4 troubleshooting tips for your electric gate remote

Battery problems

When your remote stops working, it can be easy to assume that it’s malfunctioning. However, in many cases, the issue is much simpler than that: the batteries may be dead or dying. So to ensure that your remote is functioning properly, it’s important to make sure that the batteries have enough juice to power it. Without a full charge, the remote can appear to be malfunctioning, even if that’s not the case, leading you to think there’s a larger issue at play when really you just need to change your batteries. So, when in doubt, switch your batteries out!

Remove any transmission obstructions

Another common occurrence that makes people think their remote is on the fritz is an obstruction between the remote and the gate receiver. If the receiver is blocked by anything, it’s going to stop the transmission from reaching the gate, making it hard for it to operate.

With the abundance of wireless devices, increasing broadcast, communications, and other transmitting sources all competing for radio spectrum, the chances of radio frequency interference (RFI) will only increase. New household gadgets purchased by yourself or a neighbour could interfere with your key fob’s capabilities. It could decrease the range significantly, so always go up close to where your main gate automation control board is located and try the fob at a very close range. If your fob works, then adding an antenna to your system may increase the range on your fob again.

Check for any visible damage to your remote

The most common culprits are battery and sensor problems. So, before jumping to any other conclusions, it’s important to check these components. However, if you’ve ruled out battery and sensor issues, the next step is to inspect the remote for any damage. A damaged remote can cause it to malfunction and stop working altogether. If your remote has any physical damage, this is most likely the reason it’s faulty. If you find this is the case, simply give us a call, and we can help you sort out a replacement!

Check your gates power supply

What might seem like a remote problem at first glance (such as a malfunctioning gate remote) could actually be a gate problem. For instance, if your gate isn’t receiving any power, your remote will be rendered useless.

Therefore, it’s important to inspect your gate if you suspect that something is wrong. If you find that the intercom, keypad, and other components aren’t functioning, it’s a strong indication that there’s an issue with your gate’s power source rather than your remote. To troubleshoot the problem, first, check for lights on your photocells, intercom, or keypad, as these indicate whether you have power. If these are not working either, check your fuse box and flip the switch back on. If you need help determining which switch is connected to your gate, look for any switches that are in the off position. However, if your gate still isn’t working after checking the mains switch, it could be a sign that a more significant issue is at play.

If you’re struggling to get your remote or gate system working, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of knowledgeable gate experts is always available to help diagnose and repair any underlying issues. With over 30 years of experience, Gate Auto is a trusted supplier and fitter of high-quality gate automation. Simply give us a call at 01282 677300 – we’re always happy to assist you with any questions or concerns.