Automatic Garage Door Opener is not working right!!! (Bowie, West: coupon, house)

[LastStraw]

Sometimes when I try to close it, it will start to close and then get stuck.
I've checked and there is nothing blocking the sensors on each side.

Bottom line is.... I need to have a Service Repair person check it out.
It was purchased from Sears.
I would sure appreciate opinions of who would be a good HONEST person to call to fix this.
I am thinking about calling the Sears Repair/Service Department.
But wanted to get advise from some of you. Especially if you have first-hand experience of having done business with a good one. Or maybe even who to avoid using.
Thanks in advance for recommendations, opinions or advise.

.

[Newk]

I had a garage door issue recently that bugged the snot out of me that I think I have resolved. I was having issues closing the garage with the remote after backing out. Well I found out if I turn off the garage motor light before backing out, then the remote will close the garage. I don't know why in the hell that works. But it does. Not sure that helps at all. Sometimes it is just trial and error.

[Bo]

I've used Affordable Overhead Door Co. about 3 times and have always been satisfied. If you decide to use them, don't miss the 10% off coupon on the web site.

If you're handy and want to try a DIY fix first, get a can of silicone spray lubricant, put the concentrator tube on it and spray every hinge on the door. Then run the door up and down a few times.
It might solve the problem more cheaply than a service call.

[TexasRedneck]

Bowie may be on the right track - lube the hinges AND the wheels. Look for anything binding. Disconnect the drive unit and manually run the door up and down while feeling for anything binding/hanging. That's 90% of the problem - most openers today have a circuit to test for "load" that's designed to shut it down if it meets a given resistance.
Oh.....speaking of that - IT could be the problem as well. That circuit is adjustable, and sometimes it'll need to be "tweaked" over time. Get out the owners manual and look for information on adjusting it. If you don't have a manual, google it online with the model number - you'll likely find it.

[catriona]

We have a Craftsman GDO from Sears and have used their repair service with the service contract. If you have more than one Sears appliance, you can bundle it together and save some money. As for their service techs, I have never had a problem with them. They have been prompt and courteous and have fixed the problem quickly. Sometimes when you call the repair center, they will ask you to go through some steps to see if it you can fix it yourself or if they have to send someone out. Had that happen when our GDO had an issue. We were able to fix it using the tech's directions. Some may feel service policies are a rip-off, but for us, it's been a lifesaver and well worth the money invested.

[TexasRedneck]

For someone that's not a "Handyman" type, yeah - service contracts can be handy. Problem for folks like me is that I can usually figure it out myself - and I'm a tightwad!

[majormadmax]

Blame NSA and send the government a bill. No, wait; it broke when a Thunderbird hit Mach III+ over your house during last weekend's airshow!

Or maybe it's some of those black helicopters flying overhead; or those big USAF jets whose contrails are really secret mind-altering fairy dust made from dead aliens from Mars!

Now, where'd my tin foil hat go?!?

[Dopo]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

Blame NSA and send the government a bill.

I'm surprised that you are making fun of that, since we had a long discussion here about the NSA affecting garage door openers on the West side of the city.

KSAT: NW Residents Garage Doors Won't Budge

[majormadmax]

I remember the discussion, which it why I posted my comments satirizing it.

Some folks were blaming NSA for the problem (when it was the military radio system that Federal law states has priority in that bandwidth), much like the guy who claims the F-16s at this past weekend's air show caused the roof of his business to collapse.

Just trying to add some levity to the thread...

[brenty13]

I'm having the same problem. I push the remote and the door goes up half way and stops. One morning, it took me 8 trys before it worked. Every now and then it sticks. I have a Chamberlain GDO. Should I 4in1 oil the GDO track?