A Craftsman garage door opener is a convenient tool for seamless home access, but when issues arise, it can be frustrating. One of the most common problems homeowners face is when the garage door opener light blinks, but the remote does not work.

So, why is your Craftsman garage door opener light blinking, but the remote is not working? This issue could be due to battery problems, signal interference, misalignment, or a need for reprogramming. Understanding the potential causes and solutions can help restore your garage door’s functionality.
In this guide, we’ll explain the possible reasons why your Craftsman garage door opener light blinks but the remote is not working, along with step-by-step troubleshooting solutions.
Why Is My Craftsman Garage Door Opener Light Blinking?
The blinking garage door opener light serves as an indicator of a problem. Depending on the number of flashes, it can point to various issues, such as:
- Remote control failure
- Sensor misalignment
- Battery or wiring issues
- Interference from nearby devices
- The opener needs to be reset or reprogrammed
If your garage door opener light blinks but the remote does not work, follow the troubleshooting steps below to diagnose and fix the issue.
Craftsman Garage Door Opener Light Blinks But Remote Not Working: Common Causes & Fixes
1. Check the Remote Control Batteries
One of the simplest reasons your Craftsman garage door opener remote is not working is a dead or weak battery.
👉 How to Fix:
- Open the battery compartment of the remote and replace the battery (usually a CR2032 or A23 battery).
- Ensure the battery is inserted correctly with the proper polarity (+/-).
- Test the remote again after replacing the battery.
💡 Tip: If you have multiple remotes and only one is not working, a battery replacement is the most likely solution.
2. Reprogram the Garage Door Remote
If your remote lost its programming, it will no longer send signals to the opener, even though the light blinks.
👉 How to Fix:
- Locate the “Learn” button on the Craftsman garage door opener unit.
- Press and hold the “Learn” button until the LED indicator light turns on.
- Within 30 seconds, press and hold the button on the remote that you want to program.
- Wait for the garage opener light to blink, indicating successful programming.
- Test the remote to see if it now operates the door.
💡 Tip: If the remote still does not work, try clearing all codes and reprogramming all remotes from scratch.
3. Check for Signal Interference
Wireless interference from Wi-Fi routers, LED lights, or other electronic devices can block the remote’s signal.
👉 How to Fix:
- Move any wireless devices or electronics away from the garage door opener.
- Try using the remote closer to the opener unit to check for signal strength.
- If you have multiple garage door openers, ensure they are not set to the same frequency.
💡 Tip: Some LED light bulbs in garage door openers cause interference. Try switching to garage door-compatible LED bulbs.
4. Inspect the Garage Door Safety Sensors
If the garage door opener light blinks multiple times, it might indicate a problem with the safety sensors.
👉 How to Fix:
- Locate the two photo-eye safety sensors near the bottom of the garage door tracks.
- Ensure both sensors are facing each other directly.
- Check for dust, dirt, or obstructions blocking the sensor’s infrared beam.
- If the sensors are misaligned, adjust them until the indicator lights turn solid.
💡 Tip: If the safety sensor wiring is damaged, you may need to replace or reconnect the wires.
5. Reset the Garage Door Opener
If your Craftsman garage door opener light blinks but the remote does not work, resetting the system may help.
👉 How to Fix:
- Unplug the garage door opener from the power outlet.
- Wait for 30–60 seconds.
- Plug the opener back in and test the remote.
💡 Tip: A reset can clear minor software glitches that may be causing the issue.
6. Test the Wall-Mounted Garage Door Button
If the wall button works but the remote doesn’t, the issue is likely with the remote itself.
👉 How to Fix:
- Try pressing the wall button to check if the door operates correctly.
- If the wall button works but the remote doesn’t, try replacing the remote battery or reprogramming the remote.
- If the wall button does NOT work either, there may be an issue with the power supply or circuit board.
💡 Tip: If both the wall button and the remote fail, check the power supply to the opener.
7. Replace the Remote If Necessary
If you’ve tried all the above steps and the remote still does not work, you may need a replacement remote.
👉 How to Fix:
- Purchase a Craftsman-compatible garage door opener remote.
- Program the new remote using the “Learn” button method.
- Test the new remote to ensure it operates properly.
💡 Tip: If a new remote still doesn’t work, the problem may be with the opener’s receiver rather than the remote itself.
When to Call a Professional Garage Door Technician
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and your Craftsman garage door opener light still blinks but the remote is not working, it may be time to call a professional technician.
You should seek help if:
✔ The opener’s main unit is unresponsive to all remotes and buttons.
✔ The opener’s circuit board is malfunctioning.
✔ The wiring inside the motor unit appears burned or damaged.
✔ The garage door fails to open or close properly, even with the wall button.
A garage door professional can diagnose and repair deeper electrical or mechanical issues.
Preventative Maintenance for Your Craftsman Garage Door Opener
To prevent future remote issues, follow these maintenance tips:
✔ Replace remote batteries annually to ensure strong signal transmission.
✔ Keep the garage door opener unit clean and free of dust buildup.
✔ Check and align safety sensors regularly.
✔ Test the remote and reprogram it if necessary every few months.
✔ Avoid placing Wi-Fi routers near the garage door opener to minimize interference.
By keeping your garage door opener in good condition, you can avoid frustrating remote control failures.
Final Thoughts: Resolving Craftsman Garage Door Opener Light Blinking Issues
If your Craftsman garage door opener light blinks but the remote is not working, the issue is likely caused by:
✔ Dead remote batteries
✔ Signal interference
✔ Misaligned safety sensors
✔ Remote programming issues
✔ Opener system glitches
By following this step-by-step troubleshooting guide, you can diagnose and fix the problem quickly. If the issue persists, consider replacing the remote or seeking professional repair services.
A functioning garage door remote ensures smooth daily operation and security, so don’t delay in fixing the issue!