Electric gates provide security, convenience, and a modern touch to residential and commercial properties. However, like any automated system, they can develop issues over time. Whether your gate won’t open, moves too slowly, or stops working entirely, identifying the cause of the problem is crucial.
In this guide, Gate Automation Experts outline the most common electric gate problems and how to fix them.
1. The Gate Won’t Open or Close
Possible Causes:
🔹 Power supply issues
🔹 Remote control malfunction
🔹 Faulty motor or control board
🔹 Sensor misalignment
How to Fix It:
✔ Check the power supply – Ensure your gate’s power source is active. If there’s a power cut, switch to manual mode or use a backup battery.
✔ Inspect the remote control – Replace the batteries, ensure it’s within range, and check for signal interference.
✔ Reset the system – Turn off the power for a few minutes and restart the gate’s control panel.
✔ Check the safety sensors – Clean the photocells and make sure they are properly aligned.
If the problem persists, it may indicate a damaged control board or motor, requiring professional servicing from Gate Automation Experts.
2. The Gate Moves Slowly or Jerks While Opening
Possible Causes:
🔹 Obstructed gate track (for sliding gates)
🔹 Lack of lubrication in hinges or rollers
🔹 Worn-out motor
🔹 Low battery power
How to Fix It:
✔ Inspect the track – For sliding gates, remove dirt, stones, or debris blocking the track.
✔ Lubricate moving parts – Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, rollers, and chains. Avoid over-lubrication, as it can attract dirt.
✔ Check the battery – If your gate has a battery backup system, test its charge and replace it if necessary.
✔ Test the motor – If the motor is making unusual noises or struggling to operate, it may need servicing or replacement.
3. The Gate Gets Stuck Halfway
Possible Causes:
🔹 Obstruction in the path
🔹 Faulty limit switches
🔹 Incorrect motor settings
How to Fix It:
✔ Look for obstacles – Check for physical obstructions like leaves, branches, or small stones.
✔ Adjust the limit switches – The gate’s motor has built-in limit switches that control how far it opens and closes. If incorrectly set, the gate may stop midway. Adjust them according to the manufacturer’s manual.
✔ Inspect the wiring – Loose or damaged wiring in the motor or control board can disrupt operation.
4. Remote Control Not Working
Possible Causes:
🔹 Dead batteries
🔹 Signal interference
🔹 Receiver malfunction
How to Fix It:
✔ Replace the batteries – Always start with fresh batteries and ensure they are inserted correctly.
✔ Check for interference – Nearby electronic devices, Wi-Fi signals, or radio waves can interfere with remote signals. Move closer to the gate to test if the problem persists.
✔ Reprogram the remote – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to sync the remote with the gate’s receiver.
✔ Test the receiver unit – If the receiver isn’t responding to any remotes, it may need professional repair or replacement.
5. Unusual Noises When Operating the Gate
Possible Causes:
🔹 Dry or rusted hinges and rollers
🔹 Loose bolts or screws
🔹 Motor strain
How to Fix It:
✔ Lubricate moving parts – Apply grease or oil to hinges, chains, and rollers.
✔ Tighten loose components – Check for rattling parts and secure any bolts, nuts, or brackets.
✔ Inspect the motor – Grinding or clicking sounds from the motor may indicate worn-out gears that require servicing.
6. The Gate Reverses Before Fully Closing
Possible Causes:
🔹 Obstructed safety sensors
🔹 Faulty safety edge or photocells
🔹 Sensitivity settings too high
How to Fix It:
✔ Clean the sensors – Dust, dirt, or spiderwebs can block photocells, causing the gate to stop or reverse unexpectedly.
✔ Check the safety edges – If your gate has safety edges, ensure they’re properly connected and not damaged.
✔ Adjust sensitivity settings – Some automated gates allow sensitivity adjustments in the control panel. Reduce sensitivity if the gate is stopping unnecessarily.
7. Electric Gate Not Responding After a Power Outage
Possible Causes:
🔹 Reset required after power loss
🔹 Backup battery failure
🔹 Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
How to Fix It:
✔ Reset the gate system – Turn the power off, wait a few minutes, then restart the control panel.
✔ Check the backup battery – If the battery has drained or is faulty, replace it.
✔ Inspect fuses and circuit breakers – Look for blown fuses or tripped breakers and reset them if necessary.
8. One Gate Leaf Opens While the Other Stays Closed
Possible Causes:
🔹 Faulty actuator (for swing gates)
🔹 Uneven force settings
🔹 Control board issue
How to Fix It:
✔ Inspect the actuator arms – If one arm is struggling to operate, it may need repair or replacement.
✔ Balance the force settings – In dual-leaf swing gates, incorrect settings can cause uneven movement. Adjust settings in the control panel.
✔ Reset or reprogram the control board – If the issue persists, consult the manual or call Gate Automation Experts for diagnostics.
9. Electric Gate Won’t Lock Properly
Possible Causes:
🔹 Misaligned locking mechanism
🔹 Weak or broken lock
🔹 Control system error
How to Fix It:
✔ Realign the lock – If the gate doesn’t close properly, adjust the lock position to ensure it latches correctly.
✔ Check for mechanical damage – If the lock is physically damaged, replace it.
✔ Reset the control system – Some electric gates have electronic locking mechanisms that may require a system reboot.
When to Call Gate Automation Experts
While some issues can be fixed with basic troubleshooting, others require professional attention. Contact Gate Automation Experts if you notice:
⚠ The motor is overheating or making grinding noises
⚠ The gate stops working despite multiple reset attempts
⚠ Wiring or control board damage
⚠ The gate moves unpredictably or erratically
Conclusion: Keep Your Electric Gate in Top Condition
Understanding the most common electric gate problems can save time, money, and frustration. By following these troubleshooting tips from Gate Automation Experts, you can quickly identify and resolve minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.
However, if your electric gate continues to malfunction despite troubleshooting, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Regular maintenance and servicing will ensure your gate remains reliable, secure, and fully operational for years to come.