There's nothing worse than sitting in the car in the rain with a gate that won't open. Work through these checks, in this order – most of the time it's something simple.
1. Does anything work?
Try the remote, a second remote, the keypad and the intercom.
- Nothing works at all → probably power or the control board. Go to step 2.
- Some things work, but not your remote → probably the remote. See gate remote not working?
Why Electric Gates Won't Open
A gate that won't open usually falls into one of three groups. Either it's not getting power, it's not getting the signal to open, or something mechanical is stopping it moving. Working out which group you're in is the quickest way to the answer.
If nothing at all happens – no clicks, no lights on the control box – power is the likely culprit. If the lights are on but the remote does nothing, look at the remote or receiver. If you hear the motor but the gate doesn't move, it may be locked, released or jammed.
The checks on this page help you narrow it down safely.
Getting a Stuck Gate Open in Carlisle
If you need to get in or out urgently, the manual release lets you move the gate by hand. It's designed for exactly this, and using it won't harm the system. Just remember to re-engage it afterwards so the gate locks and works automatically again.
What you shouldn't do is force the gate or open the control box. Forcing it can strip a gearbox or bend a hinge, turning a small repair into a big one.
If the checks don't sort it, call us. We'll come out, find the fault and give you a price before we fix it.
2. Check the power
- Has there been a power cut, even a short one?
- Is the gate's isolator switch turned on? (Normally a switch on a post, wall or garage, near the gate or the house.)
- Has anything tripped at your fuse board? If it's tripped once, reset it. If it trips again, leave it off and call me – there's a fault.
See not working after a power cut.
3. Is the manual release engaged?
If someone has used the manual release to move the gate by hand, the motor can't drive it until it's locked back in. Check the motor for a release key or lever that's been left open. See manual release.
4. Is something blocking the gate?
- gravel, stones or leaves under or behind the gate
- a sliding gate track full of debris
- standing water around an underground motor cover (a sign the box may be flooded – don't touch it, call me)
- ice in very cold weather
5. Listen to the motor
- Clicking, but no movement → the board is trying, but something's not working. Call me.
- Humming, but no movement → stop trying. The motor's straining – possibly a jammed gate or failed part. Call me.
- Silence → power, board or receiver issue.
6. Can you get in?
If it's safe to, use the manual release to open the gate by hand, and leave it on manual until it's fixed.
When to call me
If the quick checks haven't worked, it's time for an engineer. Don't open the control box or keep pressing the remote. Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752 – a short video of what the gate does when you press the remote is really useful.
Questions people ask me
Why won't my electric gate open?
The most common causes are a power cut or tripped switch, a flat remote, the manual release left engaged, or something blocking the gate.
My gate opens with the keypad but not my remote. Why?
It's almost certainly the remote – try a new battery.
Can I open my gate by hand?
Yes, using the manual release on the motor.