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Garage door opener behaving badly

17 years ago

I have your typical ten-year-old 1/2 hp Sears garage door opener. Several months ago it began randomly failing to operate. Sometimes the door would partially open, but more often the motor and lights would be totally unresponsive for days or weeks. Suddenly the system would operate normally for a few days, followed again by another stretch of deadness. I eventually became accustomed to getting out of the car and opening that dang door myself.

The problem seems to have something to do with the receiving safety sensor, as indicated by its unlit green light. Until recemtly, if I unplugged the power cord and plugged it back in, I would hear a "click" from the housing, the dead sensor light would light up, and all would operate perfectly for an hour or two.

Now, however, if that sensor light does decide to light up, it will within several seconds slowly fade out as if power is draining away. The sending sensor will shine steadily, as will the lightbulbs. The trolley may or may not move when asked to, depending on its mood.

I have good reason to believe the system is mechanically sound. What would cause this electrical failure and how do I fix it? Should I try replacing the capacitor?

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Comments (2)

Don_
17 years ago
The door sensors only affect the opening of the door. The capacitor only starts the motor. Your problem sounds like an intermittent logic board most likely caused by a lightning strike. I would get professional help or replace the opener.
hankshanker
Original Author
17 years ago
You know, Don, I was afraid that replacement was going to be the answer, too. If that opener didn't torment me with random perfect operation, I probably would have given up on it long ago.

So I went back to it a couple of nights ago to jiggle all the wires one more time, bang on the logic board, whisper sweet nothings to it and such. Only this time I pulled the jack completely out of that balking sensor, which I guess I had never tried before. Plugged that sucker back in and lo and behold the whole system comes back to life and has been in perfect working order since.

Cost to repair: $0
Eight months of suffering: priceless
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