Clicking sound before garage door opens

[Tomhanks]

Hello everyone!

Is it normal for a garage door opener to make a clicking sound before it starts moving, or could this be a sign of a problem?

[TinyTool]

Hi!

Yes, a single click before the door moves is usually normal, it’s just the opener’s relay kicking in. But if it’s clicking multiple times or hesitating before moving, that could mean something’s off. It might be a weak capacitor, an issue with the safety sensors, or even the motor starting to wear out. If the door moves fine after the click, you’re probably good, but if it’s struggling or delayed, it might be worth checking things out.

[Tomhanks]

Thanks! That makes sense. If it is clicking multiple times before moving, is there a way to tell if it’s the capacitor going bad versus a sensor issue? Would the door still move at all if the capacitor were the problem?

[TinyTool]

If the capacitor is going bad, you might notice the motor struggling to start, humming without moving, or the door moving sluggishly. In some cases, the door won’t move at all until the capacitor fully fails. On the other hand, if it’s a sensor issue, the opener might click but not engage the motor, or it could reverse unexpectedly. A quick way to test is to listen. If the motor hums but doesn’t move, the capacitor is a likely culprit. If the opener clicks repeatedly and won’t even attempt to move, check the sensors for alignment or obstructions.

[Tomhanks]

If the capacitor is failing, is there a way to test it before it completely stops working, or is it more of a ‘wait until it fails’ situation?

[TinyTool]

If the capacitor is failing, you can test it before it completely stops working rather than waiting for it to die. One way is to visually inspect it. If you notice any bulging, leaking, or discoloration, that’s a clear sign it’s going bad. Another way is to use a multimeter with a capacitance setting. You would need to disconnect the power, remove the capacitor, and discharge it safely before testing. If the reading is significantly lower than the rated value printed on the capacitor, it’s likely weakening. You can also go by symptoms. If the motor hums but struggles to start or the door moves sluggishly, the capacitor could be the culprit. If you have a spare or can get a replacement easily, swapping it out is a simple way to confirm whether that’s the issue before it fully fails.