Help and Support
Below are some common questions from our technicians. This page is intended to assist you in determining the scope of a problem and what to tell a repair company or technician when you call for help.
This list covers only the most common questions.
This website is NOT intended for "How To" advice or to attempt repairing a garage door or gate system on your own. We do not recommend that anyone attempt to repair a garage door or gate system unless they have had proper training and knowledge.
Improper repairs can cause serious damage, injury or death!
GARAGE DOORS
We are happy to help with your garage door, even if we didn't install it. Here are common questions asked of our technicians:
1. I have a keypad entry. How do I change the code?
Your keypad code is a unique, private code. We recommend changing your code periodically. Andys Door and Gates doesn't keep a record of your code for you. Consult your owner's manual. You will find instructions for changing your code. If you don't have an owner's manual or those instructions aren't working, call a technician with the make and model number of your system and they will help you.
2. My garage door won't open.
In the event that you need to get the garage door open immediately, there is a manual release that you can activate to open the door. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model, or call a technician for help locating the release. NOTE: Some models' manual release will open the door but then you won't be able to shut it again, so open the door only if absolutely needed and get professional assistance as soon as possible. Leaving your garage door open is never recommended as it provides an access point into your home.
3. My remote won't work.
There are batteries in your remote, and they need periodic replacing. A remote with a weak battery may have enough power to run the light, and yet not enough to work. If replacing the battery doesn't correct the problem, then your remote may need replacement.
4. The garage door is working but it's making a funny noise.
Your door runs on tracks, springs, and cables. If a track is damaged, or a cable is damaged, the door will make noise as it moves. Track and cable damage can cause serious injuries or property damage if not corrected. Cable repairs are usually inexpensive when caught early but can cause major repair bills if ignored. Don't ignore that noise until a cable breaks!
We recommend that only a technician with experience attempt to troubleshoot any track, spring or cable issues. NEVER attempt to work on cables or springs yourself - if the spring comes loose, it can carry enough force to cause serious injury or even death. Call a repair company.
4. The garage door is crooked, it isn't closing completely or it isn't opening all the way.
This is often due to a damaged cable. Cables are often damaged when someone hits the door with their vehicle. Working on cables can be dangerous if you aren't trained. Most cable repairs are reasonably priced when caught early. Damaged cables can cause a sudden failure of the door, which is dangerous, expensive and could cause serious injury and damage.
A less common but serious issue that causes crooked doors is when someone hits the garage door with a vehicle. This can distort the door itself, which puts undue stress on the cables and/or tracks. A door damaged by a vehicle needs immediate attention by a qualified repairman. Even if the door still operates, there is a possibility of a cable giving way under stress. Call a repairman.
5. The door only goes partway, and then reverses. It won't close/open all the way.
By far, the most common reason that we see for this is when the system is blocked by an item (a bicycle or box), that was placed in the path of a door or photo eye. Removing the obstruction resolves the issue.
We are happy to help with your garage door, even if we didn't install it. Here are common questions asked of our technicians:
1. I have a keypad entry. How do I change the code?
Your keypad code is a unique, private code. We recommend changing your code periodically. Andys Door and Gates doesn't keep a record of your code for you. Consult your owner's manual. You will find instructions for changing your code. If you don't have an owner's manual or those instructions aren't working, call a technician with the make and model number of your system and they will help you.
2. My garage door won't open.
- Is the light off? If the power is not working, the motor can't run. Never work on electrical systems unless you have training in the area. You can call a technician and they might be able to determine over the phone whether you need a garage door repair, or if you should consult an electrician.
- Is the light on, but not working? If so, the problem probably needs a garage door technician to troubleshoot.
In the event that you need to get the garage door open immediately, there is a manual release that you can activate to open the door. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model, or call a technician for help locating the release. NOTE: Some models' manual release will open the door but then you won't be able to shut it again, so open the door only if absolutely needed and get professional assistance as soon as possible. Leaving your garage door open is never recommended as it provides an access point into your home.
3. My remote won't work.
There are batteries in your remote, and they need periodic replacing. A remote with a weak battery may have enough power to run the light, and yet not enough to work. If replacing the battery doesn't correct the problem, then your remote may need replacement.
4. The garage door is working but it's making a funny noise.
Your door runs on tracks, springs, and cables. If a track is damaged, or a cable is damaged, the door will make noise as it moves. Track and cable damage can cause serious injuries or property damage if not corrected. Cable repairs are usually inexpensive when caught early but can cause major repair bills if ignored. Don't ignore that noise until a cable breaks!
We recommend that only a technician with experience attempt to troubleshoot any track, spring or cable issues. NEVER attempt to work on cables or springs yourself - if the spring comes loose, it can carry enough force to cause serious injury or even death. Call a repair company.
4. The garage door is crooked, it isn't closing completely or it isn't opening all the way.
This is often due to a damaged cable. Cables are often damaged when someone hits the door with their vehicle. Working on cables can be dangerous if you aren't trained. Most cable repairs are reasonably priced when caught early. Damaged cables can cause a sudden failure of the door, which is dangerous, expensive and could cause serious injury and damage.
A less common but serious issue that causes crooked doors is when someone hits the garage door with a vehicle. This can distort the door itself, which puts undue stress on the cables and/or tracks. A door damaged by a vehicle needs immediate attention by a qualified repairman. Even if the door still operates, there is a possibility of a cable giving way under stress. Call a repairman.
5. The door only goes partway, and then reverses. It won't close/open all the way.
By far, the most common reason that we see for this is when the system is blocked by an item (a bicycle or box), that was placed in the path of a door or photo eye. Removing the obstruction resolves the issue.
- Check to make sure that nothing is blocking the door. Your door has a safety feature that will stop and reverse immediately if it touches something on the way down.
- Check to make sure that nothing is blocking the photo eyes. Blocking the photo eyes will keep the system from working properly.
Automated Gate Systems
AUTOMATED GATE SYSTEMS
We are happy to help with your gate needs. Here are common questions asked of our technicians; they will help you diagnose your problems before you contact a repair company:
1. I have a keypad entry. How do I change the code?
Your keypad code is a unique, private code. We recommend changing your code periodically. Andys Door and Gates doesn't keep a record of your code for you. Consult your owner's manual. You will find instructions for changing your code. If you don't have an owner's manual or those instructions aren't working, call a technician with the make and model number of your system and they will help you.
2a. My gate won't open. I don't hear the motor even trying to work.
2b. My gate won't open. I hear the motor working but the gate doesn't move.
Is something blocking the gate? If not, then you will need to contact a technician for help.
In the event that you need to get the gate open immediately, the swing arm can be disconnected using common household tools. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model, or call a technician for help. NOTE: The owner assumes the risk of damaging the swing arm, so open the gate only if absolutely needed and get professional assistance as soon as possible. Leaving your gate open is never recommended as it provides an access point into your property. Additionally, it can give information about when you are home and when you are not home. For this reason, we recommend that you NEVER leave your gate open on a regular basis.
3. My remote won't work.
There are batteries in your remote, and they need periodic replacing. A remote with a weak battery may have enough power to run the light, and yet not enough to work. If replacing the battery doesn't correct the problem, then your remote may need adjustments or replacement.
4. The gate is working but it's making a funny noise.
Your door runs on tracks, springs, and cables. If a track is damaged, or a cable is damaged, the door will make noise as it moves. Track and cable damage can cause serious injuries or property damage if not corrected. Cable repairs are usually inexpensive when caught early but can cause major repair bills if ignored. Don't ignore that noise until a cable breaks!
We recommend that only a technician with experience attempt to troubleshoot any track, spring or cable issues. NEVER attempt to work on cables or springs yourself - if the spring comes loose, it can carry enough force to cause serious injury or even death. Call a repair company.
4. The garage door is crooked, it isn't closing completely or it isn't opening all the way.
This is often due to a damaged cable. Cables are often damaged when someone hits the door with their vehicle. Working on cables can be dangerous if you aren't trained. Most cable repairs are reasonably priced when caught early. Damaged cables can cause a sudden failure of the door, which is dangerous, expensive and could cause serious injury and damage.
A less common but serious issue that causes crooked doors is when someone hits the garage door with a vehicle. This can distort the door itself, which puts undue stress on the cables. A door damaged by a vehicle needs immediate attention by a qualified repairman. Even if the door still operates, there is a possibility of a cable giving way under stress. Call a repairman.
5. The door only goes partway, and then reverses. It won't close/open all the way.
By far, the most common reason that we see for this is when the system is blocked by an item (such as a bicycle or box), that was placed in the path of a door or photo eye. Removing the obstruction resolves the issue.
We are happy to help with your gate needs. Here are common questions asked of our technicians; they will help you diagnose your problems before you contact a repair company:
1. I have a keypad entry. How do I change the code?
Your keypad code is a unique, private code. We recommend changing your code periodically. Andys Door and Gates doesn't keep a record of your code for you. Consult your owner's manual. You will find instructions for changing your code. If you don't have an owner's manual or those instructions aren't working, call a technician with the make and model number of your system and they will help you.
2a. My gate won't open. I don't hear the motor even trying to work.
- Do you hear the motor running when you try to open the gate? If the power is not working, the motor can't run. Never work on electrical systems unless you have training in the area. You can call a technician and they might be able to determine over the phone whether you need a garage door repair, or if you should consult an electrician.
- Is your system powered by a solar panel and/or battery system? If so, check to make sure that the panel hasn't been obstructed by trees. If you suspect that the panel may have moved and is no longer getting enough sun, call a technician. Redirecting the panel using placing equipment will optimize the amount of energy generated. We don't recommend trying to reorient the panel yourself. Your panel was set up using your latitude/longitude and it is not intuitive.
- Does your battery need replacing?
- Is your system wired into electrical? If so, do not attempt repair. Call a professional repair company.
2b. My gate won't open. I hear the motor working but the gate doesn't move.
Is something blocking the gate? If not, then you will need to contact a technician for help.
In the event that you need to get the gate open immediately, the swing arm can be disconnected using common household tools. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your model, or call a technician for help. NOTE: The owner assumes the risk of damaging the swing arm, so open the gate only if absolutely needed and get professional assistance as soon as possible. Leaving your gate open is never recommended as it provides an access point into your property. Additionally, it can give information about when you are home and when you are not home. For this reason, we recommend that you NEVER leave your gate open on a regular basis.
3. My remote won't work.
There are batteries in your remote, and they need periodic replacing. A remote with a weak battery may have enough power to run the light, and yet not enough to work. If replacing the battery doesn't correct the problem, then your remote may need adjustments or replacement.
4. The gate is working but it's making a funny noise.
Your door runs on tracks, springs, and cables. If a track is damaged, or a cable is damaged, the door will make noise as it moves. Track and cable damage can cause serious injuries or property damage if not corrected. Cable repairs are usually inexpensive when caught early but can cause major repair bills if ignored. Don't ignore that noise until a cable breaks!
We recommend that only a technician with experience attempt to troubleshoot any track, spring or cable issues. NEVER attempt to work on cables or springs yourself - if the spring comes loose, it can carry enough force to cause serious injury or even death. Call a repair company.
4. The garage door is crooked, it isn't closing completely or it isn't opening all the way.
This is often due to a damaged cable. Cables are often damaged when someone hits the door with their vehicle. Working on cables can be dangerous if you aren't trained. Most cable repairs are reasonably priced when caught early. Damaged cables can cause a sudden failure of the door, which is dangerous, expensive and could cause serious injury and damage.
A less common but serious issue that causes crooked doors is when someone hits the garage door with a vehicle. This can distort the door itself, which puts undue stress on the cables. A door damaged by a vehicle needs immediate attention by a qualified repairman. Even if the door still operates, there is a possibility of a cable giving way under stress. Call a repairman.
5. The door only goes partway, and then reverses. It won't close/open all the way.
By far, the most common reason that we see for this is when the system is blocked by an item (such as a bicycle or box), that was placed in the path of a door or photo eye. Removing the obstruction resolves the issue.
- Check to make sure that nothing is blocking the door. Your door has a safety feature that will stop and reverse immediately if it touches something on the way down.
- Check to make sure that nothing is blocking the photo eyes. Blocking the photo eyes will keep the system from working properly.