Automatic Gate Troubleshooting: A Step-By-Step Guide To Fixing Keypad Issues
Keypads are convenient accessories for residential gate systems. They allow you to enter and exit the premises of your property using a simple four-digit code. However, if your gate keypad stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. Here are some tips for troubleshooting this problem and getting your keypad and driveway gate system back up and running.
Try another control
If your gate keypad isn’t working, the first thing you should do is to try one of your other controllers. If these aren’t working either, then you know that the issue isn’t specifically with the keypad, but rather with the gate system as a whole.
Check the batteries
If it’s just your keypad that isn’t working, start by checking the batteries. If you haven’t replaced them in a while, they may have lost their charge. This is an easy fix. Typically, the battery compartment is on the face of the keypad and can be opened by pressing and sliding the cover or unscrewing it.
Inspect your keypad
There could also be an issue with the keypad’s electronics. Determine if there are signs that it’s been damaged or vandalized. Some keypads can also malfunction due to exposure to salt, sand, and other contaminants. If you suspect that your keypad isn’t working, have it repaired or replaced by a qualified professional. In the meantime, use your other entry controls.
Turn to the experienced technicians at Creative Door Services™ to repair your keypad and other gate system components.
Check the power supply
If none of your controls are working, there’s a chance that your gate system has lost power. Check your control panel to see if any switches are in the OFF position. Gate systems are sometimes subject to power surges, which is why it’s worth getting a gate operator with power surge protection and battery backup.
Look for obstructions
If your gate has photo-eye sensors, determine if anything has tripped them. On most gate sensors, a little light flashes red when they get set off. If the sensors are preventing the gate from closing, check for branches, debris, or other objects that may be blocking the path. The sensor lenses may also simply be dirty and require cleaning. In some cases, photo-eye sensors become misaligned and need readjusting. Finally, there could be a wiring issue that’s causing them to fire or misfire incorrectly. If this is the case, you’ll need to have the sensors repaired by a qualified technician.
Manually open the gate
If you can’t resolve the issue immediately, you can temporarily set your gate operator to its manual entry mode. This way you can still enter and exit the premises of your property. The manual entry setting allows you to open your gate by hand. Depending on your operator model, a physical key may be required to use this setting.
Of course, this doesn’t fix your problem. You’ll need a professional technician to repair your gate and get it back up and running quickly.
Call in the professionals
If you can’t fix your keypad issue, then it’s time to schedule a service call. A qualified gate technician will have the replacement parts and the product expertise to get your keypad and other gate components back in working order. They can tune up your gate system at the same time and thereby help prevent further issues from arising.
Contact the team at Creative Door Services™ for dependable gate repair.
Consider upgrading your operator
If your gate system frequently has issues, it may be time to replace the door operator or other components. A qualified technician can check whether there are any underlying problems that are causing your gate to malfunction.
If you decide to replace your gate operator, choose a reliable product that won’t be prone to breakdowns. Choose a gate operator built to function for more than a million cycles that have industrial-grade surge and lightning protection, as well as battery backup. In the event of a power outage, the CSL24U guarantees 146 cycles and the CSW24U guarantees 208 cycles.
To learn more about these automatic gate operators, read our in-depth article in which we compare and contrast the LiftMaster CSL24U and CSW24U.
Comprehensive Residential Gate Services in Western Canada
If you’re having problems with your automatic gate, turn to the dedicated team at Creative Door Services™. Our technicians can fix your driveway gate system and ensure that it’s in peak condition.
Contact us for more information about our gate services. We have locations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta, Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.