Is your driveway gate refusing to open or close when you use your remote control or enter your keycode? If so, it may be due to a response issue or a communication failure between the gate control (remote control, keypad, or intercom entry system) and gate operator. Alternatively, it may be the result of the photo-eye sensors firing or malfunctioning. Here’s what you need to know to troubleshoot these residential gate responsiveness problems.

The batteries and power source

If your gate doesn’t open when you use your remote or keypad, start by ruling out the simple things first. To determine if your device’s batteries are the problem, try using one of the other controls that opens your gate. If it works, it’s likely that the batteries in your device have lost their charge. However, if a new set of batteries doesn’t get the device working again, then it may be time to replace the remote or keypad.

If you don’t have a second control handy, you can usually tell that the batteries in a remote or keypad have lost their charge if the device’s built-in light no longer flashes when you use it.

If the batteries aren’t the problem, check to see if the power source for the gate operator has been disrupted. Ensure that it’s plugged into a working outlet and check your breaker box to determine if the circuit breaker for your gate system has been switched off.

If you’ve lost power, check out our blog post about Summer Storms & Automatic Gates, which explains how to manually open your automatic gate during a power outage.

Tripped sensors

Your gate’s photo-eye sensors send a beam of light from one side of the gate opening to the other. If the photo eyes detect something in the gate’s path, the gate system will no longer open or close (or it will begin opening and closing then reverse direction). Objects such as sticks, rocks, and leaves can sometimes find their way into the path of the gate.

Generally, a flashing red light on the photo-eye sensors indicates that an obstruction has been detected. Find out if there’s anything in the path of the gate’s sensors.

The two photo eyes could also be misaligned. If the sensors aren’t “seeing” each other, it will cause them to stop working. The sensors can be adjusted and realigned by hand.

Another possibility is that the lenses of the photo eyes could be dirty. Wipe them with a cloth if they look smudged.

Malfunctioning sensors

Occasionally, gate sensors can malfunction and will halt gate operation as a result. This will occur if there’s an issue with the wiring. For example, sometimes pests make their home inside the housing of the sensors or rodents chew the wires.

If you suspect that the sensors are malfunctioning, visually inspect the electrical components to see if there’s any damage. If something seems off, call in a gate repair technician to resolve the problem.

Note that electrical issues will also result in the sensors failing to detect people, pets, vehicles, or anything else that enters the path of the gate. This is a major safety concern, so don’t delay in getting faulty sensors repaired.

The operator

If your gate system isn’t responding to your remote control or keypad, the issue could be with the gate operator. To determine if this is the case, take a look at the control board located inside the housing of the operator.

The control board will have a diagnostic display that signals any issues with the system. If the display shows an error code, look up its meaning and the corresponding troubleshooting steps in the user’s manual.

For example, if you have a LiftMaster CSW24U or CSL24U gate operator and the diagnostics display is showing the number 31, you can find the following explanation and solution in the user’s manual:

“Main control board has experienced an internal failure. Disconnect all power, wait 15 seconds, then reconnect power (reboot). If issue continues, replace main control board.”

Depending on the display number indicated, the solution prescribed will vary.

Additional troubleshooting tips

If you continue to have issues opening your gate, you can try resetting the system. Find the reset button or switch on the gate operator and perform a simple reboot.

However, it’s best to call a qualified gate technician if the problem persists. In the meantime, set your gate operator to manual mode so you can open and close the gate by hand. Look for the manual disconnect on your gate operator. Sometimes a key is needed to perform this function. Refer to your user’s manual for more information.

Reliable Residential Gate Repair in Western Canada

If you’re experiencing a response or sensor issue, or any other problem with your driveway gate, turn to the experts at Creative Door Services™. Our experienced technicians will repair your gate system and ensure that it’s in peak condition. We also install residential gates and gate operators if you’re due for a replacement.

For more information about our gate services, contact us at one of our locations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.