Automatic swing and sliding gates are wonderfully convenient until the morning they refuse to move. The causes vary: a flat remote, dirty photocells, corroded contacts, a damaged cable, dirty or dry mechanics and, less often, a faulty motor.
Much of this can be checked and fixed yourself before calling out a technician. Work from simple to complex: remote and sensors first, then the mechanics, and only then the electronics.
What you will need
Important: Before opening the operator cover, switch off the gate at the consumer unit and confirm there is no voltage. The operator runs on 230 V, so if you are not confident, leave the electrical work to a professional. Never apply products to live electronics.
Step 1
Check the remote and photocells
Start with the obvious: fit new batteries in the remote and try again. If the battery contacts look dark or corroded, treat them with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner and let them dry.
Then inspect the photocells on both sides of the opening. Dust, cobwebs, snow or dirt on a lens, or one sensor knocked out of line, will stop the gate moving. Wipe the lenses with a soft damp cloth and make sure the sensors face each other squarely.
Step 2
Inspect the cables
Isolate the power, remove the operator cover and check the cables for chafing, rodent damage and corroded terminals. A disconnected cable can be tested with a multimeter on continuity: a steady beep means the conductor is sound, no beep means a break and the cable must be replaced.
Step 3
Clean and lubricate the mechanics
If the motor hums but the gate moves heavily, squeaks or stops, the mechanics are at fault. Depending on the gate, that means arms, worm-drive rams, rollers, hinges or a gear rack and pinion. Brush away sand, leaves, snow and old dirt.
Treat rollers, hinges and arm pivots with WD-40 Multi-Use, and the gear rack and exposed pinion with WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease, which stays put under load and resists rain.
Step 4
Clean the control board
The control board sits inside the operator housing. Dust, condensation, insects and even ants often find their way in and cause faults. With the power off, remove debris with a soft brush or vacuum.
Then treat the board, terminal blocks and connectors with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner: it removes dirt and moisture, evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. Wait until everything is completely dry before restoring power. Sealing gaps in the housing helps keep insects out.
Step 5
Check the motor or call a technician
If the remote, sensors, cables and mechanics are all fine but the gate still will not move, the motor or control board is likely faulty. Live testing and motor replacement are best left to a service technician. In the meantime, open the gate using the operator's manual release as described in its instructions.
Tip: Before winter, treat the operator and photocell terminals with
WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner and lubricate the exposed mechanics. That prevents most failures in damp, frosty weather.
What next
Inspect and service the gate mechanics twice a year, in spring and autumn, and wipe the photocell lenses monthly. The pedestrian gate hinges and lock can be treated with the same WD-40 Multi-Use.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».