Installing A Garage Door Keypad
Are you searching for instructions on installing a garage door keypad? Garage door keypads make your automatic garage door easier to use, and more convenient. Installing the exterior keypad control for your garage makes it so you don’t have to have your keys, phone, or a clunky garage door remote with you to get back in the garage or house.
The keypad is mounted on the frame of the garage door and has a numeric keypad where you enter a code only you and your family know. Being mounted outside it makes it possible for anyone with the code to get into the garage without hunting for a remote that is “somewhere” in the vehicle.
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Choosing The Right Keypad
Not all keypads or wireless keypads are compatible with all garage door openers. While there are systems that claim to be universal, there are limitations to the technology and you need to make sure the accessory keypad you are buying is made to work with your garage door opener system.
When shopping for your garage door keypad refer to your owner’s manual and know what model of opener you are using. Talk with the company you hire to do the work over which keypads will work with your garage. If you are doing the install yourself make sure you look at the boxes at the store and make sure it will work with your garage door opener before you buy it and run home.
DIY Garage Door Keypad Installation
To install the keypad yourself you will need a few basic tools, the hardware itself plus a screwdriver or cordless drill, tape measure, level, keypad batteries, and the programming instructions.
Batteries & Code
Install the batteries in the keypad following the manufacturer’s instructions. Next program your keypad so it works with your garage door opener. Choose a numeric code; different models will have 4 or 6 digit options for your code. Most keypads will require the pressing of the learn button on the garage door opener, so they will cooperate.
Verify & Install
Before you take off the backing of the adhesive strips make sure that the keypad works. Then choose a spot of your garage doorjamb to place the keypad. Make sure that you choose a height that every family member that is meant to use the keypad can reach easily. Once you’ve picked out your place remove any adhesive backing and place it on the doorjamb.
Securely Screw It Down
Once you have the garage door keypad where you want it to get your cordless drill out and put the Phillips head in. Make sure the strength of your drill isn’t set too high or when you screw the keypad down it might over tighten and break the plastic. Place the top screw and get the screw started. Stop before it is completely tight. Using a level you can make sure that your keypad is plumb and line up the second screw. Using the drill, screw down the bottom side of your keypad.
Garage Door Keypad Troubleshooting
If you’ve had your keypad for a while or the one you just installed isn’t working use these tips to troubleshoot it. Today’s keypads work much like another garage door opener remote with a wireless signal. The difference is that it’s attached to the outside of your home and is operated using a secret PIN. Usually, problems with garage door keypads trackback to something with the keypad itself. Most repairs are simple and only take a few minutes.
Check For Stuck Keys
One of the most common problems with garage door keypads is when the keys get stuck. This usually happens as sand, dust, grime, or dirt gets into the keys and make them stick. If the keys are sticking you’ll need to clean the keypad both on the inside and the outside. Ensure you clean the front and back of the keypad housing along with the keys and spaces between the keys. Before putting it back on making sure you brush all sand and dust out of the housing and then reassemble it and screw it back onto your home.
Inspect Wires For Problems
If you have shorts in the wiring inside your keypad it can cause problems. It can prevent the right PIN from being entered. In addition, it can make it so even when the right keys are pressed the signal isn’t sent to the garage door opener. To fix this you’ll need to open up your keypad housing and inspect all of the contacts and wires for shorts or fraying. Repair all shorts if possible, reassemble, and test your keypad.
Resetting The PIN Code
Occasionally the keypad may lose it’s code and need to relearn it. To do this you’ll need to set your opener back into learn mode and then enter your PIN code. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to program your keypad to your brand and model of the garage door opener.
System Rebooting
If you’ve done everything else and nothing is fixing your garage door keypad you should unplug and power down. Give it at least 5 minutes before powering back up and testing it. Some times power cycling your system can clear problems in the memory and restore control. If none of this works, consider professional garage door keypad repair.