Have you experienced trouble with your garage door keypad? We have put together a list of a few tricks you can try for garage door keypad troubleshooting. To start here are a few things that may be contributing to or causing the issues with your keypad.
Why the Garage Door Keypad May not be Working
Your garage door keypad is incredibly useful, especially if you don’t have a remote. To ensure your garage door opener operates smoothly and efficiently, it’s important to keep the keypad in good working order. Here are some common reasons why your garage door keypad might not be functioning properly:
Keys Stuck to the Pads
Dirt and debris can accumulate under the keys, causing them to stick to the pad. This means that you will be unable to press those buttons, making the keypad to become useless. Depending on how stuck they are, the keypad will need to be cleaned and maybe even replaced.
Issue with Your PIN
When you first set up your garage door keypad, you typically get or set a temporary PIN. If this PIN expires or you enter it incorrectly, the system can lock. It’s easy to forget to reprogram it with a new one if you have a busy schedule.
Dead Keypad Batteries
Dead batteries are a common cause of keypad malfunction. Check if replacing the batteries resolves the issue. This is an easy fix, just replace the batteries and you are up and running again! Also, check to make sure the batteries haven’t caused corrosion. If they have, the bed for the batteries will need to be cleaned well.
Frayed Wires
Wear and tear, or exposure to the elements can lead to frayed or poorly connected wires. These issues can disrupt the connection and cause the keypad to stop working. This may need on of our service experts or an electrician to safely replace the wiring.
Malfunctioning Code
Sometimes, the code needs to be reset, especially after changing batteries, rebooting the keypad, or entering an incorrect PIN too many times. Older keypads may also fail to recognize a PIN. If you need to reset the code, follow the keypads instruction manual or call us for help resetting the PIN.
Old or Worn-Out Keypad
Exposure to the elements can cause the keypad to wear out. Look for signs of damage, such as loose casing or moisture penetration. If troubleshooting doesn’t help, you might need to replace the keypad. No matter how much you try, it is possible that the keypad will just need to be replaced. We can come out, and run all of the trials to five of your keypads, but we will have a replacement on hand in case it needs to be replaced.
Malfunctioning Buttons
Age, damage, dirt, and wear and tear can cause buttons to malfunction. Try changing to a new four-digit PIN with completely different numbers. If this works, there might be a poor connection between the buttons.
How to Reset the Garage Door Keypad
If your garage door keypad isn’t working correctly, there are several steps you can take to reset it. Keep in mind that some solutions are more complex than others, so it’s advisable to seek professional help if you’re unsure how to proceed.
1) Make Sure the Keypad is Clean
A thorough cleaning can significantly improve the functionality of your keypad. Use an alcohol-based solution to clean the outside of the keypad, removing any oil and debris. A brush or compressed air may also work. Carefully wipe away grime and dirt between the buttons without causing damage.
If you have a garage door remote, start by cleaning its exterior with a cleaner. Open the remote and use a soft brush to remove any dust and debris. If possible, remove the keypad from the remote and clean the area around the keys before reassembling it. Finally, close up the remote.
2) Reset Your Keypad Pin
A garage door that won’t open from the outside but closes from the inside may indicate an expired PIN code. This issue can also occur if you’ve entered the wrong PIN too many times, locking the system. In either case, you’ll need to reset the PIN. While each model may vary, here are the basic steps to change the code on a garage door keypad:
- Refer to your owner’s manual for the four-digit unlocking code.
- Enter this code; a light on your motor may blink.
- When you see the blinking light, press the release button on the unit.
- You should now be able to reset your PIN following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can’t find your manual, you can usually find reset instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
3) Try Replacing the Keypad Batteries
If your garage keypad isn’t working, check the batteries. It’s easy to overlook replacing them over time. Most models use a 9-volt or 12-volt battery. Remember, with most garage door systems, you’ll need to reprogram your keypad after installing new batteries.
It is also a good idea to check for corrosion in the battery compartment. If there is, it needs to be cleaned and possibly even replaced.
4) Check the Wiring for Fraying
Due to wear and tear or extreme weather conditions, it is possible for the wiring to become damaged or frayed. Open your garage door keypad and inspect for any frayed wiring that isn’t connected properly to the keys. Carefully detach each loose wire and reattach it to the corresponding key, doing this one wire at a time to prevent mixing them up. Make sure each connection is secure before reassembling the keypad.
5) Check for Surface Interference
Sometimes, the metal surface your garage door keypad is mounted on can interfere with its wireless function. Try removing the keypad and entering the PIN again. If the PIN works now, place a wooden or plastic buffer between the mounting surface and the keypad to resolve the interference.
6) Try Replacing the Keypad
Replacing the entire keypad is an effective way to reset a garage door keypad without a code. Despite the casing that protects it, your garage door keypad can still be damaged by harsh elements. In some cases, it’s best to replace the keypad entirely.
7) Reboot the System
If you’ve tried almost everything, a reboot can help fix your garage door keypad. This process clears your garage door system’s memory and allows it to reset itself. Start by turning off your garage door opener. Unplug the entire system for five minutes, then plug it back in. Restart the system step by step and see if this resolves the issue.
Depending on the keypad, you may need to start by pressing the learn button to either reprogram the keypad or erase it’s memory
Still Not Working? We’re Here to Help!
If you have tried any one of these tricks without any results, give us a call! We would love to take a look at your keypad and garage door to figure out what the issue is quickly and efficiently!