skip to main content

Garages/Workshops

Sears Craftman Garage Door Opener Problem

15 years ago

I have a sears Craftsman 1/2HP Garage Door Opener that is 13 yrs. old. It had been working fine. Now when I push the button to close the door (from any of the remote transmitters or wall unit) it starts, but stops immediately (similar to when the sensors are not properly aligned).

I checked the sensors and they appear to work fine. I even by-passed the sensors by disconnecting them from terminal 2 & 3 and putting in a jumper wire. No change.

I adjusted the downward force becasue I thought the garage door may be binding. No change.

I disconnected the garage door from the trolley just in case it was binding. No change.

So, I think i have iosolated the unit itself as the problem, but don't know where to go from here. If you hold the transmit button down on the wall unit the door will go all the way down. It also opens fine when you push the remote or wall unit button.

Any suggestions?

thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

don_1_2006
15 years ago
Number one you have a sensor problem. Number two you cannot bypass the sensors.
zzclg0
15 years ago
I am having the same problem right now with my garage door opener. I hit the remote on the wall and it goes down and comes back up immediately. Don 1 2006 says it's a sensor problem. Don't know what I should do? What can I do to fix the sensor problem?
Related Discussions
Sears Garage door opener problem
Q
Comments (33)
I've been reading quite a few posts regarding issues with the Craftsman openers and wondering to myself, was it a smart way to go? I guess hind sight is 20/20. So, Christmas '07 we purchased a Craftsman 1/2 HP garage door opener as a gift for my mother-in-law. Less than 1.5 years later we're experiencing the same symptoms as schneider-rolfo. Door will not open or close or make any noise whatsoever when using either the remote or the hardwired console. The remote stopped working a few months ago and replacing batteries didn't resolve. Now, neither console or remote do anything. I noticed that one of the sensors' LEDs will not light regardless of alignment while the other is working (I don't recall if it's green or amber, but know that it is lit.) Could the issue be caused by a faulty sensor or might it be something else more serious? Sears, who did the install, wants $65 just to come out to diagnose the problem and I'm sure it will be more to have them fix any issues as the warranty on these I've been told are only 60 or 90 days. Any thoughts before I spend the cost of a new opener to get someone out to look at and repair it? Thanks.
...See More
Sears 139.53615SR Garage Door Open Problems
Q
Comments (3)
Okay you first say it won't open and now you say it won't close. At least you are not saying it won't do either. Check to see if the trolley is jammed against the bolt just in front of the motor unit. If so, remove the bolt and run the opener until the door closes. Now you need to adjust the 'up limit' which is on the side of the motor unit. Turn this about 3 turns in the opposite direction of the arrow printed on the cover. Be sure to replace the bolt.
...See More
Sears Garage Door Opener problem
Q
Comments (3)
I'm having a similar problem. I increased the "up force" and it worked fine once. When I tried it again it still got hung up a couple of feet above the ground. I increased it again and it worked once and then had the same problem. Is my motor going or do I just need to keep increasing the up force until it works fine on a regular basis?
...See More
Sears Garage door opener problem
Q
Comments (1)
I would make sure all the connections are tight. Check the two connections on the rear of the wall control. If they check out I think you would be ahead to replace that unit.
...See More
profile341
15 years ago
Cold weather affects the receive unit of older Craftsman garage door sensors. You've tried tweaking the alignment. You've checked the connections. Everthing is as it was when it worked but now the weather is cold and the garage door won't close. The green light on the receiver is off. You've tried warming the sensor with a hair drier and it miraculously woke up after a few minutes of gentle heat. Well, are you ready to fix this thing or replace it? Let's fix it. Remove the clip on wire and unscrew the sensor from the bracket so you can hold it in your hand. Notice the seam that runs lengthwise along the unit. Using a sturdy blade such as a carpet cutting knife, score the seam several times being careful not to apply too much pressure or cut yourself. Carefully pry the shell into two parts. Be careful not to lose the lens when separating the pieces. Gently lift out the printed circuit board. On this board are two electrolytic capacitors. One is 470uf at 10 volts. The other is 1uf at 50 volts. (Probably only the 470uf part is bad but I replaced both capacitors because I don't like doing the same job twice). Go to Radio Shack or your favorite parts supplier and buy replacements. Solder them in observing the correct polarity. The board has a plus sign near the hole through which the positive side of the capacitor goes through. If you are unsure how to solder the parts in, find the nearest geek on the block and pay him a few bucks to do it for you. Put the two halves back together and use black electrical tape or whatever you've got (no duct tape pleeez!) to hold it together. Plug in the cord and mount it back on the bracket and tilt up and down until the light comes on.
You are in business again for about 5 bucks worth of parts and a little of your time. Alternatively, you can buy a new set of sensors for about 30 bucks.

RE: Craftsman Garage door opener
One last post: I took the old capacitors to work with me and put them on a cap checker. My suspicion was correct. The 1uf capacitor was still good and the 470uf capacitor was bad. So you don't need to replace both unless you really want to. Just replace the 470uf capacitor and your repair cost has now dropped to about 2 bucks worth of a part and your time.
PS: When you tape the two halves together, run the tape lengthwise along the seam, one piece on the top and and another on the bottom. The mounting screw will keep the halves together. You just want to keep the dust out.
tenringx_comcast_net
13 years ago
My 1/2 HP opener, the lights have stopped working on it. It is the model with one light on each side of the opener. Model 41A-5483-2B, where can I order a board for it.
don_1_2006
13 years ago
Don't order a board. Unplug the opener and remove the bulbs. Use a small screwdriver and pry out on the center contact in the light socket. Replace the bulbs and plug the opener in.
w_zwarych_sympatico_ca
13 years ago
I HAVE REPLACED MY GEAR ASSEMBLY, BUT WITHUIN ONE MONTH THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED,THE GEAR WORE DOWN. SHOULD I REPLACED THE BUSHING THEY SENT WITH THE NEW GEAR.
don_1_2006
13 years ago
Replace all the parts for your model. Shortcuts will only have you doing the job all over.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES The Hidden Problems in Old Houses

By Matt Clawson

Before snatching up an old home, get to know what you’re in for by understanding the potential horrors that lurk below the surface

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Problem Solving on a Sloped Lot in Austin

By Matthew Ankeny

A tricky lot and a big oak tree make building a family’s new home a Texas-size adventure

WINDOWS Open Walls Widen Home Possibilities

By Samantha Schoech

Doing away with the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, open walls add space, light and drama to a home

KITCHEN DESIGN Have Your Open Kitchen and Close It Off Too

By Jennifer Ott Design

Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Pushing Boundaries in a San Francisco Victorian

By Mary Jo Bowling

If the roll-up garage door doesn’t clue you in, the blue cabinets and oversize molding will: This kitchen is no ordinary Victorian galley

KITCHEN STORAGE Style Your Open Kitchen Shelving Like a Pro

By Laura Gaskill

Follow these do’s and don’ts for arranging items on your kitchen shelves

GARAGES Not Just for Cars: Garage Doors for the Home

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

See how the nontraditional use of a garage door could transform your living space

GARAGES Automotive-Related Architecture: Modern Garage Doors

Sleek Glass and Wood Garage Doors Have Appeal Both Outdoors and In

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replace or Revamp Your Garage Doors

By Laura Gaskill

Boost curb appeal and maybe even security with new garage doors. Find out cost ranges and other important details here

ENTRYWAYS 7 Ways to Make the Front Entry Matter Again

Curb appeal: See how designers play down the garage and celebrate the front door

Sponsored

Structural Remodeling

Franklin County's Heavy Timber Specialists | Best of Houzz 2020!

More Discussions

No curb appeal due to huge garage

10

Total Renovation & Addition - 1963 Brick Ranch

7

Complementing doors

0

Garage Conversion Help

5

Detached Garage Help

2