It can be a frustrating experience when a garage door keypad fails to operate normally. Take note that one of the reasons for garage door remotes malfunction is old age. So it begs the question, how long can a garage door keypad remain functional? We researched this for you to give you the following answer.
Garage door keypads usually last about 10 to 15 years. But the life of these products may shorten because of certain hazards, such as inclement weather and faulty wiring. Troubleshooting the unit will help homeowners determine the cause of their keypads’ issues and will lead to the best possible solution.
If administering minor repairs or replacements to your keypad doesn’t fix the unit, it might be time to replace the product. Keep reading as we tackle the different ways to troubleshoot your garage door keypad. We’ll also talk about other things, such as the possible reasons why a garage keypad can stop working and why the module keypad flashes in certain situations.
Do Garage Door Keypads Go Bad?
Garage door keypads can malfunction or stop working entirely. However, different causes exist for these breakdowns. Different homeowners can experience various issues with their garage keypads.
For example, your garage door’s number pad might only need a battery replacement to restore its functionality. But another homeowner may need a replacement for the entire garage door opening system.
Why Would A Garage Keypad Stop Working?
Garage door keypads can encounter different problems over their lifespans that can cause them to stop functioning. Some of these reasons include:
- Dead batteries
- Damaged wires
- Faulty connections
- Code not working
- Stuck keys
- Age
In certain cases, bad garage door keypads only need minor repairs or replacements. For example, a battery replacement might be in order if the module’s power pack becomes depleted. But other instances might need replacements for entire units.
Read this post if you need assistance with locking your garage door with its keypad: How To Lock A Garage Door Using The Keypad?
When Should A Garage Door Keypad Be Replaced?
Garage door keypads often share similar durability levels as their connected opening systems. Therefore, the average lifespan of these modules usually lasts around 10 to 15 years.
Some keypads, though, may not last as long as intended. Exterior hazards like inclement weather can reduce the number pads’ shelf lives. Keeping a close eye on the symptoms of deterioration while troubleshooting these units can help determine the causes for the faulty functionalities.
Therefore, you may need to replace your garage door keypad if you experience the following signs:
- The software resets the PIN by itself.
- The system reboots itself without human intervention.
- Pressing the button to turn on the garage door number pad and the opener doesn’t respond in kind.
- The keys are sticking and will either take a long time to return to their original positions or fail to recover at all.
You can also watch the video below to help you troubleshoot your garage door keypad:
Additionally, if the troubleshooting fails to determine the cause of the keypad going bad, you have two paths to select from this point. The first choice is to call for professional help, which can be around $100 per service call. The second option is to replace the number pad with another unit that’s compatible with your garage door opener.
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Why Does My Garage Keypad Only Work Sometimes?
Different reasons exist why a garage keypad works intermittently. Watching the video mentioned in the previous section should help you with the troubleshooting.
You can start by checking if the module’s battery still has power in it. If it does, and the garage door doesn’t respond, the wiring or the RF interface source might be the ones at fault.
Here’s how to troubleshoot these parts to check if these are the malfunctioning components:
Steps To Check For A Faulty Garage Door Opener RF Interface Source
The radio frequency (RF) interface device is the module responsible for acquiring the signal from the keypad. It will then send data to the rest of the opener for the system to function. However, the RF interface may encounter breakdowns or errors. If you find this module to be the suspect of your problems, here are the steps to clarify your theory.
- Remove electronics in the area that can transmit radio frequencies. Garage door keypads and RF interface sources often operate at 300 to 390 MHz, which is also a fairly common frequency range. Take away items like motion detectors, Wi-Fi networks, and wireless doorbells in the area and check if the opener restores its optimal functionality.
- Move the RF interface to a new location. Walls and other thick objects might block the radio frequencies delivered by the keypad.
If the troubleshooting steps mentioned above don’t work, you may need to replace the RF interface source. You can believe that this module to be the cause of the issue if the keypad is already close to the RF interface device and the opener is still not functioning optimally.
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Steps To Check For Faulty Garage Door Keypad Wiring
The keypad might not function correctly because the wiring connected to specific buttons becomes frayed or loose. If so, here’s are the steps to check:
- Unscrew the keypad from the wall.
- Remove the back cover, which usually requires you to unscrew it.
- Check for any disconnected, frayed, or loose wires.
- If the wires are still in good condition, reattach them securely.
- If the wires aren’t in good condition, you can wrap them with electric tape or heat shrink them.
- Test the garage door keypad if it works normally.
Why Is My Garage Door Keypad Flashing?
The reasons for garage door keypads flashing often depends on specific units. For instance, a blinking Liftmaster keypad indicates that the safety sensors transmit data properly to the RF interface source. If so, the sensor cables are most likely the cause of this issue, causing the module to flash 10 times.
On the other hand, a flashing garage keypad from the Chamberlain Group indicates that the opener is in lock mode. This specific model will also flash to tell users of the relative speed at which the garage door opens. That way, you’ll know if the garage’s doorway is moving either too fast, too slow, or just right.
How Long Does A Garage Door Keypad Battery Last?
Garage door keypad batteries’ operational lives depend on their types. Some garage door remotes use 1.5-volt alkaline batteries, which often need replacing about once every two years. However, certain models, like those from LiftMaster, use 9-volt batteries, which can last up to 7 years with optimal use.
Watch the video below if you need to change the battery of your garage door keypad:
Final Thoughts
If your garage door keypad is approximately 10 to 15 years old, it might be time to replace the unit. However, if the product is malfunctioning despite it being reasonably new, troubleshooting it will help you determine the cause of the problem and the best course of action.
If all else fails, you may need to replace the number pad or call for professional repair services.
You may also need additional help with garage doors. If so, our other posts about these doorways may help you:
