What is a Garage Door Limit Switch, and How Does It Work?
A garage door is large and heavy equipment consisting of multiple moving parts working together to ensure its smooth and optimal operation. One of the crucial garage door parts that aids in its proper function is a limit switch. This garage door limit switch is a device that electrically controls or limits the extent to which a garage door can travel while opening or closing
A garage door is large and heavy equipment consisting of multiple moving parts working together to ensure its smooth and optimal operation. One of the crucial garage door parts that aids in its proper function is a limit switch. This garage door limit switch is a device that electrically controls or limits the extent to which a garage door can travel while opening or closing.
If there are garage door limit switch problems, it may refuse to close fully or reverse itself while the homeowner attempts to shut the door. It prevents the erratic movement of a garage door, acting as a safety instrument that keeps the door from accidentally closing in on someone and causing untoward accidents and severe injuries. As an essential part of any type of garage door opener, it instructs the door to stop while operating.
How Does the Garage Door Limit Switch Work?
Several garage door models have limit switches looking like two white knobs are located on the tracks. In some models, it is also present in the opener mechanism. The two white knobs are up-and-down limit switches that signal the garage door motor to open and close.
So, how does a garage door opener know when to stop? The limit switch on your garage door has an actuator mechanically connected to an electrical switch. When the door moves, the roller activates the switch by touching the actuator, signaling the motor to stop once the door reaches the fully open or closed position.
Signs That the Limit Switch Needs Adjustment
It is common for homeowners to deal with garage door limit switch problems. A malfunctioning limit switch causes inconvenience to homeowners. It can cause serious injuries if the sensors fail to stop the door when something is in its path.
It also makes the home susceptible to burglaries and outdoor weather conditions and leads to loss of heated and cooled air, resulting in high energy bills. Here are the symptoms of a limit switch not working correctly:
- The garage door is not opening or closing fully.
- The door goes back up after touching the ground.
The owner may have to adjust either the up or down limit switch on the garage door opener or both, depending on the issues faced while opening or closing. If the door only opens partially or fails to open completely, adjust the up-limit knob. For the down-limit switch, make adjustments if the door doesn’t close completely or stops midway. In both cases, measure the gap to help reset them.
Adjusting a Garage Door Limit Switch
For adjusting the limit switch, it is first essential to identify its location. If not positioned on the track, consult the user manual to locate its position and ways to reset it.
Use a step ladder to access the location and, with the help of a flat-head screwdriver, turn the knobs. For increasing the travel distance based on the measurement taken, turn the knob clockwise and counterclockwise to decrease it. Take a family member’s help to test the garage door and keep adjusting the knobs till it reaches the desired operating level.
Resetting the Garage Door Opener Limit Switches
Resetting the limit switches on your garage door opener is an easy process that can restore the proper functioning of your garage door. Here’s how to do it:
- Locate the Limit Switches: Depending on your garage door model, the limit switches may be found on the tracks or within the opener mechanism. For more instructions, check your user manual.
- Access the Adjustment Knobs: Use a step ladder to safely reach the limit switches. Typically, these will have two knobs—one for the up limit and another for the down limit.
- Adjust the Knobs: Adjust the knobs by turning them based on the desired travel distance of the door. Turn the knobs clockwise to increase the travel distance or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Test the Door: Operate the garage door after each adjustment to ensure it opens and closes fully without reversing or stopping prematurely. Repeat the process until the settings are just right.
- Seek Professional Help if Needed: If adjusting the limit switches does not resolve the issue or the door continues to malfunction, contact a professional garage door repair service to assess and fix the problem.
Why Your Garage Door Limit Switch Matters and How to Keep It Working
The limit switch on the garage door opener plays a crucial role in keeping your door working safely and smoothly. If you notice any issues, adjusting or resetting it can often solve the problem and save you time and hassle. And remember, if you’re ever unsure or need extra help, don’t hesitate to call a professional to get things back on track.
Get a garage door repair and service professional to adjust the limit switch if you fail to do it or if the garage door requires some other repairs. For a free estimate, get in touch with Quick Response Garage Door Service right now. We’re your AZ garage door service specialists.
(623) 624-9043 (Phoenix) or (623) 624-9043 (Tucson)