Tell-tale Signs That You Need a Garage Door Motor Repair

When you have an automatic garage door, you probably take the garage door motors for granted. Garage door maintenance may be the last thing on your mind.

Garage door openers that have been working well for years often deteriorate slowly, and you might not notice when they begin to falter. However, these warning signs can tell you that your motor is on the fritz and needs attention from experienced technicians.

How to Troubleshoot Common Garage Door Opener Issues

When your garage door won’t open or close, it can be frustrating, but there are a few basic steps you can take to troubleshoot and repair the issue. Start by checking the garage door remote control—replace the batteries to ensure it's functioning correctly. If that doesn’t fix the issue, examine the garage door safety sensors. These are located on either side of the door near the bottom and should be aligned properly. If the sensors are dirty or misaligned, they can stop the garage door from closing or cause it to reverse unexpectedly.

If the sensors are working but the garage door opener motor isn’t responding, you may have an issue with the motor unit or the cord and lift mechanism. Try manually lifting the door to see if there’s resistance; if it’s heavy or difficult to lift, the problem could be with the garage door springs. For more complicated issues, like a faulty opener's motor, you’ll need to consult a professional garage door technician who can diagnose and repair the garage door opener safely.

The Door Shakes When Opening and Closing

If your garage door is shaking, it is probably the result of an alignment issue. A shaky garage door could be due to one or more of the following garage door issues:

• A broken spring
• Bent garage door tracks
• Misaligned rollers or tracks

This shaking may indicate that parts of your setup need to be adjusted, but if this happens frequently then there's likely an issue with your motor.

The Door Opens Much Slower Than Usual

When your garage door opens much more slowly than usual, you should check the chain and trolley. If they are dirty or damaged, you should clean them with a brush and lubricate them with a little oil to get them working as well as new.

If this does not work, you should check the door springs. They can be replaced so that the opening and closing process returns to its normal speed.

You also need to make sure that there is nothing wrong with your motor or sensors. The motor may be malfunctioning if it's making unusual noises when it starts up or stops operating suddenly. It may need to be replaced altogether or just some maintenance work done on it (depending on how old it is).

Look for any loose cables leading into or out of the motor itself. Fixing them will restore normal functionality - provided everything else has been checked first.

The Door is Off its Track

If your garage door is off track and not closing properly, it can be a sign that:

• It was knocked by a car (Check if the tracks have any dents or bends as this can cause problems with your garage door)
• The garage door spring is broken
• The garage door cable snapped

Whatever caused the door to go off its tracks, ignoring the problem could lead to serious injuries.

The Motor is Making Strange Noises

The motor is the heart of your garage door’s operation. If yours is not working properly, then neither will your garage door.

Most squeaks are not dangerous for your door and can simply be fixed by cleaning and lubricating the tracks regularly with WD-40. However, when a garage door makes strange noises, it could be a sign of problems with the motor or other parts.

Should you hear any unusual sounds when you open or close your garage door, it is time to call in a technician – especially if the noisy garage door occurs suddenly or frequently, or if there are other problems with your garage.

What Causes a Garage Door Motor to Fail?

There are several reasons why a garage door motor fails. One of the most common causes is simple wear and tear from frequent use. Over time, parts like the motor unit and chains can become worn, which may cause the garage door opener motor to operate inefficiently or fail altogether. The type of garage door opener model you have also plays a role—older models are more prone to issues like overheating and mechanical failure.

Another frequent cause is poor garage door installation. If the opener motor isn’t properly aligned with the tracks, it can struggle to lift the door, eventually burning out the motor. Misaligned or damaged safety sensors can also contribute to motor strain. If the motor is constantly trying to open or close the door but detects an obstruction, it can cause unnecessary stress on the system.

In addition, harsh weather conditions can cause garage door-related issues. Extreme cold can cause the motor’s lubricant to thicken, while heat can lead to motor overheating. Regular maintenance can help identify issues early, reducing the chances that your garage door motor will fail.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Opener Motor?

The cost to replace a garage door opener motor depends on several factors, including the type of garage door opener and the complexity of the job. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a new motor, but this cost can rise depending on the garage door opener model and any additional replacement parts needed.

If you need to replace the garage door opener completely, the cost could range from $300 to $600, especially if you’re upgrading to a more modern system with smart features. Keep in mind that the type of motor you choose—whether chain-driven, belt-driven, or screw-driven—can also influence the overall price.

For those looking to save, hiring a professional garage door technician for an evaluation can help determine whether a repair is possible before opting for a full replacement. While the cost to repair a garage door opener is generally lower than replacement, if the opener’s motor is severely damaged, a replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.

When to Replace a Garage Door Opener vs. Repair It

Knowing when to replace a garage door opener versus opting for a repair can save you both time and money. If your garage door motor is making unusual noises or struggling to open or close the door, it may just need a simple repair. For example, issues like misaligned garage door tracks, loose cables, or worn-out safety sensors can often be resolved by a garage door technician without needing a full replacement.

However, if the garage door motor has significant wear and tear, especially after 10-15 years of use, you might need to replace the opener. Modern garage door openers also come with enhanced safety features, such as smart controls and better energy efficiency, which might make a replacement a better option. If your garage door opener is failing despite multiple repairs or no longer meets your needs, investing in a new system may be the more cost-effective and convenient choice in the long term.

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to call the specialists at a garage door repair company. More often than not, the problem will only escalate if left unattended.

At Tri-Lakes Garage Doors, we can diagnose why your garage door is not working properly. Let us identify any issues with your motor and make recommendations on how best to fix them.

What are you waiting for? Get in touch with Tri-Lakes Garage Doors today and ask about our garage door motor replacement services.