Question:
I'm having trouble with my Genie G5000 opener. It just runs for about
a second and then either reverses or stops. The limit switches are set OK,
and the optical sensors are aligned properly. I tried tightening the clutch
and putting some opener grease in the screw channel, but no difference.
Even with the emergency cord pulled, the motor only runs for about a second
(always in the same direction) and then stops. I cleaned off the optical
sensors as well. Anyone have any ideas?
Answer:
Possibilities:
1. Bad motor capacitor (cylinder about 1-2" diameter, 3-5" long, two
connections for wires). A rough test can be made by unplugging the opener,
discharging the capacitor through a 1,000-10,000 ohm resistor for 30 seconds
(do not touch wires directly), and then disconnecting the capacitor and
measuring it with an ohm meter (should read as a short at first and then
slowly read infinity). But many capacitors that pass this test are still
bad.
2. Bad relay. There are two for the motor, one that opens the door, the
other that closes it. Contacts often become pitted or carbonized but cannot
be filed or sanded clean. There may be a third relay identical to the other
two, for operating the overhead light, and it tends to receive far less wear
than the motor relays and can often be substituted for one of them. The
relays typically have contacts rated for 5-10 amps and 125 volts AC and a
coil rated for 6V or 12V DC. These are standard parts available from Allied
(www.alliedelec.com ), Newark, and other electronics suppliers. A similar
relay from Radio Shack will also work but will most likely have to be
fastened off the circuit board (securely - garage door openers vibrate a
great deal) and wired to it. Beware that two of those wires will carry high
voltage.
3. Bad solder joints or cracked circuit board. Vibration from the motor can
do damage over time, and youmay have to resolder the board, which isn't
difficult. Cracks in the board should be repaired with slow curing epoxy
and any broken copper traces reinforced by soldering copper wire over the
breaks.
