If you've tested your garage door opener's auto-reverse and found it requires too much force for the door to reverse or it doesn't reverse at all, you can adjust the settings on the garage door opener controls. To access the controls, use a stepladder to reach the main part of the opener's motor. Locate the closing-force adjustment – it will be a knob or screw – on the opener motor. Note: Because every garage door opener is different, it's best to reference your owner's manual for full instructions.
Angi How To Adjust Your Garage Door Opener's Auto-Reverse
Difficulty:
Time: 45 Minutes
What's the largest moving object in your home? Your garage door! And it's your garage door opener's auto-reverse (the motorized function that opens the door if it hits anything) that protects you and your family from being hurt by this big moving object! If you've tested your garage door opener's auto-reverse and found an issue, use these steps to properly adjust it.
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Tools & Materials Needed
step ladder
screwdriver (optional)
1LOCATE THE OPENER CONTROLS
2ADJUST THE OPENER SETTINGS
To decrease the amount of force required to reverse the direction of the garage door, turn the knob (or screw with a screwdriver) counterclockwise one quarter. To increase the amount of force, turn it clockwise. Re-test the auto-reverse function and repeat this process until your opener is properly adjusted. Note: If you don't feel comfortable making adjustments to your garage door opener yourself, hire a professional to help you with this step.
3CLOSE THE DOOR
Once you've adjusted the garage door, make sure it will close completely without any objects in its path. Clear anything in the door's way and close the door. If there's a gap between the garage door and the floor, or it reverses, the opener should be readjusted.
4GET IT FIXED IMMEDIATELY!
If your garage door did not reverse correctly, or it couldn't be adjusted, schedule an appointment with a service provider to repair or replace the door opener immediately! A faulty garage door can seriously injure an adult or child.