In addition to your remote control, garage door openers typically have a hard-wired wall switch inside the garage to open and shut the door without needing to work with a wireless remote. Similar to a doorbell switch, a push-button garage door switch sends a sign to the door opener to raise or lower the doorway. If the switch is not operating the door correctly, it is possible to diagnose the issue and replace a wall switch to your garage door opener in a few minutes using some frequent hand tools.
Put a stepladder under the garage door opener and unplug the power to the unit. If the garage door is hard-wired into the electric circuit, turn off the circuit breaker for the garage door opener, then test the circuit by holding a noncontact voltage tester next to the opener’s electrical power cord. If the tester light comes on, then turn off other breakers or the main breaker to the house and examine it again.
Locate the bell wire that connects the wall switch to the garage door opener. Loosen the two terminal screws on the side of the opener where the bell wire attaches, using a screwdriver. Eliminate the bell wire from the terminals. Twist the ends of the two bell wires together.
Stick to the bell wire to the wall switch. Loosen the mounting screws and remove the switch in the wall. Remove the two wires in the rear of the switch. Hold 1 direct in a multimeter set to continuity to one of these bare ends of the bell wire. Hold the other meter lead to the next cable. If the meter beeps or shows continuity, then the bell wire tests fine. Set the multimeter aside and come back to the garage door opener. Reconnect the two wires to their original terminals and tighten the screws. Alternatively, if there is no continuity between the leads, the bell wire is damaged and has to be replaced. Run a new 22-gauge, two-conductor bell wire involving the board and switch. Tack the cable into place with insulated staples, using a hammer. Strip the ends of the two wires, using cable strippers. Attach the cable to the two terminal screws on the board.
Put a new wall switch on the wall at the desired location. If the prior mounting holes don’t interfere with the new filter, mark hole locations on the wall, with a pencil. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the drywall at each mark. Tap a wall anchor into each hole.
Cut the bare ends of the wires subsequently strip of 1/2-inch of insulation from each conductor, using cable strippers. Wrap one cable around each terminal and tighten the screws. Mount the switch by tightening the mounting screws to the wall anchors.
Plug from the opener or turn the circuit breaker. Inspect the switch to see if the switch is lighted. If it is not lit, unplug the opener or turn off the same breaker, then eliminate the switch and reverse the two wires on the rear of the switch before reinstalling. Plug from the opener or turn on the breaker to see if the switch is illuminated. If the switch light is on, then press on the opener to check the unit’s operation.