A properly functioning garage door ensures that the valuable items we store in the garage are protected at all times. Automation is always the way to go if you want to achieve this and at the same time make your life easier. With a remote, you can control the movements of your garage door even without moving out of your vehicle.
Your garage door remote should be programmed to interface with the other automation components to achieve such automation, specifically the opener unit. This is especially crucial when you have acquired a new remote for your garage door after loss or misplacement of the existing one.
Although the steps of programming a garage door remote differ from one manufacturer to another, read through to understand the basic programming steps that will make the controller work with your garage door opener. Ridgeline Overhead Garage Door can help if you need assistance with your garage door remote.
Before we dive into the steps, let’s handle some essential topics.
What to do when your garage door remote is lost or stolen
In case of accidental loss or theft of your garage door remote, you should immediately do the following to prevent burglars from getting into your garage:
- Locate the LEARN button on your garage door opener (usually on the back or side of the motor unit)
- Open the control housing unit to get access to the button
- Confirm that the LED lights on the button are working
- Press and hold the button until the LED lights go off (takes approximately 6 seconds)
You have successfully reset the memory and code of the lost garage door opener remote!
After erasing the memory and existing code, you can have peace of mind as the lost remote cannot be used to open your garage door.
Replacing the garage door remote
To get your garage door automation back, you need to replace the lost remote with a new one. If your previous remote did not come with a spare, then you need to visit the unit’s manufacturer’s shop and get a replacement.
Please ensure that you acquire a remote controller that is of the same brand as your garage opener. If you switch things up, there will be no communication between them even if you perfectly program the new remote. A LiftMaster garage door opener will not, for example, work with a remote meant for a Genie opener.
An expert tip: Consider purchasing a universal remote for the lost one and any other unit you will install in the future. This will probably cost you more but will save you the hustle of finding a compatible garage door remote replacement unit in the future.
Will you need manual operation?
While waiting for your new garage door remote, you will still need to access the garage space, and this means that you will have to switch to temporary manual operation. Please note that operating a manual garage door that was previously automated should be done following all the necessary safety precautions. However, as long as your garage door opener is tuned and your garage door structure in its pristine condition, you shouldn’t run into problems opening your garage door by hand.
Confirm that there are no faults with your garage door opener
If your garage door opener is faulty, your garage door remote may not work as required, even if you program it. You should inspect the opener and identify faults with the opener’s motor and wiring system. All issues should be dealt with swiftly and in a professional manner. For this, reach out to your local garage specialist as they will come in with the necessary skills and tools required for the task.
If the garage opener is repaired correctly, you should not experience any problems controlling the garage door with your garage door remote. With this in mind, you can proceed to program your new garage door remote following the following six easy steps:
- Use a ladder to access the opener but take care as you climb to where it is located on the ceiling.
- Locate the LEARN button as discussed in the memory-erasing section discussed above. You can take off the light cover if the button is not located externally.
- Press the LEARN button until the LED lights start blinking (Keep in mind that the lights were off at the end of the memory reset process).
- As the opener’s button flashes press the OPEN button on your new remote. Please be fast enough doing this as most units will give you a half a minute time limit to press the OPEN button after the LED lights start blinking.
- Let the communication set for about one minute
- Test if the remote works by testing if it opens the garage door.
You should not have any problems opening your garage door with the newly programmed remote following this easy procedure.
After successfully programming your garage door remote, you need to keep it safe at all times. Since it is hard for a garage break-in to be accomplished without remote control, storing the remote in a secure place is paramount. You can hide it in a private place in your car or bring it to your home and keep it where you keep your other delicate items.
Conclusion
Regardless of why you want to program your garage door remote, the task should be straightforward, and you must not reach out to a specialist. Follow the practices discussed above to ensure that no one gets to your garage before acquiring your new remote and program it.
Don’t forget to keep your programmed garage door remote device in a safe place to avoid subsequent unnecessary losses and replacements. You can find Ridgeline Overhead Garage Door in Austin if you reside there and need some local help.