A Craftsman garage door opener provides ease and security by allowing convenient access to your garage. However, if your Craftsman garage door opener hums but won’t open, it can quickly become a source of frustration. This humming noise is often an indication that the motor is receiving power but is unable to move the door. Several factors can cause this, ranging from issues with the motor and drive mechanism to problems with the door’s alignment or the opener’s settings. In this article, we’ll cover common causes and troubleshooting steps to help you get your garage door opener working smoothly again.
Why Your Craftsman Garage Door Opener Hums But Won’t Open
When your Craftsman garage door opener hums but won’t open, it is usually a symptom of one of the following issues:
1. Motor Capacitator Problems
A common reason for the humming sound without movement is a failing or failed motor capacitor. The capacitor is responsible for providing the initial power surge that the motor needs to start lifting or lowering the door. When the capacitor fails, the motor may hum as it tries to start, but it lacks the power to move the door.
Read too: Craftsman 3/4 HP Garage Door Opener Parts List
2. Gear or Drive Mechanism Issues
Inside the garage door opener, gears and drive components work together to lift and lower the door. Over time, these components can wear down, particularly if the door is heavy or the opener has been used frequently. A worn or stripped gear can result in the motor humming without being able to drive the door open.
3. Door Track or Alignment Problems
In some cases, the issue may not lie with the opener itself but with the garage door’s alignment or track. If the door is off-balance or if there is something obstructing the track, the door opener may struggle to lift the door, resulting in a humming noise as the motor attempts to operate.
4. Opener Limit Settings
Garage door openers are equipped with limit settings that control how far the door opens and closes. If these settings are off, the opener might stop short, hum, or fail to open the door fully.
5. Chain or Belt Tension
Craftsman garage door openers can use either a chain or a belt to drive the door up and down. Over time, these belts and chains can become loose, causing the motor to strain and hum as it attempts to open the door without success.
Troubleshooting Your Craftsman Garage Door Opener
If your Craftsman garage door opener hums but won’t open, try these troubleshooting steps to pinpoint and possibly resolve the issue.
Step 1: Check the Capacitor in the Motor
- Inspect for Visual Signs of Damage: Open the motor housing and look at the capacitor. A failing capacitor may show signs like bulging, leaking, or discoloration.
- Test the Capacitor with a Multimeter: Use a multimeter to test if the capacitor is holding a charge. If the capacitor fails this test, it will need to be replaced.
- Replace the Capacitor if Needed: Capacitor replacement kits are available for most Craftsman garage door openers, and they are usually straightforward to install.
Step 2: Inspect the Drive Mechanism and Gears
The gears inside your garage door opener can wear down or strip over time, especially in older units. To check for issues with the drive mechanism:
- Open the Cover: Remove the cover of the opener to access the gears and drive system. Look for signs of wear, such as missing teeth on the gears or metal shavings.
- Replace Worn Gears: If the gears appear damaged, you can purchase a gear replacement kit for Craftsman openers. Follow the instructions carefully, as installing new gears can be a detailed process.
- Lubricate the Mechanism: After inspecting and replacing gears, apply a light lubricant to the moving parts to ensure smooth operation and reduce strain on the motor.
Step 3: Check the Door Track and Balance
If your garage door opener hums but won’t open, the issue may be due to the door’s alignment or track. Here’s how to check:
- Inspect the Track for Obstructions: Look for any debris or obstacles in the track that could prevent the door from moving.
- Check for Warped or Bent Tracks: Warped tracks can impede the door’s movement. Straighten any bent areas using a rubber mallet or other tools, if possible.
- Test the Door’s Balance: Disconnect the garage door from the opener and manually lift it halfway. If it stays in place, the door is balanced. If it falls, it may need rebalancing by a professional.
Step 4: Adjust the Opener’s Limit Settings
If the garage door opener is humming but only partially opens or does not open at all, you may need to adjust the limit settings:
- Locate the Limit Adjustment Screws: Most Craftsman models have two screws, one for the up limit and one for the down limit. These screws adjust how far the door opens and closes.
- Turn the Screws Incrementally: Using a flat-head screwdriver, adjust the screws slightly and test the door’s operation. Fine-tuning these settings can sometimes resolve issues with doors not fully opening or closing.
- Test the Door After Adjustments: After each adjustment, open and close the door to see if the problem has been resolved.
Step 5: Inspect the Chain or Belt Tension
A loose chain or belt can cause the motor to hum as it struggles to move the door. Here’s how to adjust the tension:
- Identify the Tensioning Bolt: Craftsman garage door openers typically have a tensioning bolt near the motor.
- Adjust the Tension: Use a wrench to tighten or loosen the tensioning bolt as needed. Ensure the chain or belt has slight give but is not overly loose.
- Lubricate the Chain or Belt: For chain-driven openers, apply a small amount of lubricant to reduce friction and prevent excessive wear.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
To avoid problems like a humming motor in the future, consider these maintenance tips for your Craftsman garage door opener:
- Regularly Clean and Lubricate Moving Parts: Dust and debris can accumulate on the gears and motor parts over time. Regularly clean these components and apply a light lubricant to keep the system operating smoothly.
- Check Door Balance and Alignment Periodically: An off-balance door can strain the opener motor, leading to issues. Checking the door’s balance regularly can help prevent this.
- Inspect Chains, Belts, and Gears Annually: Chains and belts can wear down over time. Performing an annual inspection allows you to catch wear before it becomes an issue.
- Replace Worn Parts as Needed: Small parts like capacitors, belts, or gears are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Replacing them before they completely fail can help you avoid bigger issues with the opener.
When to Call a Professional
While many issues with a Craftsman garage door opener humming but not opening can be addressed through basic troubleshooting, there are situations where a professional should be called:
- Motor Replacement: If the motor itself is burned out, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire opener rather than repair it.
- Complex Wiring or Electrical Issues: If the issue appears to be electrical or involves complex wiring, it’s best to call a professional to avoid safety risks.
- Spring Replacement: If the door is off-balance due to a broken spring, do not attempt to replace it yourself. Garage door springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle.
By following these steps and performing routine maintenance, you can keep your Craftsman garage door opener in good working order and potentially avoid issues in the future. Remember that regular inspection and timely part replacement can extend the life of your garage door opener, keeping it running smoothly and reliably.