Sth Bend, IN garage door openers

We bought one at Lowe's back in Oct and it was working fine until recently. I'm wondering if the opener took on some snow/ice over the last few weeks (during our 20" Christmas blizzard and sub-sub-zero temps). For the last few days we've had to push the button (wall or remote) at least a half-dozen times before the door will move. Each time, I'd hear a dull whirring sound, as if it was trying to move the door. Then eventually it would get "warmed up" enough that the door would open/close. Tonight I was checking all the wires and repeatedly opening/closing it, when I heard a loud pop from the opener itself, followed by a bunch of smoke rolling out of the unit!

It is under warranty, but we'll see if we are able to get a refund. I have no interest in getting a new version (same kind) of something that didn't last three months. I'm going to call around tomorrow to see if we can get a new one (different brand) installed, maybe Overhead Door.

So, post your garage-related experience here!

 

The springs broke on my garage door. No auto-opener and too cheap (lazy) to replace. Must open by hand and balance it so it stays open to get vehicle in/out. Missed proper balance once and had it slam down hard on the roof of the car. No damage but scared the Jawa right out of me.

 

You need to use the Force!

 

C.G. Johnson invented the overhead door in 1921, and 4 years later, the electric door opener.

That is all.

 

UPDATE...

It is a bad capacitor. Which apparently may have affected a circuit board. Seeking a return for refund tomorrow. Stay tuned....

 

or so that was what Uncle Owen was told....................................


anyway,

Never had a garage in my life until about 12 years ago,

and then thought......gee what now........after a few weeks of ownership, was wandering home depot,
ans saw that they included instalation with the price.

Seeing as my garage was........barnd new build, I thought,
let's get an automatic opener........oh, and I have a large garage, with double doors,
so, I could buy two openers, and pay for only one instalation.

I went with a gear driven system as being the most indestructable, and got 4-opener remotes and programed them
all identically.

installed........flourescents lights.........and that was the last I have thought about them until now.

so ,

I am thinking I am just lucky, or a very smart shopper.........my ego says..............

 

MT, I envy your garage door opener status.



As promised, an update....

Product returned, refund secured. New unit (different brand) to be installed sometime next week. FYI, the service tech recommends "chain drive" as the better solution (vs. screw drive or belt drive), esp. for cold-weather use.


End transmission....

 

Conclusion:


New opener (chain drive) installed by Overhead Door on Thursday. Fully functional, just in time for tomorrow's expected snow. Thanks to everyone for their cards and support.