Since the turn of the century, people have depended heavily on gadgets and technology – it just makes our lives easier! One of the most common tech advances we’ve incorporated into our homes is our automatic garage door system, which replaced the old-school physical keys with remotes and keypads that operate our doors.
These devices that make our lives convenient, however, are not an exemption from malfunctioning – garage doors, openers, remotes, and keypads included. And let’s admit it; we’ve all been there where panic kicks in first when our gadget doesn’t work out before we can even think of the cause and solution.
Today, we’ll discuss the common reasons your garage door keypad isn’t working and how to quickly fix it.
Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Keypad Is Not Working
Did you ever experience being locked out of your garage door just because your keypad PIN didn’t work? Frustrating, right? If you’re still wondering why there was a malfunction at that moment, here’s why:
PIN Code Issue
Check if you’re using a temporary PIN or if your PIN has already expired. Homeowners usually overlook this, but it can be easily solved by entering a new code. Moreover, you might have entered the wrong PIN, which can cause your system to lock you out.
Stuck Keys
Keys commonly get stuck onto the pad, and it’s usually dirt and debris from the outdoors that causes this. Be mindful of cleaning your keypad to avoid this issue.
Dead Batteries
Your keypad won’t work miraculously without power, which it gets from batteries. Check for a dead battery and replace it with a new one.
Frayed Wires
Since your keypad is placed outside your home, it’s prone to wear and tear from the environment. Some loose connections may be affecting the keypad, causing it to malfunction.
Malfunctioning Codes
If you have an older keypad model, you may experience malfunctioning codes often, and this can be due to the keypad’s age. Another cause is when your keypad needs to be reset or reprogrammed.
Worn-Out Keypad
It’s understandable for a worn-out keypad to malfunction. The keys might not be in the right place anymore, or they might be too battered to function properly. If you see holes or cracks on your keypad, it definitely needs to be replaced immediately.
Malfunctioning Buttons
When you reset your PIN and still get the wrong code input, it’s probably your buttons that are the problem. Age, dirt, debris, and the usual wear and tear are factors that cause malfunctioning buttons on your keypad.
10 Quick Fixes for Your Keypad Problem
Now that we’ve listed the possible reasons for your malfunctioning keypad, we’ve devised these quick fixes to solve your keypad issues.
Verify PIN
Always double-check if you’re entering the correct PIN for your keypad, as it’s easy to input another code in place of the correct one mistakenly. If you’re using a temporary PIN, do not forget to change it before it expires, as it can lock you out of your garage unless you set a new one.
Check for Opener Compatibility
Universal keypads may not work on all garage door opener models. If you’re using a generic one, we suggest you get a brand-name one that matches your model.
See If You’re Within Range
Keypads only work on a certain range, which is usually 30 to 50 feet from your garage door. If placed farther than this, it might malfunction because it’s out of range to transmit the signal to your opener.
Replace Batteries
Low or dead batteries can cause keypad malfunctions. To solve the issue, buy a replacement battery, which is usually a 9-volt or a 12-volt unit. You won’t even have to unmount the keypad to do this—simply open the cover at the bottom to access the batteries.
Check Wires and Connections
Check your remote and keypad for any frayed wires or loose connections. If either of these is the issue, simply detach and reattach them securely.
Reboot the System
Rebooting your garage door system is the same as “clearing cache” from stored memory, and this simple fix can get things going again quickly. Just turn off your garage door opener, unplug it, wait a few minutes before plugging it again, then turn on the opener and start the system.
Check for Interference
If you’re using a metal wall mount, you should check to see if it’s interfering with your keypad function. To check on this, unmount the keypad and try to input the PIN to see if it’s working. If it is, then you should replace the mount or insert a non-conductor buffer in between.
Check for Button Malfunction
Your keypad can accumulate dirt and debris from your home’s exterior. If you experience a button malfunction, you can try cleaning your keypad to see if it works. Otherwise, you need to investigate the cause of the malfunction further.
Reset Your Keypad
If you’ve done everything we mentioned above and your keypad still doesn’t work, the next best thing is to reset it. You can check your user manual or read on to learn how to reset your keypad manually. However, note that resetting the keypad will also require you to reset the remote control.
Replace the Keypad
If you have exhausted all efforts and the issue persists, you know what you need to do—get a replacement keypad. Remember that even a working keypad can suddenly “go bad” due to outdoor exposure and wear and tear.
How to Fix Your Garage Door Opener Keypad
Step 1 – Locate the Reset Button
The first step to reset your keypad is to locate the reset button, which can usually be found at the back of the keypad or inside the cover. It looks like a small hole with a “reset” label on the side. Use a pin or a similar object to press and hold the button inside the hole for a few seconds.
Step 2 – Erase Memory
After pressing the reset button, you will then need to erase the current PIN on your keypad. You can do this with the help of your door opener.
Go to your door opener, locate the “learn” button, then press and hold it for 5 to 10 seconds. Alternatively, the “learn” button may be labeled as “home,” “program,” or “set.”
Step 3 – Reprogram the Keypad
Now that you’re ready to reprogram the PIN, we suggest you do this by holding your keypad while near your garage door opener unit.
Press the “learn” button again on your opener device, and then quickly enter your new PIN on the keypad. You have about 30 seconds to complete this step; otherwise, the programming will fail.
Step 4 – Test the Keypad
Once you have programmed a new code, the final step would be to test if it’s working correctly. Test the keypad by opening and closing your garage door with the new PIN – if the operation runs smoothly without issues, then you have successfully reset the PIN. Otherwise, you may need to do all the steps again.
On the other hand, your garage door opener is not inevitable to damages and issues as well. If you think it needs to be reprogrammed, read this post on How to Reset Your Garage Door Opener.
For Brand-Specific Resets, we’re including instructions down below:
How to Fix Your Chamberlin Garage Door Opener Keypad
Did you know that you have two options when you want to reset your Chamberlain keypad PIN? You can do this with the Chamberlain door opener, like in the steps we mentioned above, or you can use the Chamberlain door control.
Changing Your Chamberlain Keypad PIN with the Door Control:
- Before starting, be sure to clear the garage door area for any obstructions.
- Locate the “learn” button on the door control panel.
- Press the “learn” button twice until the LED light flashes.
- Enter a 4-digit PIN of your choice on the keypad, and press ENTER.
After this, the Chamberlain opener lights will blink, indicating the PIN programming is complete.
How to Fix Craftsman Garage Door Opener and Keypad
For a Craftsman door opener and keypad, the steps are similar to our general step-by-step instructions above. You need access to both the opener and the keypad to reset the PIN.
- Locate the “learn” button on the door opener.
- Press and hold the “learn” button until the LED light next to it goes off.
- Once the old memory has been erased, you can now grab your keypad to reset it. Again, press and briefly hold the “learn” button on your opener, then quickly press the new PIN on your keypad before pressing the “enter” button.
- Release the “enter” button once the garage door opener light blinks or you hear a click.
- Test if your new PIN works by opening and closing your garage door.
When your whole garage door system doesn’t work, you may want to know How to Open Your Garage Door Manually so you can gain access even without the help of your garage door opener.
Keypad Maintenance Tips
Your garage door keypads play an important role in your garage door system – it allows you to enter and exit the port without needing a physical key or a remote control. However, like other devices, it needs to be regularly maintained and checked to ensure a smooth operation.
Take note of these valuable tips to keep your keypads working properly:
Clean Regularly
Make it a habit to clean your keypads regularly as dust, dirt, and other form of debris can accumulate on the keypad’s buttons. This not only affects your keypad performance, it can also lead to more damaging issues in the long run.
Check for Loose Connections
Loose and damaged wires can cause connectivity issues on your keypad and your door opener. Inspecting, tightening, and adjusting the wiring and connections on your keypad can prevent this from happening.
Protect Against Physical Damage
We suggest having a weatherproof cover on your keypad mount to ensure its safety and protection against the weather and elements. This can extend your keypad’s lifespan and ensure its reliable operation.
Store Properly
When not in use, store the keypad and remote control in a safe place, away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight.
Update Firmware and Software
If your keypad is part of a smart home system, make sure its firmware and software are up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve the device’s functionality and security features so be sure to check regularly for updates.
Schedule Professional Inspections
Nothing beats having a professional to look at the problem. This not only relates to your keypad problem but also to the whole garage door system you have in your home.
Scheduling professional inspections won’t only help you identify the current issues you’re experiencing, but it will also help in preventing any future issues.
For garage door repair in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, Rock Garage Door Repair Company offers a regular maintenance and inspection service and a same-day repair service solution for any garage door issues you may have.
Keypad Still Won’t Work? Call for Professional Help!
If you reached this part of the blog and still haven’t figured out the problem that caused your keypad to malfunction, contact us here at Rock Garage Door Repair Company!
Our licensed technicians are ready to solve your problem, be it with your keypad, remote control, garage door opener, or other parts of your garage door system.
With a 24/7 emergency service, we bring homeowners like you garage door repair solutions and peace of mind. We work with any garage door brand, type, or model you have.
The best part is, we can reach you in as fast as 1 hour depending on your location and our technician’s availability.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment!
