When Should You Replace a Garage Door Motor?

A garage door opener works quietly in the background for years, and then one day it groans, stops part way or just clicks. Sometimes that is a simple fix. Sometimes it is time for a new motor. Here is how to tell.

Signs the motor is near the end

• It strains, slows or stops part way even though the door moves freely by hand
• It has become much louder than it used to be
• It reverses for no reason, even with the beams clear
• Remotes are no longer available for it
• It has had the same fault fixed more than once
• It has no safety reverse or no safety beams

First, check the door

Many motor problems are actually door problems. If the door is heavy or uneven when you lift it by hand with the opener disengaged, the springs need attention. A new motor on a badly balanced door will wear out fast. See garage door repairs.

When repair makes sense

A newer motor with a single failed part, like a remote receiver, a gear or a limit switch, is often worth repairing. An old motor with a failed control board may cost nearly as much to fix as to replace.

What to look for in a new opener

• Suits the door. Matched to your door's type, size and weight.
• Safety. Reliable auto-reverse and safety beams.
• Battery backup. Keeps working during a power cut.
• Smartphone control. Check and open the door from your phone.
• Remotes. Ask about spare remotes and keypads.
• Coastal conditions. Ask about the rail and chain or belt near the beach.

Next step

Tell us your suburb, the door type and the brand of the current motor if you know it. A local technician will be in touch. Our garage door motors page has more detail.