If your garage door opener is malfunctioning, an unwanted remote is activating your garage door opener or your handheld opener has been lost or stolen, you may wish to reset the opener. The exact process for resetting your garage door opener varies depending on the brand, model and age of your opener. However, most garage door openers are simple to reprogram and a standard process may be followed to reset most openers.
Older garage door openers rely on DIP (dual in-line package) switches and radio frequencies to work. Newer models typically use wireless technology instead. To determine whether you have an older or newer model, check on the main unit for either a series of switchers or a button that says “Learn” or “Home.” If your garage door opener has a button, it is likely newer. If it has switches, you will need to reprogram it that way.
Resetting Older DIP Systems
- Many units have a series of 9 or 12 switches, but numbers vary. These switches are located both on the main garage door opening unit and the handheld remotes. Switches can be toggled in either an off or on position. In order for the garage door opener to function, the pattern of switches must match on both the in-garage motor and the handheld remote. To access the switches, you may need to remove a control panel or cover.
Resetting Newer Openers
- To reset the system, you will need to locate the button on the motor that reads “Learn” or “Home.” In many cases, this button will be located on the same side as the device’s antenna and next to an LED. LED colors range by brand and model. Depending on the model you have, you may need to remove an access panel to reach this button.
- Once you have located the “Learn” or “Home” button, most models will require you to hold it down for five to six seconds or until the LED goes off. For some units, this is all it takes to reprogram your opener.
- In other instances, just after holding down the button until the LED goes off, you will need to quickly press the same button again to reset the opener.
If you need further assistance, please contact your local garage door expert.