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Garage door openers

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  • chevydeerhunter

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    Feb 23, 2008
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    San Antonio
    Does anybody know anything about garage door openers? I have an ancient Craftsman that's 20+ years old. I couldn't open the door with the remote unless I was right under the thing (which defeats the purpose of having one). So I ordered a replacement remote from a company and it does a little better, but I still have to be in the garage to open it. Short of buying a new one, is there any way to fix this problem? I'd really hate to put my Kimber money into buying a new door opener, but I will if I have to. They're a PITA to install! Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
    Military Camp
     

    Texas1911

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    May 29, 2017
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    Austin, TX
    They should operate on an RF signal, meaning any shielding / insulation would block it. You don't have any foil, or other insulation that might be obstructing the signal?
     

    RIATAC45

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    Chevy - Sounds like a low battery. Did the new remote come with the battery installed? If so the first thing I would try is replacing them, also while you have the case off check to see that the dip switches in the unit match the remote exactly. They will sometimes work with 1 switch off, although not very well. You also might check operation with the lower case of the opener off, to see if its a weak receiver.


    I just read my own post and I don't mean to sound like I'm insulting your inteligence. I just try to start with the simple, cheap stuff.
     

    chevydeerhunter

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    Chevy - Sounds like a low battery. Did the new remote come with the battery installed? If so the first thing I would try is replacing them, also while you have the case off check to see that the dip switches in the unit match the remote exactly. They will sometimes work with 1 switch off, although not very well. You also might check operation with the lower case of the opener off, to see if its a weak receiver.


    I just read my own post and I don't mean to sound like I'm insulting your inteligence. I just try to start with the simple, cheap stuff.


    Believe me, brother, you're not insulting my intelligence since there's not much to insult!:p Many a time, I've racked my brain trying to figure something out and it ends up being the most obvious or simplest thing! I'll take anything under advisement.;)

    I checked the dip switches and have them exactly as my old remote. I'm going to grab the multimeter to check the battery then pull the panel to see if there's anything wrong there. I'm probably going to have to ante up for a new system and it'll probably be a good idea in the long run. Thanks for all the help so far. Any other suggestions?
     

    carneyman

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    Feb 23, 2008
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    If I remember correctly my grandma had a really old crafts man, and it had an antenna that got pulled off. Did the same thing. Put a new wire on and it worked again.
     

    chevydeerhunter

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    Checked the small 12v battery and it checks in at 12.82 volts so it's good. The garage door is a metal, uninsulated door with two windows. I pulled the panel and the antenna is securely soldered to the board. I think it's on it's last leg.
     

    Texas1911

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    Checked the small 12v battery and it checks in at 12.82 volts so it's good. The garage door is a metal, uninsulated door with two windows. I pulled the panel and the antenna is securely soldered to the board. I think it's on it's last leg.

    Check the receiving antennae, if it's corroded you might try a quick wet sand.
     

    LHB1

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    Mar 4, 2008
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    Chevy,
    A real long shot but does your garage door opener have power or sensitivity adjustments for opening and closing? If so, you might try increasing power on both. They are not supposed to affect remote signal reception but who knows what lurks in the inner workings of that ol' door opener?
     

    chevydeerhunter

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    Feb 23, 2008
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    Chevy,
    A real long shot but does your garage door opener have power or sensitivity adjustments for opening and closing? If so, you might try increasing power on both. They are not supposed to affect remote signal reception but who knows what lurks in the inner workings of that ol' door opener?

    I guess anything's worth a try.;)
     

    RIATAC45

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    "Checked the small 12v battery and it checks in at 12.82 volts so it's good"

    That is correct to a point, it may have a good surface voltage, but when you put a load on it may loose its voltage. You need voltage and amperage. (ie a dead car battery will still read 12volts or thereabouts and still not start a car)

    I use to have an extra garage door opener laying around, (my uncle works for sears and carryback) I haven't seen it since we moved. I'll look for it, if I can find it your welcome to it.
     

    Sixlites

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    Apr 28, 2008
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    I had one about 15 years back (I traded a lawnmower for it). It was a Craftsman. It sometimes slipped and wouldnt open and it had a big nut on the end of the thing like a clutch plate for adjustment.
     

    shooter

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    May 4, 2008
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    Long shot, but you might also call Craftsman.

    Dunno if their lifetime tool warranty (which I understand that they no longer have for new tools) ever applied to their garage door openers......

    Even if not, there may still be someone on the other end of the line willing to help.

    They may know something about your particular make, model, serial number range, etc.
     

    chevydeerhunter

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    Feb 23, 2008
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    Long shot, but you might also call Craftsman.

    Dunno if their lifetime tool warranty (which I understand that they no longer have for new tools) ever applied to their garage door openers......

    Even if not, there may still be someone on the other end of the line willing to help.

    They may know something about your particular make, model, serial number range, etc.

    I tried Craftsman. They only keep records for up to 20 years and mine is apparently older than that so I got a big lot of nothing from them.
     
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