Automatic gates usually work without problems; but knowing what to do the day your gate won't open, stops halfway or the remote doesn't respond makes things easier. In this article we cover the most common automatic gate faults, their likely causes and the first checks you can safely do yourself. Remember: work on parts such as the motor, electrics and springs is a job for an authorised technical team.
1. The gate does not respond at all
Possible causes:
- A power cut or a tripped circuit breaker
- A flat remote battery
- A fault in the control board
- The manual release lock left disengaged
What you can safely do: Check whether there is power in the house. If there is, try the wall button or a second remote. If you used the manual release after a power cut, make sure the lock has been re-engaged.
2. The gate opens but won't close
Possible causes:
- An obstruction in front of the photocells
- Dirty photocell lenses or misaligned photocells
- A problem with the photocell cables
What you can safely do: Check the area between the photocells; a plant pot, bin or parked car may be blocking detection. Clean the lenses with a soft cloth. If the problem persists, the photocell alignment and connections should be checked by the technical team.
Important: Photocells are safety devices that stop the gate from hitting someone. Never try to disable or bypass the photocells just to get the gate to close.
3. The gate stops halfway or reverses
Possible causes:
- Stones, sand or leaves building up on the rail
- Worn wheels or hinges
- Obstacle detection being triggered because the gate is harder to move
- Drifted limit settings
What you can safely do: Stop the gate and visually check the rail; remove any visible obstructions. If the gate still stops halfway, there is a mechanical problem or it needs adjustment; contact service.
4. The gate is very noisy
Possible causes:
- Moving parts that have dried out or become dirty
- Worn wheels, bearings or gears
- Loose fasteners
Newly appearing squeaks, grinding and clicking noises are usually a sign that maintenance is needed. Early intervention prevents strain on the motor.
5. The remote doesn't work or its range has dropped
Possible causes:
- A weak battery
- The remote being erased from memory
- A damaged receiver antenna or environmental interference
What you can safely do: Replace the battery and try another remote. If the other remote works, the problem is with your remote. If no remote works, the receiver or control board should be checked.
6. The garage door comes down unevenly or a spring looks loose
Possible causes: Spring or cable damage, rail misalignment.
This is one of the most dangerous types of fault. Garage door springs are under high tension. Stop using the door, do not touch the springs or cables, and contact service immediately.
Fault symptoms summary
| Symptom | Possible cause | First step |
|---|---|---|
| No response | Power, battery, control board | Check the power and the remote |
| Won't close | Photocell obstruction or dirt | Remove the obstruction, wipe the lens |
| Stops halfway | Rail obstruction, wear, settings | Check the rail, contact service |
| Noisy operation | Dryness, wear | Book a maintenance visit |
| Remote not working | Battery, memory, receiver | Replace the battery, try another remote |
| Garage door uneven | Spring or cable | Stop using it, call service immediately |
The way to fewer faults: regular maintenance
Most faults come from problems that could have been spotted early during regular maintenance. In North Cyprus, factors such as heat, dust and salty coastal air make maintenance even more important. During periodic maintenance, safety systems are tested, moving parts are cleaned and lubricated, and settings are checked.
REKA 24/7 breakdown service
At REKA Otomatik Yapı Teknolojileri, we provide 24/7 service for automatic gate, garage door, barrier and automatic sliding door faults in every region of North Cyprus. To prevent faults from recurring, you can also consider our maintenance contract option. Our systems come with a 3-year warranty; if periodic maintenance is carried out without interruption, the warranty can be extended to up to 5 years. To report a fault, call +90 539 102 13 13 or message us on WhatsApp.



