The Genie garage door openers are known for their easy install process, quiet operation, and high Intellicode Security technology that prevents unauthorized access to your garage. Genie garage door openers hardly break down, but they are pretty easy to diagnose due to their self-diagnostic Safe-T-Beam system when they do.

You have to learn how to reset the opener and reprogram the remote controls, keypads, and wall console for proper functioning. Then, follow this step-by-step guide on how to diagnose a Genie garage door opener issue to isolate and potentially fix the problem on your own.

How do I reset my Genie garage door opener?

Resetting the Genie garage door opener will erase all the saved settings from all the programmed remote controls. Follow the steps below to erase all programmed remote controls.

• Locate the square Program or Set button on the opener’s motor unit.
• Press and hold the Program or Learn button for about 10 seconds or until the opener light turns off. All programmed remote controls are clear from the opener’s memory.
• To test a successful reset, try pressing the remote control button. The garage door should not run. Now you can reprogram the remote controls to the opener.

Where is the learn button on a Genie garage door opener?

You will find the Learn button of a Genie garage door opener on the rear of the motor unit or powerhead, to the left of the wire terminals. The Learn button is usually a small square or round button labeled ‘LEARN CODE’ or ‘PRGM/SET.’

Check this too: LiftMaster Garage Door Opener How-to & Troubleshooting Guide

How do you program a Genie Opener?

Now that the Genie opener is clear of all remote controls, you must reprogram the following devices to run the garage door correctly. For the proper operation of your garage door opener, there are three programming functions you must set.

1. Travel limits: Settings that control how far the garage door closes or opens.
2. Force setting: This is the power needed to open or close a particular garage door.
3. Remote devices: Pairs the remote controls, including wall controls and keypads, to the opener’s motor unit.

You have to complete each programming step within the 30 second time limit, after which two LEDs will turn red, indicating the time limit has expired, and you must restart.

Programming the down limit

Before programming the travel limit, make sure the opener works with the AC power and not the battery. The Down limit sets how far down the garage door has to travel during a complete closing cycle.

• Press and hold the Down button on the motor unit, and the LED will turn blue.
• Release the Down arrow button, and the LED light will flicker blue.
• Press and hold the Down button until the door fully closes.  If the door closes too low, adjust with the Up button and if it closes too high, adjust with the Down arrow button. The door should rest on the floor until the rubber weather strip compresses across the entire width of the door.
• When the door sets appropriately, press the Program button once. Both LED lights will flash blue and then turn off to indicate the Down limit is programmed.

Programming the up limit

The Up limit sets how high the door should travel during the complete open cycle.

• Press and hold the Up button on the motor unit, and the LED will turn blue.
• Release the Up arrow button, and the LED light will flash blue.
• Press and hold the Up arrow button on the motor until the door fully closes.  If the door closes too low, adjust with the Up button and if it closes too high, adjust with the Down arrow button. The door’s header should be in line with the door header.
• When the door sets appropriately, press the Program button once. Both LED lights will flash blue and then turn off to indicate the Up limit is programmed.

Programming the force control

The force settings are usually factory set. They automatically program to the opener the first time you use the wall control with the garage door opener; however, some circumstances may require you to make adjustments. Make sure the door makes a complete cycle before the opener programs the settings.

• Press and release the wall console button and allow the garage door to close and stop to the Down limit.
• Press and release the Wall console button and let the door open up to the Up limit.

Programming the remote controls

When programming more than one remote control to the same garage door opener, you should program each remote separately. If you what to use the same remote control on a different garage door, program the other unprogrammed buttons on the remote control using the steps below.

• Press and hold the Program button on the motor using for about two seconds; the round LED will turn blue, and the long LED will flash purple to indicate it is ready for pairing.
• Hold the remote control at least five feet away from the opener and slowly press and release the button you want to program twice. Both LEDs will flash and then turn off to indicate programming was successful.
• Press the programmed button on the remote control again to run the garage door opener.

Programming the wireless keypad

To activate the wireless keypad, open the battery compartment, pull the protective tab off the battery, replacing the battery compartment cover, and following the steps below to program the keypad.

1. Program the new PIN
   • With the keypad backlight off, press 3-5-7 in that order.
   • Press the Program key on the keypad, and the LED light will blink once every second.
   • Immediately, enter your desired pin of three to eight digits.
   • Press the Program key again; the LED light will blink twice and turn off to indicate successful programming and ready for programming to the opener.
   • If the LED light did not blink twice, reset the wireless keypad and repeat the programming procedure.
2. Program the wireless keypad to the garage door opener on a single door
   • Put the opener on programming mode－Press and hold the Program button on the motor using for about two seconds; the round LED will turn blue, and the long LED will flash purple.
   • Ensure the keypad backlight is off.
   • Enter the saved PIN on the keypad.
   • Press the Up or Down key 3 to 4 times slowly until the garage door opener operates.

Resetting the wireless keypad

You will need to reset the keypad when programming a new PIN fails or when you want to change the PIN. Follow the steps below to erase the saved settings on the keypad.

• With the keypad backlight,  press and hold the Program and Up/Down keys together for approximately 5 seconds.
• The LED will blink twice, and all lights will go out, indicating the keypad has reset, and you can start the programming all over again.

How to do a contact reverse test and adjustment

After programming the limit and force settings, you should do a contact reverse test to ensure the door runs within the safety parameters.

• Open the garage door and lay a 2×4 wooden board flat on the center of the garage doorway.
• Press the wall control button to close the garage door.
• When the door touches the wooden board, it should reverse to a fully open position within two seconds, and the opener light will start flashing red as the door reverses.
• Remove the wooden board from the doorway and press the wall control button to close the garage door. The red flashing opener light should turn off.

Contact reverse adjustment

If the garage door stops before reaching the wooden board or does not reverse, it means the Down limit is wrong. To correct the issue;

1. Repeat the Down limit programming to make sure the door rests appropriately on the floor.
2. Repeat the force control programming to reset the force limits properly.
3. Repeat the contact reverse test to verify the correct travel limit and force settings.

How to program a Genie garage door opener to a car

The Genie garage door openers are compatible with HomeLink and Car2U, which are programs that allow you to operate the garage door opener from the comfort of your vehicle. Follow the steps below to program both systems to your garage door opener.

Programming the HomeLink system

1. Clear the HomeLink system
   • Turn on the car and put it in parking mode.
   • Press and hold the first and third buttons simultaneously.
   • The indicator light on the HomeLink will blink slowly and then, first for 20 seconds, release the buttons.
2. Connect HomeLink to the remote control
   • Hold the remote control two inches from the HomeLink control panel.
   • Choose the button on the HomeLink you want to control the garage door opener.
   • Press and hold the remote control button and at the same time, press and hold the chosen HomeLink button.
   • Hold both buttons until the HomeLink LED light flashes slowly and then fast; release both buttons.
3. Connect HomeLink to the garage door opener
   • Press and hold the Program button on the opener until the round blue LED turns on.
   • Release the program button, and the long purple LED light will start flashing.
   • Press the chosen HomeLink button and release it after two seconds.
   • Press and hold that same HomeLink button again for two seconds, and the long LED will flash blue and then go off.
   • Press the HomeLink button a couple of more times until the door moves.

Programming Car2U system

1. Clear the Car2U system
   • Turn on the car and put it in parking mode.
   • Press and hold the first and third buttons simultaneously for 20 seconds or until all three LED lights start flashing, and then release both buttons.
2. Program Car2U to the garage door opener
   • Press and hold the Program button on the opener until the round blue LED turns on.
   • Release the program button, and the long purple LED light will start flashing.
   • Press and hold the first button on the Car2U control panel for two seconds and release.
   • Press and hold the first button on the Car2U control panel again for two seconds and release. The Long LED light will flash blue and then turn off.

How do I program a universal remote for a Genie garage door opener?

You can program a universal remote control to work with different garage door opener brands. It allows you the convenience of using other garage door opener brands with one remote control. Follow the instructions below to program a universal remote with the Genie garage door opener.

• Pull down the tab on the remote control to activate it.
•  Press and hold button number two while simultaneously pressing the fourth button four times, and then release both buttons. The blue LED light on the remote control will begin flashing; you have 15 seconds to finish the next step.
• If you have a Genie 315/390 MHz 1995-current, press the desired button once on the remote control. If you have a Genie 315/390 MHz 2010-2011, press the selected button on the remote control six times, making sure the LED stops flashing after every press.
• Wait until the blue LED on the remote control blinks for long and then turns off.
• Press and hold the Program button on the opener for 2-3 seconds or until the round LED turns blue.
• Press and release the remote control button you just programmed once every two seconds until the garage door opener starts to move.

How do I reset my Genie garage door sensor?

The Safe-T-Beam are safety sensors on the Genie garage door opener that shine an invisible infrared beam across the garage door. The system is being obstructed during the closing cycle and automatically reverses the garage door to the fully open position.

Obstructions could be anything from your kid’s arm to dirt on the tracks, magnetic garage door decorations, or a stray cable powering your Christmas decorations.

The LED lights on both sensors will have a steady glow when installed and aligned correctly. The red light on the sending sensor will always glow regardless of alignment as long as it receives power. However, if the green light on the receiving sensor is dim, flickers, or off, alignment is necessary. Follow the steps below.

• Remove the receiving sensor(green light) from the bracket by tasking off the fastening nuts.
• Face the sensor away from the sensor, and the light will turn off.
• Wait for 10 seconds, and slowly turn the sensor back to its position. Align the sensor with the sending sensor until the green light glows steadily. Insert the sensor into the bracket, readjust it and then tighten the screws.
• Press the wall control button, and the garage door should close completely.

Why is my Genie garage door opener not working?

If your Genie garage door opener is not functioning correctly, depending on the problem you’re experiencing; this chart will help you troubleshoot any issues.

Problem	Troubleshooting
The opener does not work when your press the wall control.	Turn off the Sure-Lock button(vacation mode) on the wall control by sliding it down. Check the AC power outlet and make sure the opener is receiving power. Next, plug another device into the same power outlet; if the device works, then the power outlet is satisfactory. If it does not work, check the circuit breaker and turn it on. Check the motor’s wiring and look for broken, cut, or reversed wires. Replace any wiring if necessary and reconnect any reversed wires correctly. Check the wall control wiring. Disconnect the wires and touch them together; if the door moves, replace the wall control with the correct model for your garage door opener.
The opener runs, but the chain garage door is not moving.	Check if the emergency release cord is pulled and reengage the carriage if necessary. Check the opener’s chain and ensure it is not broken or warped. Check if the pulley is broken and get a technician to replace them if necessary.
The opener runs, but the screwdriver garage door model is not moving.	Check if the carriage is engaged and reengage it. Verify the screw inside the rail is turning. If it is turning and the door is still not moving, replace the carriage.If the screw is not turning, replace the coupler.
The garage door opener is not responding to the remote control.	Check if all the other remotes are working with the opener. If other remotes are not working, the circuit board is defective and needs replacing. If all the other remote controls are working; replace the remote battery, reprogram the specific remote control to the opener or replace the remote with a universal or a Genie remote.
Garage door stops and reverses when closing OR Safe-T-Beam System malfunction.	If the opener is a new install, reposition the door arm. Check if the travel limits are set correctly and adjust as needed. Check if the sensor light is flashing red and adjust accordingly. The light should be on and steady. Check the garage door for binding usually caused my misaligned travel limits or force settings. Check for obstructions around the photo lenses, remove any objects around the garage door and wipe off the dirt from the photo lenses.
Remote has an operating range of under 25 feet from the opener.	Change the remote control battery. Remove any device around the opener that could be using radio frequencies like a radio, remote-controlled toys. Remove energy-efficient bulbs as they could interfere with the remote control’s signals and replace them with a Genie LED lightbulb.
The door stops too high from the floor when closing.	Check Safe-T-Beam wire connection. Correct any reversed wiring and replace any damaged wires. Check if limits are correctly set and adjust the limits as needed. Perform the contact reverse test and adjust accordingly. Check the garage door for binding. Check the force control settings and adjust.
Garge door stops too low when opening.	Check if limits are correctly set and adjust the limits as needed. Check the springs for any damage and lubricate. Adjust the force settings.
The door opener starts for no reason.	Malfunctioning wall control or remote button. Erase all the remote controls and wall controls and reprogram them. Check the wall control wiring for any short. If any, disconnect the wall control wires and replace the wall control or wiring as needed.

Is there a fuse in a Genie Garage door opener?

Yes, Genie garage door openers have a glass fuse in the circuit board that protects the opener from damage by shutting off during a power surge. If your garage door is not working, a blown-out fuse is the most common culprit. To troubleshoot a blown-out fuse;

• Unplug the garage door opener from the power outlet to avoid electrocution.
• Remove the outer cover on the motor and circuit board.
• Check for signs of burns and melting, such as black burn marks and melted plastic parts or a burning smell.
• Locate the glass fuse and check if it has popped out of its position or it is burnt. A burnt fuse will usually have black soot inside the glass.
• Use a multimeter to test for current and replace it with the same amperage if necessary.

Genie garage door opener keypad not working

Here is how to troubleshoot a keypad that stops working with your garage door opener.

• Make sure you are putting in the correct PIN.
• Check the emergency released rope is not activated. The garage door will not respond to the keypad if it is in manual mode. Disengage the emergency release rope and input the PIN to operate the garage door.
• Check the batteries in your opener keypad and replace them.
• Check for stuck keys. Dust and grime accumulate in between the keypad buttons, causing them to get stuck. Clean the keypad with a dry toothbrush. If the keypad is too damaged, you will have to replace it.
• Inspect the keypad for any damage. Over time, weather, humidity, and contact can damage the keypad preventing it from working. Replace the keypad if necessary.
• Open the keypad and look for frayed or damaged wires. Then, reattach the cables and make sure they are secure or replace them.
• If the opener still refuses to respond to the keypad, reset it and reprogram it to the opener with a new PIN.

Genie garage door opener error codes, their meaning, and fixes

The Genie garage door opener has a self-diagnostic status light that sends error codes by flashing a certain number of times to alert you when there is a problem with the opener. The chart below helps you troubleshoot some of the error codes the status light will send.

Error code	Troubleshooting
1 blink, pause repeat	The motor drive board is interrupted or overheating. Power cycle the opener: disconnect it from power, wait for about five minutes and then plug into the power outlet.Check the fuse on the motor drive board and ribbon cable on the motor drive board to make sure it attaches securely into the connector on the controller board. Replace the fuse is necessary.If the problem persists, check the garage door’s balance. With the door closed, pull the manual emergency release handle down and away from the door and let go to disengage the carriage from the drive chain or belt. Manually close the door completely, reengage the carriage and press the wall control button.
2 blinks, pause repeat	Power cycle the opener: disconnect it from power, wait for about five minutes and then plug the power.Check the connection between the ribbon cable and the controller board on the motor drive board. Replace the control board.
3 blinks, pause repeat	The garage door opener is overheated or over-cycled.Do not disconnect the garage door opener from power. Instead, wait 10 minutes for the motor’s internal clock to provide additional cycles and cool down. The motor resets cycles at a rate of 5 cycles per 10-minute rest.
4 blinks, pause repeat	Incorrect force settingsAdjust the force settings and do the contact reverse test.
5 blinks, pause repeat	Malfunctioning Safe-T-BeamCheck the wiring to the safety sensors. Reconnect the wires properly or replace any damaged wiring.Make sure the safety sensors installed are compatible with your Genie garage door opener model.Realign the safety sensors.
6 blinks, pause repeat	Faulty wall controlCheck wall console wiring for shorts, tight staples, or pinched wires. Check if the wall control is receiving power from the motor unit and replace if necessary.
7 blinks, pause repeat	Travel limit switches are not working.Check the limit switches wiring connection at the terminals and reconnect them securely.Look for short or broken wires and replace them.Adjust the travel limits.
8 blinks, pause repeat	The wall control is locked.Slide the Sure-Lock button down to turn vacation mode off.

Why is the light red on my Genie garage door opener?

Typically the indicator LED lights on the motor unit when the garage door opener is working correctly. If you notice either or both of the lights flash or have a steady red glow, that’s usually an indication of a problem. Here is how to troubleshot the red powerhead lights.

1. Round LED flashing red and long LED flashing red
   • Reprogram the up and down travel limits.
   • Power cycle the opener by unplugging it, wait for about five seconds and reconnect it to power.
   • Contact a technician to inspect and fix any garage door component failure.
2. The round LED flashing red and long LED is off.
   • Check the safety sensors for any obstructions and remove them.
   • Check the alignment of the sensors and realign them.
3. Round LED is off, and long LED flashing red
   • Remove obstructions around the garage doorway.
   • Adjust the up and down travel limits.
   • Check for any faulty garage door parts and call a technician for repairs.

Check this too: Chamberlain Garage Door Opener How-to & Troubleshooting Guide

Genie garage door opener just clicks.

If your garage door is clicking but not moving when you press the remote control button, there are several reasons to explain it. Here is how to identify the issues and possible solutions to get your Genie garage door opener working again.

1. The opener is on vacation mode.

The wall control has a Sure-Lock button that engages a security lock that overrides commands and signals from the wall console and remote controls. With the Sure-Lock button on, the motor will click, and the LED light on the wall control will be off. Push the switch down to turn off the security lock, and the LED light will turn red, allowing you to use the wall control and remote control buttons to run the opener.

2. Safe-T-Beam issues

Check the sensors for any obstructions on the lenses or wiring issues. For example, if dirt or snow is blocking the lenses, the opener will click and not move. Clean the lenses with a clean cloth and remove objects from the garage doorway.

3. Worn out garage door rollers

Over time the garage door rollers will wear down and remove a clicking or grinding sound when the garage door is moving. Check the rollers and springs and get a professional technician to help replace them.

4. Defective circuit board

The circuit board is in the motor of a garage door opener and acts as the brain of the opener. It receives signals from the remote controls, keypad, and wall consoles and runs commands appropriately. However, storms and power surges can damage the circuit board, making it not work and produce a click sound when you try to open or close the garage door.  If it is damaged, replace it with a similar component for your opener model.

Conclusion

If you experience any problems with your Genie garage door opener, there are several steps in our article you can run through to try to clear up the problem. Garage door opener issues can be simple and also complex enough to require professional help. But, the best way to troubleshoot any of the problems is to identify what the signs mean and then come up with a good solution.