a Professional
If you are not mechanically inclined, it is advisable to hire a garage door technician to replace any control or receiver boards in your opener. Mishandling these components can lead to further complications. A small amount of static electricity from your fingers could render them useless instantly.
Safety Precautions During Repairs
If you decide to replace any control boards or receiver boards yourself, you will find thorough instructions available online. However, always remember to unplug your opener before installing any control boards. Failing to do so can short out sensitive components. It’s simply the safest approach. I have encountered electrical shocks even after unplugging the unit, as electricity can still exist temporarily in the components.
Preventing Electrical Shock
Whenever you are dealing with digital control boards, it is essential to wear rubber-soled shoes. Touching a metal object can help release any static electricity you may have accumulated. Following these guidelines will help keep you safe while working on your garage door opener.