A garage door opener is a crucial part of any home, providing convenience and security. However, encountering issues like your Craftsman garage door opener starting down and then reversing when closing can be frustrating. This problem can be caused by various factors, including misaligned sensors, damaged tracks, or sensitivity settings. In this article, we will explore the potential reasons behind this issue and provide step-by-step troubleshooting tips to help you fix it.
Why Does a Craftsman Garage Door Opener Start Down and Reverse When Closing?
When your Craftsman garage door opener starts down and reverses when closing, it’s usually due to safety mechanisms detecting an obstruction or a malfunction in the system. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons behind this problem:
1. Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors
Craftsman garage door openers use infrared safety sensors to prevent accidents. These sensors are installed near the bottom of the garage door tracks and must be aligned properly to function correctly. If they are misaligned, dirty, or blocked, the system may mistakenly detect an obstacle, causing the door to reverse.
Read tooo: Craftsman Garage Door Opener 1/2 HP Programming for Effortless Setup
How to Fix It:
- Check Sensor Alignment: Ensure both sensors are facing each other and that their LED lights are steady.
- Clean the Sensors: Use a dry, soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
- Remove Obstructions: Ensure no objects are blocking the sensor’s path.
2. Track Issues and Obstructions
Damaged or bent tracks can interfere with the garage door’s movement, causing the system to reverse.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect the tracks for any visible bends or debris.
- Use a rubber mallet to gently straighten minor bends.
- Lubricate the tracks with garage door lubricant to ensure smooth movement.
3. Sensitivity Settings are Too High
If your Craftsman garage door opener’s force settings are too high or too low, the system may think there’s an obstruction even when there isn’t.
How to Fix It:
- Locate the force adjustment screws on the opener unit.
- Reduce the downward force slightly and test the door.
- Continue adjusting until the door closes smoothly without reversing.
4. Worn or Broken Garage Door Springs
The torsion or extension springs help balance the weight of the garage door. If they are worn out, the opener may struggle to close the door properly.
How to Fix It:
- Visually inspect the springs for wear or breakage.
- If damaged, hire a professional to replace them, as handling garage door springs can be dangerous.
5. The Close Limit Switch is Set Incorrectly
The limit switch tells the opener how far the door should travel before stopping. If it’s set incorrectly, the door may think it has hit an obstruction and reverse.
How to Fix It:
- Locate the limit adjustment screw on the opener motor.
- Adjust it slightly and test the door’s movement.
- Keep adjusting until the door fully closes without reversing.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If you’re still experiencing problems with your Craftsman garage door opener starting down and reversing when closing, follow this comprehensive troubleshooting guide:
Step 1: Inspect the Sensors
- Check the alignment and clean the sensors.
- Look for blinking sensor lights, which indicate misalignment.
Step 2: Check for Track Obstructions
- Remove any dirt, debris, or objects blocking the tracks.
- Ensure the tracks are properly aligned.
Step 3: Adjust the Sensitivity Settings
- Decrease the downward force using the adjustment screw.
- Test the door to see if the issue is resolved.
Step 4: Examine the Springs
- If the door feels too heavy to lift manually, the springs may be broken.
- Contact a professional if spring replacement is needed.
Step 5: Adjust the Limit Switch
- Turn the limit switch screw slightly and test the door.
- Keep adjusting until the door stops reversing.
When to Call a Professional?
If you have tried all these troubleshooting steps and your Craftsman garage door opener still starts down and reverses when closing, it might be time to call a professional technician. Garage door repairs can be dangerous, especially when dealing with high-tension springs. A professional can diagnose and fix the issue safely and effectively.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To avoid encountering this issue in the future, follow these preventive maintenance tips:
- Regularly clean and align the sensors.
- Lubricate the garage door tracks, rollers, and hinges.
- Check for worn-out springs and replace them as needed.
- Test the opener’s safety reversal mechanism monthly.
- Ensure the limit switch and sensitivity settings are correctly adjusted.
By performing regular maintenance, you can keep your Craftsman garage door opener functioning smoothly and prevent unexpected malfunctions.
Conclusion
When your Craftsman garage door opener starts down and reverses when closing, it can be a frustrating issue, but it’s often caused by simple problems like sensor misalignment, track obstructions, incorrect sensitivity settings, or worn-out springs. By following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you can identify and fix the problem quickly. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to contact a professional garage door technician to ensure your system operates safely and efficiently.
With proper maintenance and timely adjustments, your Craftsman garage door opener will continue to provide convenience and security for years to come.