Short answer: automatic gate not working? Check six things in this order: power, the remote battery, the photo eyes, the path, manual release and the backup battery. A lot of “dead gate” calls we get are solved by one of those. If none of them helps, or the gate hums, grinds or won’t reverse, call a technician and don’t force it.
It always seems to happen when you’re late. Here is the quick, safe checklist our Portland and Seattle techs walk people through on the phone.
Automatic gate not working? 6 things to check
1. Is there power?
Check the breaker or GFCI outlet that feeds the operator. GFCI outlets trip often in our wet weather. If the operator has a power light, see whether it is on. After a storm or outage, some operators need a minute to reset.
2. Is it just the remote?
Try the keypad, the intercom or a second remote. If those work, put a new battery in the remote. If nothing works from any device, the problem is at the gate, not the remote.
3. Are the photo eyes blocked or dirty?
Photo eyes are the small sensors on each side of the driveway. If they are dirty, wet, or knocked out of line by a car or mower, the gate won’t close or will reverse. Wipe the lenses and check that they face each other. Many have a small light that turns steady when they are lined up.
4. Is something in the way?
Look for rocks or ice in a slide track, a branch against a swing gate, or a sagging gate dragging on the driveway. Operators stop when they feel extra resistance.
5. Is the gate in manual release?
Most operators have a key or lever that disconnects the gate so you can push it by hand. If someone used it during an outage, the operator will run but the gate won’t move until it is re-engaged. Your owner’s manual shows how. If you’re not sure, call us.
6. Is the backup battery dead?
If the power has been out, or the battery is more than two or three years old, the gate may move slowly, stop halfway or not move at all.
When to stop and call a technician
- The motor hums, clicks or grinds but the gate doesn’t move
- The gate won’t stop or reverse when something is in its way (operators built to UL 325 should)
- You smell burning or see scorch marks on the control box
- The gate is off its track or hanging crooked
- Nothing above made a difference
Don’t open the operator or force the gate with the motor engaged. That is how stripped gears and bent arms happen. Our gate repair techs carry common parts, so most repairs are done the same day.
Gate stuck open or closed right now?
If you can’t get in or out, or your property is open and unsecured, use our emergency gate repair line. Call the office nearest you and tell us what the gate is doing.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my automatic gate open but not close?
Almost always the photo eyes. They are blocked, dirty or out of line, so the operator won’t close for safety reasons.
How do I open my gate during a power outage?
Use the manual release on the operator, then push the gate by hand. Re-engage it once power is back. If you have a battery backup, the gate may still run on its own for a while.
Can I reset my gate opener myself?
Turning the power off for a minute and back on is safe and sometimes clears a fault. Changing settings on the board is not a DIY job.
Still stuck? Portland (503) 455-7393, Seattle (425) 470-4166.
