Psycho Garage Door

Scott P · 01-19-04, 07:40

My garage door has gone haywire. It is opening and closing at random. A few weeks ago, I awoke to find it was open. I just figured I had forgotten to close it. It happened one more time. No thought given. My wired remote also was functioning intermittently.

Yesterday, I ran a couple of new outlet and hung some new fluorescent lights. I also ran an out let for my electric start snow blower. I tapped into the garage door opener outlet box (and wired it correctly) for the power. Once everything came back the door really started losing it. It would go up a foot or two, then close. It would open three quarters of the way, then close a bit, then re-open. Eventually, We got it closed and unplugged it.

Anyone have experience with these machines? It is a ½ horsepower Craftsman and the age is unknown. The safety sensors are working fine. I’m guessing that the pushbutton wired remote is shorting out somehow. It also has a key switch outside that I’ve never used. In fact, I just figured out what that key cylinder was for when I was running my new outlet.

Possible causes?

1. Either the keyed switch or wired switch is shorting out.
2. The 14/2 wire run along the beam is interfering with the signal lead for the wired switches.
3. The door is a tool of Satan telling me that I should buy more wax.
4. Someone in the neighborhood recently installed a garage door opener with the same code and is letting their kid play “push the button”.

I’m hitting Sears today to look for a new wired remote. I also plan on disconnecting the keyed switch since I don’t have that key (we bought the house in March) and have a wireless keypad (which has no battery in the process of locating the problem).

Any ideas out?

prowler · 01-19-04, 08:06

In order to rule out #4 (and possibly some others) are you able to change the code? The newer ones have something like millions or billions of digital codes, and even before digital, there were usually 3 or 10 choices. You would need to set matching codes in the transmitter and receiver.

Also, the switches in the transmitters are pretty flimsy and could very easily be causing the problem.

LouisanaJeeper · 01-19-04, 08:43

Change the code

Scott P · 01-19-04, 05:48

I bought a new wired remote. I also disconnected the keyed switch. So far, so good. My new wired switch has a sensor that turns ont he oopenr's lights when detecting movement. It will be great for letting the dog out at night.

If that doesn't work, I'm calling a priest...