Garage Door Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
Expert advice to resolve garage door issues quickly and safely
Common Gliderol Garage Door Problems and Solutions
When your garage door isn’t operating correctly, it can be both frustrating and concerning. This troubleshooting guide covers common garage door problems and offers practical solutions to help you identify and potentially resolve issues with your Gliderol garage door.
Garage Door Not Opening or Won’t Close – Possible Causes:
Power Issues
- Check if the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power
- Verify circuit breakers haven’t tripped
- Replace remote batteries (CR2016 3V lithium cell for most Gliderol remotes)
Obstruction
- Check for objects blocking safety sensors
- Look for debris in garage door tracks or around the door
Misaligned Sensors
- For doors with photo sensors, ensure they are properly aligned (the control panel may display “IR” if there’s an issue)
- Clean sensor lenses if they appear dirty
Motor Disconnected
- Check if the emergency release cord has been pulled (the manual thrust block should be locked in place)
- Re-engage according to your specific Gliderol model instructions
Quick Fix Tips
- If using a remote, try the wall-mounted control panel first to rule out remote issues
- Check for any objects breaking the safety sensor beam
- Test the power outlet with another device to confirm power supply
- For sectional doors, check if the door is locked manually
Garage Door Starts to Close Then Reverses – Possible Causes:
Safety Sensor Interference
- Objects or debris interrupting the sensor beam
- Sun glare affecting sensors at certain times of day
Force Settings Too Low
- Door force settings may need adjustment (on Gliderol Genesis/Optima models, the default setting is F5)
Track Obstructions
- Check for objects or debris in the door track
- Look for bent or damaged sections of track
Quick Fix Tips
- Clean sensors with a soft cloth
- Check for and remove any objects in the door’s path
- Inspect tracks for debris and clean if necessary
- Shield sensors from direct sunlight if that appears to be the issue
- For Gliderol Genesis/Optima models, check force settings via the control panel (Settings P2, adjust between F1-F9, with F5 being the default)
- Test door auto-reverse by placing a 40mm wooden block on the ground – the door should reverse upon contact
Door Makes Unusual Noises – Possible Causes:
Loose Hardware
- Bolts and fixings may have worked loose over time (check track brackets and U-shaped buckles)
Worn Rollers or Hinges
- Metal rollers can wear down or become noisy
- Hinges may need lubrication
Spring Issues
- Torsion springs may have become unbalanced or damaged
Quick Fix Tips
- Tighten any visible loose bolts or brackets (while door is closed)
- Apply suitable lubricant to moving parts (hinges, rollers, springs)
- Check for worn rollers or hinges that may need replacement
Safety Warning: Never attempt to adjust or repair door springs yourself. These are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury. Always contact a professional for spring-related issues.
Remote Control Not Working – Possible Causes:
Battery Issues
- Flat or poorly connected batteries
- Gliderol remotes typically use 3V lithium cell CR2016 batteries
Range Problems
- Interference from other electronic devices
- Distance too great for signal strength
Programming Issues
- Remote may need reprogramming to sync with opener
- For Genesis/Optima models, the “CODE” button on the control panel is used for programming
Quick Fix Tips
Replace batteries (3V lithium cell CR2016 for most Gliderol remotes)
- Move closer to the garage when pressing the remote
- Check remote buttons for damage or wear
For Genesis/Optima models, reprogram the remote by:
- Press the ‘CODE’ button on the opener
- Press and hold the desired button on your remote until the display flashes
- If reprogramming doesn’t work, try erasing all remote codes (hold ‘CODE’ button for 8+ seconds) and reprogram
Control Panel Error Displays – Gliderol Genesis/Optima Openers:
”IR” Display
- Photo sensors are enabled but not working or connected
- Either connect sensors properly or disable photo sensor functionality (in P3 settings, change from H1 to H0)
Flashing Numbers
- Refer to your Gliderol manual for specific error codes
- Self-diagnostic features will display specific issue codes
Door is Unbalanced or Off-Track – Possible Causes:
Track Damage
- Bent or misaligned tracks
Roller Issues
- Rollers have come out of the track
Spring Problems
- Uneven tension or broken springs
Quick Fix Tips
- Visually inspect tracks for obvious bending or misalignment
- Check rollers to see if any have jumped the track
- Important: Do not operate a door that is off-track as it may cause further damage
Professional Help Required: An unbalanced door or one that has come off its tracks generally requires professional repair. This is not recommended as a DIY fix due to safety concerns and potential for further damage.
Door Specific Troubleshooting
- Roller Door
Common Issues:
Door is difficult to lift manually
- Springs may need tension adjustment
- Tracks might be obstructed or damaged
Door makes grinding or scraping sounds
- Could indicate insufficient lubrication
- Potential track damage
Door sticks when opening or closing
- Weather seals may be damaged or sticking
- Track alignment issues (check that tracks are level as specified in manuals)
Quick Fix Tips
- Apply appropriate lubricant to the moving parts
- Inspect weather seals for damage and clean any debris
- Check curtain alignment in the tracks
Door Specific Troubleshooting
- Sectional Door
Common Issues:
Panels are damaged or separated
- Impact damage can affect door operation
Door is heavy to lift manually
- Spring tension issues
- If spring is over tensioned the door will not close fully
- If spring is under tensioned door will be heavy to lift
- Broken cable or pulley system
Gaps appearing between panels
- Hinges may be loose or damaged
- Panel damage affecting alignment
Quick Fix Tips
- Inspect hinges and tighten any loose screws or bolts
- Check rollers for smooth movement in tracks
- Ensure the track brackets are securely fastened to the wall
Motor and Opener Issues
Common Motor Problems – Possible Issues:
Motor hums but door doesn’t move
- Gear damage inside opener
- Disconnected door arm
Motor stops working mid-cycle
- Thermal overload protection activated
- Electrical issues or power fluctuations
Motor operates but door movement is jerky
- Chain/belt tension issues
- Obstructions in track or worn components
Quick Fix Tips
- Check if the manual release has been activated
- Allow motor to cool if it has been operating repeatedly
- Inspect chain/belt tension (refer to your user manual for guidance)
Common Motor Programming Issues –
Genesis and Optima Models:
Door stops too early or hits the ground too hard
- Adjust the travel limits by holding ‘SET’ until P1 appears, then follow the screen prompts
- A properly set door will stop at the right position without straining the motor
Door reverses when it shouldn’t or doesn’t reverse for obstacles
- Adjust the force settings (P2 menu) – higher for heavier doors, lower for lighter doors
- Test with a 40mm block on the ground to ensure proper safety reversal
For GRD and Rollamatic Models:
Remote control not working
- Press and hold ‘ENTER’, then use up and down arrows to select ‘LEARN’ button on the unit, press ‘ENTER’ then press your remote button. A beep will signal for successful coding. Two beeps signal for a transmitter already in memory.
- Replace remote batteries if programming fails (CR2016 3V lithium)
Door doesn’t complete its travel cycle
- Check connections and refer to specific error codes in your manual
- Each flash pattern on the unit provides a specific diagnostic clue
When to Call a Professional
While many minor issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting, some problems require professional attention:
Contact a Gliderol professional garage door technician immediately if:
- Springs are visibly damaged or broken
- Cables have snapped or come off the drum
- The door has fallen off its tracks
- The door is severely unbalanced
- The motor has burned out or is smoking
- You hear grinding sounds from the motor
- Safety features are not working correctly
- The door has sustained significant impact damage
Safety Note: Attempting to repair springs, cables, or major structural components without proper training and tools is dangerous. These components are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled.
Preventative Maintence Tips
Regular maintenance can prevent many common problems and is required to maintain warranty coverage:
Monthly Checks:
- Test safety reversal feature by placing a 40mm block in the door’s path
- Check and clean photo-eye sensors
- Listen for unusual noises during operation
- Visually inspect cables, rollers, and tracks
Quarterly Maintenance:
- Lubricate moving parts according to Gliderol specifications (rollers, hinges, springs)
- Tighten any loose hardware
- Test manual operation
- Check weather seals for damage or wear
Professional Servicing:
- For Roller Doors, Gliderol recommends servicing every 24 months
- For Sectional Doors, servicing every 18-24 months is recommended
- For GRD Heavy Duty & Dual Roller Door Operators, servicing every 18-24 months is recommended
- For Genesis/Optima operators, servicing every 18 months is recommended
- Regular servicing is required to maintain warranty coverage for motorised doors
Important Note: The Gliderol warranty recommends specific servicing intervals for different door types. Failure to maintain regular servicing by an authorised Gliderol Distributor or Technician may affect your warranty coverage, particularly for motorised components.
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Door Type
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Service Interval
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Garage Door Safety
Always prioritise safety when troubleshooting your garage door:
- Never place fingers between door sections or near moving parts
- Keep children away from the door during operation
- Use a stepladder, not chairs or boxes, when inspecting higher components
- Turn off power to the opener before performing any maintenance
- Never remove or adjust springs or cables
- Test safety features monthly
Common Questions
How can I tell if my garage door springs need replacing?
Signs include visible gaps or stretching in the springs, door imbalance, difficulty in manual operation, or unusual noises during operation. Spring replacement should always be performed by a professional due to safety risks.
Will lubricating my garage door help with noise problems?
Yes, in many cases. Use a silicone-based lubricant on hinges, rollers, and tracks. Avoid using WD-40 or oil-based products as these can attract dust and cause build-up. Always refer to your user manual for recommended lubricants.
My door reverses before touching the ground. How do I fix this?
This usually indicates an issue with the close limit settings or safety sensors. Check for objects breaking the sensor beam and clean the sensors. If the problem persists, the close limit may need adjustment by a professional.
How often should I test my garage door's safety features?
Monthly testing is recommended. Place an object in the door’s path to test the auto-reverse feature, and check that the door reverses when breaking the safety sensor beam.
Need Professional Help?
If you’ve attempted basic troubleshooting without success, our team of garage door specialists are ready to help.
