Key takeaways:
- Garage door keypads are prone to breaking down like any other electrical device and can stop working for various reasons.
- Some reasons why your garage door keypad may not work include: batteries are dead or dying; damaged or faulty wires; poor connectivity; malfunctioning buttons; the keypad needs reprogramming; incorrect pin; and you have an older model opener.
- Most of these problems have relatively easy fixes that you can do yourself. However, if you feel uncomfortable or unable to do so, contact a professional for assistance.
One of the conveniences that many families rely on is the outside keypad for their garage door opener. You can enter your garage or house by remembering a simple code rather than carrying a real key. The keypad has become a need for busy families, particularly when children are dropped off by the school bus in the afternoon and enter through the garage.
However, like any other electrical device, they are prone to breaking down and can stop working for various reasons. Here are seven reasons why your garage door keypad may not work and how to fix them.
Reason 01: Batteries Are Dead or Dying
It appears to be a no-brainer, yet it is simple to ignore. Try replacing the garage door keypad batteries before you start experimenting with your garage door code or other difficult remedies. Think about when the last time you changed the keypad’s batteries. Keypads use batteries, and there is no warning when running low. Most versions will require a 9-volt or a 12-volt battery, readily available at your local hardware shop.
If you replace the battery and the garage keypad still does not function, you may need to reprogram the garage door keypad. You may need to go so far as to wipe the memory and reset the PIN.
Reason 02: Damaged or Faulty Wires
Garage door opener systems have many moving parts; over time, these parts can become worn out or dislodged. Wires are no exception. The garage door opener wiring runs from the control panel to the garage door opener motor. If any of these wires become damaged due to weather or a short circuit, it can cause the garage door keypad to stop working.
Examine the keypad to see whether the wires are broken. You must first remove the rear cover. Inspect the keys to ensure that the wires are securely attached. If the wires have come loose, reconnect them properly, replace the cover, and try to open the door again. If this does not work, contact a maintenance technician to inspect the wiring.
Reason 03: Poor Connectivity
If there is a problem with the opener’s receiver, it will not be able to receive signals from the remote or keypad. Check to see any obstructions between the opener and the transmitter. If there are, remove them. If that fails, move the opener closer to the transmitter. If you still cannot get the opener to work, contact a door repair technician for further assistance.
Reason 04: Malfunctioning Buttons
If you attempt all the above and nothing changes, faulty buttons might cause a garage door opener keypad not to work. You may test this by entering a four-digit code at random. This random number should not contain any digits from your code. For example, if your PIN is 7201. Choose a new number that does not include any of those characters, such as 9364. If this works, it indicates that one or more of your keypad buttons is failing. A buildup of debris might be one of the causes.
In addition, outdated keypads may have broken buttons. Over time, certain keys might become loose, making it difficult to open the garage door. Use an alcohol wipe or compressed air spray to clean the buttons. However, if this fails, you will require a replacement.
Reason 05: The Keypad Needs Reprogramming
Outside keypads and remotes frequently lose their programming. Circuit boards, like brains, can have occasional problems induced by power shortages or variations.
Determine the model of your automatic opener, remote, or keypad before conducting a fast web search. Several internet tutorials will lead you through the reprogramming process, or you can obtain the instructions from the manufacturer’s website. However, if you don’t feel comfortable programming the device, feel free to contact a professional.
Reason 06: Incorrect Pin
Do you have any doubts about the security code? Then it’s generally advisable to avoid putting it more than once. There is normally a restriction to how many times the code may be entered. Suppose you continue to enter the incorrect code. In that case, the keypad will be disabled as a security mechanism, similar to how credit cards function.
If you can’t recall the remote-control code, you’ll have to make one up. This is accomplished by pushing the learn button on the opener. It takes a few minutes to reset the new code. Replace the old code, and everything should be back to normal.
If this does not work, you must reset the complete machine. Rebooting your device will wipe all its memory. This includes any prior pin codes. This may be accomplished by turning off the garage opener and disconnecting it for roughly 5 minutes. When you reconnect it, you can enter a new security code.
If a reboot does not work, you will require expert assistance. You may need to replace the keypad. In some circumstances, a full system installation is necessary.
Reason 07: You Have an Older Model Opener
Are you using a standard garage door keypad instead of one designed particularly for your garage door? Even “universal keypads” may not be compatible with all models. The only way to be sure is to check with the manufacturer or an expert. Sometimes your garage door is outdated, and a new system is required.
Final Thoughts:
Garage door keypads are vital for the security of your home. If yours is not working, don’t despair—there is likely a fix. By identifying the problem and taking action, your garage door can work optimally again in no time.
At Johnny B’s Garage Doors and Service, serving Southlake, we provide residential garage doors in various sizes and styles to fit any property. Our crew adds many years of expertise and understanding to every work, so you can be confident that your new door will be properly fitted.
