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How to Figure Out What’s Wrong with Your Automatic Gate
Why does my automatic gate close part way and then open back up?
Your gate may be tripping the photoelectric sensors or magnetic loop detectors. Check the circuit board or any safety devices in the operator cabinet while the gate is closing to see if they are being tripped.
Your gate chain may be too loose or the gate may be binding in travel. While the gate is closing, check the circuit board to see if the obstruction sensitivity is tripped.
Why does my gate opener make a squealing sound?
Some gate operators utilize a belt drive for gear reduction. These belts get worn out and need to be replaced. If not replaced in a timely fashion, you may see the gate start and stop as the belt engages and releases. To stop the squealing, replace the belt.
The automatic gate may also be binding against the rollers or internal trucks. Disconnect the power and then disengage the gate operator from the gate. Manually, roll the gate open and closed to identify any binding or rough spots. The gate trucks, track or rollers may need to be replaced.
Why does my gate drop hard when it opens part way?
Your gate rollers may need to be adjusted. When the gate shifts its weight from one set of rollers to the next as it passes through the gate support posts, the gate may drop or bind because the rollers are not properly aligned.
Why does my gate begin to close and then stop?
Your gate may be tripping the magnetic loop detectors or photoelectric sensors. Some gate operators are programmed to simply stop when a safety device is tripped while the gate is traveling. Check the circuit board or any independent safety devices in the operator cabinet while the gate is closing to see if these devices are being tripped.
Your gate operator chain may be too loose or the gate may be binding in travel. While the gate is closing, check the circuit board to see if the obstruction sensitivity is tripped.
My gate motor is running but the automatic gate is not moving
The gate operator may be disengaged. Check inside the gate operator cabinet to see if the gate operator has a disengagement device. This will be in the form of a lever, which disconnects the drive unit from the output. Before re-engaging the gate opener, check with others who may have disengaged it. There may be safety concerns.
Why doesn’t my automatic gate stop when someone walks through?
Check your safety devices to make sure they are working correctly. While the gate is moving, cover the photoelectric detector or place pressure against the gate edge device(s). Do not place anyone or anything in the way of the gate. The circuit board or independent safety devices placed inside the gate opener cabinet should indicate a presence.
If not and the gate continues to move, leave the gate in the full open or full closed position and turn off power at the gate operator and dedicated circuit breaker. The circuit breaker should also be “locked-out” as this represents a considerable safety hazard. Then contact an automatic gate specialist for further repairs.
Why is my gate operator not working but constantly beeping?
Your gate operator may be in “alarm mode.” In other words, one of the safety devices was tripped while the gate was in travel. You will have to reset the gate opener at the circuit board or reset switch.
Why isn’t my gate stopping when cars are driving through?
Check your gate’s safety devices to be sure these are working correctly. While the gate is moving, cover the photoelectric detector or place a vehicle on the loop. Do not place anyone or anything in the path of the gate. The circuit board or independent safety devices placed inside the gate operator cabinet should indicate a presence. If not and the gate continues to move, elect to leave the gate in the full open or full closed position and disengage power at the gate operator and dedicated circuit breaker. The circuit breaker should also be “locked-out” as this represents a considerable safety hazard. Then contact an automatic gate specialist for further repairs.
Why isn’t my gate remote and/or gate keypad working?
When engaging your gate remote device or keypad, check the gate operator circuit board to see if it is registering an open command. If not, your remote may be in need of a new battery. If it’s not the remote battery, then the keypad or remote receiver may have become disconnected from the gate operator and you will need to check your wiring connections.
Why is my automatic gate chain dragging, drooping and/or snapping?
The chain is too loose if it is dragging, snapping or drooping. You may tighten the tension of the chain at the chain tensioner devices at the end(s) of the chain. Often, these tensioners are fully engaged and links of the chain will need to be removed. A snapping chain may also set off the obstruction sensitivity indicator in the gate opener, putting the automatic gate in alarm mode.
Why won’t my automatic gate open?
Check for power at the gate operator. Inside the cover, you will find a light or series of lights that indicate power is on at the gate opener. Usually there will be a manual switch that disconnects power at the operator. Make sure this switch is set to “on”.
- Check the circuit breaker to be sure it is not tripped. Every automatic gate should be on its own dedicated circuit.
- Remove any items that may be in the way of the path of the gate.
- If you have magnetic in-ground loops, make sure there is not a vehicle on or near the loops.
- If you have power at the gate operator, check the “presence” indicator lights on the circuit board or on independent devices placed wired in the operator to see if the operator safety devices are sensing something is blocking the travel of the gate.
- With photoelectric reflective and through beam type sensors, you may check to see if these devices are sensing a presence at the device as this equipment often has visible indicator lights.
Why does my gate sound like it is binding when opening and closing?
The gate may be binding against the rollers or internal trucks. Disconnect the power and disengage the gate operator from the gate. Manually, roll the gate open and closed to identify any binding or rough spots. The gate track, trucks or rollers may need to be replaced.