Diagnosing intermittent gate failures guide, home security tips, house driveway entry

Diagnosing Intermittent Gate Failures

29 December 2025

Diagnosing Intermittent Gate Failures: A Homeowner’s Survival Tips

When you are running late for work or have an essential event to attend, and the electric gate gives up, how does it feel? It is something several homeowners come across. The noteworthy thing is that such gate failures are pretty unpredictable. Sometimes, you may spot some snags in the automated gate mechanism. Sometimes, it may stop moving without any prior hint! This is enough to make any Seattle homeowner irate.

Things to check when your gate acts weird

As a homeowner, you can check some things carefully before calling a company to repair automated gates on your property.

Check your batteries – Remote batteries may not die all at the same time. When the efficiency goes down, they act weird. Such batteries may work perfectly sometimes, and at other times, they will give you headaches! So, just pop open your remote and look at those batteries. If you think they are nearing the end of life, replace them with new ones.
Look at the gate – There may be nothing wrong with the remote, sometimes. Check the gate carefully to see if anything is physically blocking it. There could be things like fallen tree branches or leaves piled up in the track. Pacific Northwest weather dumps all kinds of debris near gates.
Observe the gate motor – When the gate is operating, watch out for any weird sounds. A normally functioning gate will produce a steady hum or mechanical whir. However, if there is any grinding or stuttering, something may be wrong. If your gate makes noise but doesn’t move, then there can be a physical obstruction.

Do you want to find out the leading cause of an automated gate stopping? It is time you hire reliable companies like Evergreen Electric Gates And Fences.

What other issues can affect gate operations?

There can be some other issues behind your malfunctioning automated gate. These include:

Voltage changes – Automated gates run on electricity, and electricity runs on connections. In a damp climate, corrosion builds up on connections. This creates resistance, which causes voltage drops. That could be the cause of its intermittent operation. So, look for loose wiring, exposed copper, and the junction box.
Sensor check – Most modern gates have safety sensors. Check whether your gate sensors are well aligned. Sometimes, things like spider webs, dirt, and water spots interfere with the sensor mechanism. Sensors are sensitive, and falling leaves, and even heavy rain can temporarily interfere with their operation. You need to check these carefully.
Others – There can be deep-rooted electrical problems, too. If the gate works from your wall button but not your remote, the receiver unit is failing. If the control board is getting worn out, the gate may act weird. It may stop or reverse erratically.

Wrapping it up

Electrical and automated gate problems can arise for many reasons. If you can’t diagnose the root issue, it is better to call a professional service provider. Do not skip checking their track record and credentials to ensure their potential.

Comments on this guide to Diagnosing intermittent gate failures article are welcome.