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Top 15 Garage Door Opener Error Codes and Fixes By Brand

Garage door openers use error codes to help homeowners quickly identify and resolve common issues. These codes typically appear as blinking LED lights on the opener’s control panel, with different patterns indicating specific problems ranging from misaligned safety sensors to motor malfunctions.

Understanding what these error codes mean can save you time and money by enabling quick DIY fixes for many common problems.

This comprehensive guide covers the top error codes for each major garage door opener brand, including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Genie, Overhead Door, Marantec, Wayne Dalton, and Ryobi, along with detailed solutions for each issue.

Lets jump in.

LiftMaster/Chamberlain/Craftsman Garage Door Openers

Security+ 2.0 models manufactured after 2011 with yellow Learn button and Up/Down arrows

Error Code Problem Solution
1-1 Obstructed, misaligned or disconnected safety sensors Check for obstructions between sensors; clean sensor lenses; ensure both lights are steady; realign sensors
1-2 Wires are reversed or shorted Check sensor wiring – white to white, black to black; inspect wires for staple punctures or shorts; reconnect or replace wires
1-3 Door control panel wires shorted for more than 4 seconds Check wall button wiring; inspect for shorts or damaged wires; reconnect or replace wiring
1-4 Obstructed or misaligned safety sensors Remove obstructions between sensors; clean lenses; realign sensors until both lights are solid
1-5 No RPM detected during first second of movement Check for binding door; manually operate door to check balance; adjust spring tension; check drive mechanism
1-6 RPM detected after motor shuts off when door is open Unplug opener for 30 seconds; check for binding or obstruction; may require professional service
2-1 to 2-5 Logic board component failure Unplug opener; disconnect backup battery; wait 10 seconds and reconnect; if issue persists, logic board needs replacement
3-2 Opener not functioning due to power outage Check power supply; ensure backup battery is charged or replace battery
3-3 Logic board failure or battery exceeded max voltage Disconnect backup battery; unplug opener for 10 seconds; reconnect; replace battery if needed
3-5 Cable tension monitor not detected Check cable tension on belt/chain drive systems; adjust tension; verify cable connection
4-1 Change in RPM/DC motor current while door closes Check for obstructions; manually test door balance; adjust force settings; check for binding
4-2 Change in RPM/DC motor current while door opens Check for obstructions in door path; manually test door travel; adjust travel limits; check for binding
4-3 Loss of RPM while door closes Check door balance; inspect tracks and rollers; adjust force settings; lubricate moving parts
4-4 Loss of RPM while door opens Check for binding; inspect tracks and rollers; adjust up travel limit; check spring tension
4-5 Unrecognized travel module Check travel module connection; verify correct module installed; reseat module connection
4-6 Lingering issue from 1-1 or 1-2; opener automatically closes Recheck sensor alignment; clean sensors; ensure no obstructions; unplug and reconnect backup battery

Genie Chain/Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Models with red and green LED lights next to Learn button

Error Code Problem Solution
Red LED 1 blink Remote device transmitter has not been programmed Program the remote device following instructions in owner’s manual; press Learn button then remote button
Green LED 1 blink Safety sensor obstruction, binding door, or travel limit needs programming Remove obstructions between sensors; pull emergency release and check door travel for binding; repair door if needed; program travel limits per manual
Green LED 2 blinks Continuous safety sensor obstruction, sensors misaligned, bad wiring, or travel limit needs programming Remove obstructions; realign safety sensors if misaligned; unplug opener and reconnect loose wires; reprogram travel limits
Green LED 3 blinks Travel limits are set backwards Clear limits and reprogram; ensure proper up and down limit programming sequence
Green LED 4 blinks Wall control wires shorted or reversed on power head Check wall control wiring connections; ensure wires are not reversed; reconnect properly at power head
Green LED 5 blinks Chain/belt too tight or control board system failure Adjust chain/belt tension per manual specifications; if noise persists after adjustment, replace control board

Genie Excelerator Series Screw Drive Openers

Models: H8000, H8000-07, H8000D, ISD990, ISD995, ISD1000, PRO99, PRO99-21C, PRO99FN, CMD9900

Error Code Problem Solution
1 blink pause Motor drive board interrupt Check door safety guide; unplug for 30 seconds and restart; if problem recurs, check for binding or obstruction
2 blinks pause Controller board interrupt Power cycle the opener; unplug for 30 seconds; if issue persists, controller board may need replacement
3 blinks pause Garage door opener overheated or over-cycled Wait for motor to cool (15-20 minutes); reduce frequency of use; check for binding that causes overwork
4 blinks pause Force settings incorrect Adjust force settings; test with 1-inch obstacle; door should reverse on contact
5 blinks pause Safe-T-Beam malfunction Check Safe-T-Beam alignment; clean sensor lenses; verify wiring connections; replace sensors if needed
6 blinks pause Wall console does not work Check wall console wiring; verify connections at opener; test with different wall console; replace if defective
7 blinks pause Limit switches not working Reprogram travel limits; check limit switch connections; adjust up and down limits per manual
8 blinks pause Wall console is locked Unlock wall console using vacation lock feature; press and hold lock button for 5 seconds to unlock

Overhead Door Odyssey 1000/Destiny 1500 Models

Models 7030 and 8060

LED Indicator Problem Solution
OFF/OFF Normal operation No action required
Round: ON RED Steady, Long: ON RED Steady Limits not set properly Reprogram travel limits following owner’s manual instructions
Round: ON RED Steady, Long: ON RED Steady Program error or component error Unplug unit, wait 5 seconds, plug back in; if error persists, contact Overhead Door distributor
Round: ON BLUE Flashing, Long: OFF Remote control not programmed Program remote control per manual; press Learn button then remote button
Round: ON PURPLE, Long: OFF Code Dodger 1 remote not programmed Program using Code Dodger 2 remote first, then program Code Dodger 1 remote per manual
Round: ON RED Flashing, Long: OFF Safety sensor obstruction or signal interference Remove obstructions between sensors; check sensor alignment; ensure sensors face each other directly
Round: OFF, Long: ON RED Flashing Door contact in travel or component failure detected Remove obstructions; check garage door springs, tracks, rollers, hinges; adjust spring tension; provide general service
Round: OFF, Long: ON RED Continuous Thermal cutout activated DO NOT unplug unit; wait until LED clears before operating; allow motor to cool (15-20 minutes)

Overhead Door Standard Drive Model 1026

LED Indicator Problem Solution
Red: OFF, Green: OFF Normal operation No action required
Red: Continuous ON Programming incomplete Complete programming per owner’s manual
Red: 1 Blink, Green: 1 Blink Programming incomplete – DOWN limit not set; or safety beam obstruction; or door obstruction Set DOWN limit per manual; check for obstructions in sensor path and door travel; check door springs and adjust tension
Red: 1 Blink, Green: 2 Blinks Programming incomplete – UP limit not set; or sensors out of alignment; or continuous obstruction Set UP limit per manual; realign safety beam sensors; check for continuous obstructions; verify sensor connections
Red: 1 Blink, Green: 3 Blinks Limits set backwards Clear all limits and reprogram per manual; ensure correct sequence
Red: 1 Blink, Green: 4 Blinks Wall control wires shorted or reversed Check wiring at wall control; ensure proper polarity; reconnect or replace wiring
Red: 2 Blinks, Green: 1 Blink Remote programming not complete Push remote button to complete programming process

Marantec Comfort Series Garage Door Openers

Models: Comfort 250, 257.2, 260, 270, 280

Error Code Problem Solution
Error 6 Activated photocell (CESD testing) Check for obstacles in doorway; remove obstructions between photocells; ensure sensors are clean and aligned
Error 7 Cancelled programming or door not passing reference point Complete programming within 120 seconds; ensure door passes reference point during programming cycle
Error 8 Reference point not OK or deactivated Check operator system; verify reference point button operation; reprogram if needed
Error 9 Defective RPM detection or activated anti-block device Check RPM sensor connection; verify sensor is functioning; check for door binding; replace RPM sensor if defective
Error 10 Activated power limit (door movement too stiff) Check door movement; ensure door operates smoothly; adjust power/force settings; lubricate tracks and rollers
Error 11 Activated excess travel stop Reprogram travel limits; check for obstructions; adjust excess travel stop settings
Error 13 Optosensor issue or coiled cable defective Check optosensor connections; inspect coiled cable for damage; replace cable if defective
Error 15 Defective testing photo-cell Test and replace photo-cell if defective; check wiring connections to photo-cell
Error 16 Defective testing power Check power connections; verify voltage supply; test and replace power components if needed
Error 26 Activated voltage monitoring Check voltage supply; ensure proper voltage at operator; address any electrical supply issues
Error 28 Learn power limit activated or door does not move smoothly Reduce force settings; check door balance; lubricate moving parts; ensure smooth door operation
Error 35 Defective electronics Power cycle unit; if error persists, control unit electronics need professional service or replacement
Error 36 Interrupted static current circuit Check static current circuit connections; verify all electrical connections are secure; may require board replacement

Wayne Dalton Quantum Series (Symptom-Based Troubleshooting)

Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Opener won’t work from wall button or radio control No power to opener or short circuit in wires Check cord to outlet, wall switch, and circuit breaker; disconnect wires at opener from wall station to isolate short
Opener works from wall button but not radio control Radio control system non-operational or security code not matched Replace transmitter battery; reprogram security code between receiver and transmitter; test motor control board
Door does not open and opener light flashes Obstruction in door travel or insufficient opening force Disconnect door from opener and operate by hand to locate obstruction; adjust opening force settings; clear snow/ice
Door does not open fully and light does not flash Open limit not set properly Adjust open travel limit with screwdriver counter-clockwise; 1/4 turn equals 1 inch of travel
Door stops and does not close fully Close limit not set properly Adjust close travel limit with screwdriver clockwise; 1/4 turn equals 1 inch of travel
Door closes then returns to fully open position and light flashes Door arm adjustment needed or obstruction sensing Adjust rod in tube to provide 1 inch of cushion compression when door is fully closed; check for obstructions
Motor runs continuously Logic motor control board failure Check and replace logic motor control board; verify all connections before replacement
Unresponsive remote and wall switches Failing motor control board Test motor control board; replace if defective; check all wiring connections

Ryobi Garage Door Openers (GD200/GD201 Models)

Symptom Probable Cause Solution
Beeping continuously, won’t close or open Lost upper or lower limit travel switch Reprogram limits: Hold up arrow until blinking, adjust door to open position, press SET; repeat for down limit
Not responding to remote or wall panel Misaligned safety sensors or incorrect force/limit settings Check and realign safety sensors; reprogram force and limit settings; verify sensor lights are on
Unit flashing but not moving Force settings issue or sensor problem Unplug unit, wait few seconds, try again; check sensor alignment; adjust force settings
Door stops immediately when closing Safety sensor obstruction or misalignment Check sensors for obstructions; clean sensor lenses; realign sensors until both lights are solid
WiFi disabled error Backend server issues or SSL certificate problem Check WiFi connection; wait for server issues to resolve; verify app is up to date
Limits not set properly Travel limits need programming Open back cover; hold up/down arrows until flashing; use arrows to adjust door position; press SET to save

General Troubleshooting Tips for All Opener Types

  • Safety sensor problems – The most frequent error across all brands. Keep sensor lenses clean and aligned.
  • Travel limit issues – Regularly check and adjust up/down limits as needed.
  • Wiring problems – Inspect for damaged, shorted, or reversed wires.
  • Force settings – Ensure door reverses when it contacts a 1-inch obstacle on the floor.
  • Remote programming – Most openers require pressing Learn button first, then remote button within 30 seconds.

When to Call a Professional: Persistent error codes that don’t clear after troubleshooting, logic board or control board replacement needed, broken safety sensors or extensive wiring damage, spring tension adjustments, or any issue involving the drive mechanism or motor.

Feel free to reach out to the team at Garage Door and More if you need help.