Gate operators, remotes and sensors

Electric Gate Repair

Gate hums, will not open, reverses or ignores the remote? We repair gate operators, controls, sensors and backup power.

  • Swing and sliding operators
  • Remotes, keypads and receivers
  • Safety sensors and loops
  • Battery and solar power checks

Request an estimate

Tell us what is wrong and where. We call back with the soonest appointment.

Residential garage doors and gatesSouthern California serviceEstimates by phone or form

Electric gate repair means diagnosing and fixing the operator, control board, sensors, remotes, keypads and power supply that make an automatic gate work. We repair swing-arm, linear and sliding operators for residential driveways. Call (213) 340-4232 and tell us what the gate does. If the gate itself is bent, sagging or dragging, see gate repair.

Open gate operator enclosure showing a control board, wiring and backup battery, diagnosed during electric gate repair near Woodland Hills, Los Angeles
How it works

The parts of an electric gate system

An electric gate is a small system: the operator that moves the gate, a control board that tells it what to do, safety sensors that stop it on contact, and devices that start it, such as a remote, keypad, intercom or loop.

Most failures are one of four things: the gate binds and overloads the operator, a sensor or loop reports a blockage, power or the battery fails, or the control board loses its settings. Finding the right one first saves money.

  • Operator: motor, arm or gear drive
  • Control board and limit settings
  • Safety sensors, edges and loops
  • Remotes, receivers, keypads and intercoms
  • Power: outlet, transformer, battery or solar panel
Troubleshooting

Why an electric gate stops working

Some of these are quick checks. If they do not solve it, call us.

SymptomLikely causeFirst check
Gate does nothing at allNo power, tripped breaker, dead batteryCheck the outlet, breaker and any battery or solar charge
Motor hums, gate does not moveBinding gate, worn gear, failed capacitorDo not force it; call us
Gate stops halfway or reversesSensor blocked, safety edge, force too lowClear debris from the path and sensors
Remote works at close range onlyWeak remote battery, receiver or antennaReplace the remote battery
Keypad or intercom is deadWiring fault, power, failed unitCheck for water in the keypad
Gate opens by itself or will not closeLoop or sensor fault, stuck inputNote when it happens and call us

Never stand in a gate's path while testing it, and keep children away from automatic gates.

Our process

How we repair an electric gate

1

Check the gate before the motor

A gate that drags overloads the operator. We free the gate and check hinges, track and wheels first.

2

Test power and controls

We check the power supply, battery or solar charge, control board settings and limits.

3

Test every safety device

Sensors, safety edges, loops and the auto-reverse must work before the gate goes back into service.

4

Repair, replace or upgrade

We repair the failed part, replace an operator that is worn out, and explain upgrade choices such as better remotes or battery backup.

Safety photo-eye sensor on a stucco gate post beside an iron gate, checked during electric gate service in Calabasas
Power and weather

Heat, rain and power cuts

Outdoor gate parts live in sun, dust, rain and the occasional wildfire smoke. Heat shortens battery life, water gets into keypads and control boxes, and dust clogs tracks and sensors.

A battery backup lets the gate open during an outage. We check and replace gate batteries and can recommend backup power. This is separate from the California battery-backup law for garage door openers (Health and Safety Code section 19892), which does not mention gates.

  • Keep sensors, tracks and the area around the gate clear
  • Replace remote and backup batteries on a schedule
  • Have the operator checked once a year
Reviews

What customers say about Emil Garage Doors

Real reviews from our Google listing, copied as the customers wrote them.

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Great tech. Responsive and really cared for our garage door. It’s very rare these days that someone care that much ! Thank you 😊Angela Β· Google review
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Doesn't get any better than this guy! I have recently purchased a condo with a broken garage door opener. It was missing some brackets. I called them, and Emil came out promptly the next morning. On time! He was able to run back to his shop and get the bracket I needed. It took him less than an hour to complete the entire project! My garage door works great now. I said a little thank you to Emil as I opened my garage door late last night and drove in my garage. I would definitely call him again if I needed anything done with my garage door. Highly recommend, plus he's just a super nice guy, which the process so much easier. Thanks Emil!Winston Β· Google review
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Emil Garage Doors are my GO TO business for all things related to garage door repair, replacement and door openers! Talk about the gold standard for superb professional courteous responsive customer service - these guys are always on time, their rates are very reasonable and IMO lowest in town, and their work is always quality - from spring replacements to extra FOB programming & delivery! The owner is the real deal and makes good on all promises - We love doing business with him and don't hesitate to refer this business to all. He's that good!Ryan Β· Google review
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Called the office to let them know my issues and asked if we could get someone out to look at my door. Was told between 11-12...drove home from work at 11:05 and Emil was waiting and ready to get to work. Not knowing anything about how to fix a garage door, Emil did a great job explaining why I was having issues. Quoted a reasonable price (well at least what I thought was reasonable) and less than 40 minute later he had fixed the problem. Great customer service from intake of the call to fixing my door! If you need a garage door repair...support local business and give them your business, you won't be disappointed.Guadalupe Β· Google review
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My garage door and opener were pretty banged up and not working properly. Emil Garage Doors came out, did a thorough evaluation of door and all it's parts. Even though the previous home owner rigged up the garage door opener with the wrong springs and parts, Emil repaired the door and saved us money by using some of the old parts. That kind of honesty will get 5 stars all day long. Thank you Emil Garage Doors for your great service.Bradford Β· Google review
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I woke up to a loud crash when a tree in my front yard fell over and hit my garage door. Emil Garage Doors was able to give be a really good price on a new garage door. They uninstalled the old, damaged door and realigned the tracks the garage door connects to which had been damaged as well. The new door looks great and most importantly functions well. Thank you for going above and beyond in my time of need!Stuart Β· Google review

5-Star Rated on Google Β· Read all our reviews on Google Β· All customer reviews

Where we work

Cities we serve

Garage door and gate service across Southern California. City pages list neighborhoods, ZIP codes and local notes.

Answers

Electric Gate Repair: questions we hear

Why does my electric gate hum but not move?

Usually the gate is binding, a gear or arm has failed, or a capacitor or motor is weak. Do not keep running it. Call us so we do not burn out the motor.

How much does electric gate repair cost?

It depends on the part: a remote or sensor costs far less than a control board or an operator. We quote after we see the gate and identify the fault.

Can you repair any brand of gate operator?

We repair most residential operators and tell you if parts are no longer available. Send the brand and model if you can.

My gate does not respond to the remote. What should I check?

Replace the remote battery, try the keypad or wall control, and make sure the gate is not locked or in manual release. If the gate works that way, the remote or receiver needs attention.

Do electric gates need battery backup?

The garage door opener law does not cover gates, but backup power is smart if you rely on the gate. A battery lets the gate open during a power outage.

Can you convert a manual gate to electric?

Yes, if the gate is sound and moves freely. We recommend the right swing or sliding operator and set up safety devices.

Need it fixed or replaced?

Call now or send your details. We will get back to you with the soonest appointment.

Call (213) 340-4232