Simply put if the descending door hits an object the motor detects the resistance and the door opens.
Garage door opens intermittently.
If the remote works only when held within a few feet of the motor unit rf interference is probably the problem.
The slightest detection such as accumulated leaves snow or ice around the garage door can cause the door to not shut completely.
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When the garage door opener works intermittently the logic board may be experiencing radio frequency rf interference from nearby sources such as security lights ham radios and some electronics.
There may also be loose wire connections inside the button housing itself.
If your garage door is closing fully and then reversing to open again then it may be due to a problem with the close limit switch.
As these wires short against the housing the electrical impulse causes the door opener to activate.
This is almost always the result of a dirty or obstructed safety feature.
It s also possible that the circuit breaker fuse or gfci outlet powering the door opener circuit has tripped or burned.
The garage door opener detects when it is getting too difficult to raise the door and automatically shuts down.
First check the sensor lights.
Adjust the degree of upward force which is one of the two adjustable screws on most garage door openers.
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Clutter or obstructions that block the sensor are the first problems to look for if your door won t close or in extreme cases open at all.
As with many such problems the most common problem is the simplest one the motor unit has been unplugged.
It goes partway down reverses direction and goes back up again.
You push the button to close the garage door.
Finally it s possible the garage door opener s motor.
The symptom of this is a garage door that is in constant motion opening fully then immediately descending only to start the same cycle again.
Locate and eliminate the source of the rf interference.
Depending on the brand.