How to Modify a Garage Door Limit Switch Assembly

The limit switch assembly of your garage door opener tells the mechanism how far to retract and extend the door during opening and closing. Setting the travel limit switches incorrectly may result in the door reversing before it reaches the ground or stopping before reaching the top. Though it may seem difficult, setting the limits for your garage door opener is actually quite simple. You will have your door opening and closing properly in under half an hour.

Ladder
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  See how the door opener is currently operating so you can target your adjustments better. Close and open the door and make note of whether the door fails to reach the ground, touches the ground and immediately reverses or stays partially closed when open.
- 2
  Stand on a ladder beneath the motor unit of the garage door opener; the limit switch assembly is located on the side and contains two dials marked with an "up" or "down" arrow icon.
- 3
  Spin the down arrow counterclockwise with a screwdriver if the door did not reach the ground during the test, clockwise if it touched the ground and reversed. Spin the up arrow clockwise if the door did not fully open. Each full turn of the dial adds or removes 5 inches to the travel setting.
- 4
  Try out the changes by opening and closing the door again. Continue to make adjustments based on how the door behaves. You might need to fine tune the door several times before it stays closed and fully opens.

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