Garage Door Opener Not Working in Cold Weather – Causes & Fixes

If your garage door opener is not working in cold weather, you are not alone. Low temperatures can affect garage door openers in several ways – from frozen grease to weakened electronics.

In this guide, we explain why a garage door opener does not work in cold weather, what symptoms to look for, and how to fix the problem step by step.

Common Symptoms in Cold Weather

You may notice one or more of the following issues:

• Garage door opener not working in cold weather at all
• Garage door won’t open in cold weather but works later in the day
• Garage door opener doesn’t work when cold, but works when warmed up
• Keypad or remote not responding in cold weather
• Garage door opener won’t close in cold weather
• Door starts moving, then stops and reverses

These are classic garage door opener cold weather problems.

Why Garage Door Openers Fail in Cold Weather

1. Thickened or Frozen Lubrication

Cold temperatures cause grease on rails, rollers, and gears to thicken or freeze.

Result:

• Motor struggles
• Door moves slowly or stops
• Opener shuts down for safety

Fix:

• Clean old grease
• Apply cold-weather rated garage door lubricant (silicone-based)

2. Metal Contraction and Door Binding

Cold weather causes metal tracks and door panels to contract slightly.

Result:

• Increased friction
• Opener senses resistance and stops

Fix:

• Check track alignment
• Ensure door moves smoothly by hand
• Adjust force settings if needed

3. Weak Motor Capacitor in Cold Temperatures

Older openers are especially sensitive to cold.

Result:

• Humming sound
• Motor does not start
• Garage door opener fails in cold weather

Fix:

• Replace the motor capacitor
• Consider upgrading if the opener is very old

4. Safety Sensors Acting Up in Cold Weather

Cold can affect wiring and sensor alignment.

Result:

• Door won’t close
• Lights flash
• Opener stops suddenly

Fix:

• Clean sensor lenses
• Realign sensors
• Check for brittle or damaged wires

5. Battery or Backup Power Issues

Cold temperatures reduce battery performance.

Result:

• Garage door opener keypad not working in cold weather
• Remote range is reduced
• Backup battery drains quickly

Fix:

• Replace backup battery
• Use lithium batteries in remotes
• Keep keypad protected from direct cold exposure

Brand-Specific Cold Weather Issues

LiftMaster Garage Door Opener Not Working in Cold Weather

• Backup batteries lose capacity fast
• Force settings may be too low
• Logic board reacts aggressively to resistance

Tip: Increase close-force slightly and replace old batteries.

Chamberlain Garage Door Opener Not Working in Cold Weather

• Sensors are very sensitive to alignment
• Keypads often fail below freezing

Tip: Shield outdoor keypad and check sensor wiring.

Craftsman Garage Door Opener Not Working in Cold Weather

• Older models struggle with cold motors
• Grease hardens quickly

Tip: Clean rails thoroughly and relubricate.

Quick Fix Checklist

Does Cold Weather Affect Garage Door Openers Long-Term?

Yes. Repeated cold starts can:

• Shorten motor lifespan
• Damage gears
• Stress the logic board

If your garage door opener will not work in cold weather consistently, replacement may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

When to Call a Professional

Call a technician if:

• Door does not move even manually
• Opener trips breakers
• You hear grinding or burning smells
• Adjustments do not help

Final Thoughts

Cold weather is one of the most common causes of garage door opener failure. The good news is that most garage door opener not working in cold weather issues are fixable with simple maintenance.

Regular lubrication, proper alignment, and battery care can keep your opener working even during freezing temperatures.