Electric Gate Repair: Diagnosing Motor and Roller Track Blockages

An automated security gate provides excellent convenience and security. However, since driveway gates run outdoors, they are exposed to rain, wind-blown dirt, and yard debris. If your sliding or swing gate is sticking, stopping, or reversing, you must locate the blockage immediately.

Common Driveway Gate Faults

Troubleshoot these typical gate issues:

• Sliding Gate Track Debris: Dirt, gravel, or leaves inside the ground V-track will stop a sliding gate. Clear the track with a broom regularly.
• Loose Drive Chains: If the chain is loose, it will skip off the drive sprocket or bind, straining the motor.
• Worn Gate Rollers: Sliding gates ride on internal steel wheels. If the bearings fail, they will lock up and stop the gate.

Opener Motor Inspections

If the motor clicks but doesn't turn, check the manual override key to see if the gate slides freely by hand. If it does, the issue is likely a blown start capacitor or a faulty circuit board.