Craftsman Garage Door Opener Problems In Cold Weather Only

As the temperature drops, it's not uncommon for garage door openers to start acting up. While some issues can be resolved with a simple adjustment, others may require professional attention. Here are some of the most common Craftsman garage door opener problems that occur in cold weather, along with troubleshooting tips and solutions:

Frozen Sensors

Garage door sensors are essential for safety, as they prevent the door from closing on people or objects. When the temperature drops, these sensors can become frozen, causing the door to malfunction. To fix this issue, simply warm up the sensors using a hair dryer or heat gun. Once the sensors are thawed, the door should operate normally.

Battery Problems

Cold weather can also affect the battery life of garage door openers. When the temperature drops, batteries can lose power more quickly, causing the opener to malfunction. To resolve this issue, replace the batteries with new ones. It's also a good idea to use lithium batteries, which perform better in cold weather than alkaline batteries.

Lubrication Issues

Garage door openers require lubrication to operate smoothly. However, when the temperature drops, lubricants can become thick and sticky, causing the opener to slow down or become jammed. To fix this issue, apply a lubricant specifically designed for cold weather to the moving parts of the opener. This will help to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.

Circuit Board Malfunction

In some cases, cold weather can cause the circuit board of the garage door opener to malfunction. This can lead to a variety of problems, including the door opening or closing randomly, or not responding to the remote control. To resolve this issue, it's best to contact a professional garage door repair technician.

Power Outages

Power outages are another common problem that can occur in cold weather. If the power goes out, your garage door opener will not be able to operate. To resolve this issue, simply wait until the power is restored. If the power outage is expected to be prolonged, you may need to manually open the garage door.

Preventing Problems

There are a few things you can do to prevent Craftsman garage door opener problems in cold weather:

Keep the garage door sensors clean and free of debris.
Replace the batteries in the garage door opener regularly, especially before the cold weather season begins.
Lubricate the moving parts of the garage door opener with a lubricant designed for cold weather.
Install a surge protector to protect the garage door opener from power surges.
Have a professional garage door repair technician inspect and service your opener annually.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Craftsman garage door opener operating smoothly, even in the coldest weather conditions.