Installing a new Craftsman garage door opener should give you peace of mind, convenience, and security. But what happens when your new installed Craftsman garage door opener opens and closes spratically—without warning or when you’re not even near it? That’s not just frustrating, it’s a serious safety concern.
If you’re facing this issue, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience unexpected behavior from their newly installed garage door systems, particularly with Craftsman garage door openers. In this guide, we’ll explore why this happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
What Does “Opens and Closes Spratically” Really Mean?
When someone says their new installed Craftsman garage door opener opens and closes spratically, they usually mean the door behaves erratically—opening and closing on its own, at random times, or multiple times in a row.
This issue can be unsettling, especially if your garage is attached to your home. You may worry about security, safety for pets and children, or the integrity of the garage opener itself. It can also cause wear and tear on your system if left unchecked.
New Installed Craftsman Garage Door Opener Opens And Closes Spratically – Top Causes and Fixes
Understanding the root cause of the issue is key. Let’s go through the most common reasons a newly installed Craftsman opener behaves unpredictably and what you can do about it.
1. Radio Frequency (RF) Interference
Craftsman garage door openers operate using radio frequencies to communicate between the opener and the remote control or wall unit. Other electronic devices—like wireless routers, baby monitors, cordless phones, or even LED lights—can interfere with these signals.
Fix:
- Relocate any wireless devices near the garage door motor or antenna.
- Try turning off nearby electronics one at a time to see if the behavior changes.
- Keep the opener’s antenna fully extended and away from metal objects.
2. Stuck or Faulty Wall Button
A stuck wall-mounted control panel can cause your garage door to open and close repeatedly or at random times. Moisture, dust, or a faulty button can send mixed signals to the opener.
Fix:
- Inspect the wall button for debris or sticking.
- Disconnect it temporarily to see if the problem stops.
- If disconnecting it solves the issue, replace the button or the wiring.
3. Crossed or Damaged Wiring
If the garage door wiring was improperly installed during setup, it might result in a short circuit or continuous signal to open/close the door.
Fix:
- Check all wiring connections from the wall button and safety sensors to the main opener.
- Look for pinched, frayed, or crossed wires—especially if stapled too tightly to the wall.
- Rewire using correct gauge wire and secure it properly.
4. Safety Sensor Issues
Craftsman garage doors use infrared safety sensors that detect obstacles in the path of the door. If these sensors are misaligned or dirty, they might trigger erratic behavior.
Fix:
- Clean the lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust or debris.
- Make sure both sensors are aligned and the LED lights are solid (not blinking).
- Check wiring from the sensors to the main opener for damage.
5. Remote Control or Keypad Malfunction
Sometimes, a malfunctioning remote or wireless keypad can send sporadic signals to the opener, making it act as if someone pressed the open or close button.
Fix:
- Remove batteries from the remote or keypad to isolate the issue.
- Reprogram or replace faulty remotes if the problem stops when removed.
6. Code Duplication or Signal Hijacking
Although rare, your neighbor might be using a remote with a similar frequency or code, causing your opener to respond to their commands.
Fix:
- Clear all codes from your opener by pressing and holding the “Learn” button on the opener until the LED turns off (around 6 seconds).
- Reprogram your remotes and keypads with new rolling codes.
- Consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener with encrypted rolling code technology.
7. Faulty Control Board
If none of the above fixes work, the issue may lie in a defective circuit board inside the opener motor. This is more common with newly installed units that may have manufacturing defects.
Fix:
- Contact the manufacturer or installer for a warranty replacement.
- Do not attempt to open or repair the control board yourself, as this can void warranties or cause further issues.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Spratic Opening/Closing
Now that you’ve identified the problem, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Here are some proactive steps to take:
- Test the opener weekly using both the wall control and remote.
- Inspect sensor alignment regularly, especially after weather changes or accidental bumps.
- Keep remotes out of reach of children or pets who might press buttons unknowingly.
- Install surge protectors to prevent damage during electrical storms or outages.
- Schedule annual maintenance by a garage door professional to check the motor, chain/belt, and electronics.
When to Call a Professional
If your new installed Craftsman garage door opener opens and closes spratically and you’ve gone through all the above fixes without success, it may be time to call a certified garage door technician. They have specialized tools to diagnose deeper issues within the motor unit or wiring system.
Professional inspection is especially important if:
- The opener behaves dangerously (e.g., closes while someone is under it).
- The unit is still under manufacturer warranty.
- You’re unsure of how to handle electrical components.
Should You Replace the Opener?
While it’s frustrating to experience issues with a brand-new opener, replacement is usually not necessary. Craftsman garage door openers are known for their durability, and most spratic behavior can be traced back to simple installation errors or environmental factors.
However, consider a replacement if:
- The opener has persistent electrical issues even after troubleshooting.
- You prefer a newer model with smart features and better signal security.
- The unit was improperly installed by an unlicensed technician.
What to Do If Your New Installed Craftsman Garage Door Opener Opens And Closes Spratically at Night
Some users report that their opener only acts up during the night. This may point to automatic lighting timers, motion sensors, or neighborhood RF interference.
Nighttime Fixes:
- Look for automatic exterior lighting that shares circuits with the garage.
- Adjust settings on motion-activated devices near the garage.
- Ensure power sources are grounded and not overloaded.
Smart Upgrade Options
If you’re dealing with repeated issues, consider upgrading to a Craftsman garage opener with myQ® Smart Technology. These openers allow:
- Remote control from your phone
- Notifications when the door opens or closes
- Scheduling for automatic closures
Smart openers reduce the chance of spratic behavior by using encrypted signals and advanced diagnostics.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a new installed Craftsman garage door opener that opens and closes spratically is frustrating, but it’s usually a fixable problem. From checking sensors and remotes to investigating RF interference, many issues can be resolved with a little time and troubleshooting.
By understanding the possible causes and following the outlined solutions, you can restore your garage door’s functionality and peace of mind.
If problems persist, don’t hesitate to call a professional—it’s better to act quickly than let a malfunctioning door become a security risk.