Garage Door Opener Error Codes

If your garage door opener isn’t functioning properly, learning how to speak its language can save you time, hassle and potentially money. That language: error codes. Modern garage door openers use a unique series of color-coded blinking patterns, each of which corresponds to a specific error or malfunction. In this article, we’ll translate the codes from major brands like Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Craftsman and Genie into plain English to help you identify the problem faster.

Chamberlain, LiftMaster and Craftsman Garage Door Error Codes

Since The Chamberlain Group currently owns the Chamberlain, LiftMaster and Craftsman garage door opener brands, all three product lines use the same error codes. Our table provides a detailed snapshot of these error codes, what they mean and the garage door opener behavior to look out for. 

Consult your owner’s manual for specific troubleshooting tips and repair instructions. If you need to hire a local professional, which we recommend for complex or potentially dangerous repairs, Garage.com can connect you with a licensed garage door installer in your area.

Error Code Blink Pattern	Diagnostic	Opener Behavior
1 Up – 1 Down	Obstructed, misaligned or disconnected safety sensors	Garage door autoreverses or doesn’t initiate closing at all; opener lights flash or click 10 times
1 Up – 2 Down	Wires are reversed or shorted	Garage door autoreverses or doesn’t initiate closing at all; opener lights flash or click 10 times
1 Up – 3 Down	Door control panel wires are shorted for more than 4 seconds	Opener works from remote controls and keypads but not from the door control panel
1 Up – 4 Down	Obstructed or misaligned safety sensors	Garage door autoreverses or doesn’t initiate closing at all; opener lights flash or click 10 times
1 Up – 5 Down	No revolutions per minute (RPM) detected during the first second of movement	Garage door moves only 6 to 8 inches or doesn’t move at all, and either hums or clicks
1 Up – 6 Down	RPM detected after the motor shuts off when the door is in the open position	Once fully open, the garage door begins lowering even after the motor has turned off
2 Up – 1 Down through 2 Up – 5 Down	Logic board component failure	Strange sounds or garage door does not function properly
3 Up – 2 Down	Opener not functioning due to power outage	Unresponsive
3 Up – 3 Down	Logic board component failure or battery has exceeded its maximum safe operating voltage	Battery indicator light flashing green
3 Up – 5 Down	Cable tension monitor not detected	Garage door autoreverses before closing or doesn’t initiate closing at all
4 Up – 1 Down	Change in RPM or DC motor current while the door closes	Garage door automatically returns to the open position before or after touching the ground
4 Up – 2 Down	Change in RPM or DC motor current while the door opens	Door stops before fully opening
4 Up – 3 Down	Loss of RPM while the door closes	Door returns to open position before fully closing
4 Up – 4 Down	Loss of RPM while the door opens	Door stops before fully opening
4 Up – 5 Down	Unrecognized travel module	Garage door autoreverses before closing or doesn’t initiate closing at all
4 Up – 6 Down	A lingering issue from error codes 1 – 1 or 1 – 2 remains and the opener automatically closes	Garage door autoreverses or doesn’t initiate closing at all; opener lights flash or click 10 times
5 Up – 5 Down	Opener opens or closes on its own; myQ Work Light not installed or programmed	Garage door is unresponsive and remains either open or closed

*Error codes correspond to Security+ 2.0 garage door openers manufactured after 2011 with yellow Up and Down arrows

Genie Garage Door Error Codes

Genie garage door openers communicate problems through red and green LED lights and a series of flashing sequences. Between each sequence, there’s a measurable pause to indicate when the error code begins and ends. The lights are located next to the Learn button and indicate anything from unresponsive remote controls to the belt being too tight. 

Consult your owner’s manual for repair tips and procedures. And as always, never attempt a DIY garage door repair if you’re not qualified to do so.

Error Code Blink Pattern	Diagnostic	Opener Behavior
Red LED blinks once	A remote device transmitter has not been programmed	Opener is unresponsive to remote control commands
Green LED blinks once	Indicates a safety sensor obstruction, binding door, or that the travel limit needs programming or reprogramming	Garage door autoreverses before closing or doesn’t initiate closing at all
Green LED blinks twice	Safety sensor obstruction, sensors misaligned, bad wiring connections, or travel limit needs programming or reprogramming	Garage door autoreverses before closing or doesn’t initiate closing at all
Green LED blinks 3 times	Travel limits are backwards	Door doesn’t fully open or close before reversing course
Green LED blinks 4 times	Wall control wires are shorted or reversed on the power head	Wall control not functioning as it should or not functioning at all
Green LED blinks 5 times	Chain or belt is too tight or there’s a control board system failure	Loud noises or jerking when opening and closing

When To Call a Professional For Garage Door Opener Errors

Some garage door error codes indicate simple DIY projects like reprogramming remote controls or adjusting the alignment of your safety sensors. Others, like wiring or cable tension issues, are dangerous if not performed by a professional. 

If you lack the expertise or are at all concerned about going the DIY route, we recommend calling a licensed garage door repair technician. They’ll come to your house, assess the situation and provide a quote for the labor and any parts you need. Professional installation also typically comes with a labor warranty, and the installer will thoroughly test the garage door before leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Opener Error Codes