You would always enjoy driving into your garage without getting out of the car or even struggling to open it after a long day at work. However, sometimes the remote may fail even after replacing the batteries. Some factors that may affect your remote are signal interference, damaged remote, need for reprogramming, and more.

If you’re experiencing this issue, worry no more. We are going to discuss the reasons that make your remote fail and troubleshooting tips.

Before troubleshooting the garage door system, ensure you have observed the following;

• Replaced the correct type of batteries for your remote
• Cleaned the battery housing if it’s dirty
• Placed the battery in alignment with the + ve and -ve terminals

Why the Remote is Failing to Work

Even after replacing your remote batteries, other reasons can stop the remote from working.  These reasons include;

Power outage

Before blaming your remote, it’s best to check if your home has power. If you experience power outages often, it’s worth having garage doors with in-built battery backup. Examples of these garage doors include Craftsman, Chamberlain, and Liftmaster.

Programming issues

At times you add a new device to the garage door control system and inadvertently un-program the original devices. Sometimes as you add a device, others may drop from the receiver’s memory. In such a situation, you should follow the manual to reset the unit. Though this is a rare occurrence, you can try reprogramming your remote per set guidelines or follow the basics below;

• Find the learn dial on the opener unit and long-press it until the LED turns off. This exercise will erase all previous codes.
• Next, try using the remote to check if reprogramming was successful.

Physical damage of the remote

The remote may fail if it has physical damage, like stuck buttons after been dropped or stepped. You may also have accidentally spilt liquids or even garage door lubricant on the unit. Therefore, it’s best to call a technician to repair or replace the remote.

Receiver failure

Check your receiver for any physical damage and have it repaired. Again, clear any debris like cobwebs and make sure the antenna is straight and secure. In case it’s bent or pushed aside, correct the angle.  You can still try resetting the receiver system to check if it works.  Unplug the system for a minute, then plug it back in. Check if the remote will work.

Signal interference

Interference issues prevent your remote control from working within the range by decreasing it. For example, the remote control should open the door at least  6 meters away. If your remote fails to work outside this range, it means there is interference.

The primary cause of interference is the LED lights. Sometimes the lights emit a robust electromagnetic signal that disrupts the waves sent to the remote. In case you are having LED lights near your opener, it’s best to replace them. You can still consider having a Genie door, as it has a high-efficient LED that causes no interference. Other troubleshooting techniques include;

• Remove your remote from the visor to check if the range improves.
• Check the antenna and adjust it if it’s not straight.
• Test the devices in your garage for interference. Locate the source of interference by;
• Use an extension cord and plug the opener in an outlet inside your home.
• Shut down the garage’s power in the circuit breaker
• Test the remote at various distances. In case the range improves, you should unplug all garage components and switch on the breaker.
• Then plug in each item one at a time as you test the remote to check any effect on the range. Finally, replace the item causing the interference.

You may have engaged the lock button

Check if you have accidentally pressed the lock button on the garage door’s wall unit. If locked, disengage it by pressing the lock button ad test the door functionality by pressing the open button.

 Door control wiring malfunction

If the remote and wall panel fails to open or close the door, there may be a problem with the control wiring system. It’s best to test the opener’s wiring as follows;

• Unplug the opener and disjoin the two wires from the motor.
• Plugin the machine, erase its memory, and reprogram all remote controls
• Unplug the device again and reconnect the control wiring to the motor
• Disconnect the wiring on the wall-mounted controls
• Use the remote to test our door operations.

A blown ground fault interrupter( GFI)

A GFI protects your home from electrical damages. If the GFI blows, the garage door will stop working, and so the remote.  Press the reset button on the wall to fix the issue, and your remote should open the door.

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

Conclusion

There are numerous reasons for your remote control failure, even with new batteries. Therefore, it is essential to understand the problems that may cause the remote to malfunction and solve them. Some of the issues are signal disruption, blown GFI, lock engaged, and more. Additionally, ensure you take good care of your remote and always replace it if damaged.