Testing the Light Socket in Your Garage Door Opener*

If the one light or both lights (if your garage door opener has a second light) no longer work on your Liftmaster, Sears Craftsman or Chamberlain garage door opener, the first thing that you think of is replacing the burnt out bulb with a new bulb. But, what happens if when you do that the light still won't come on? Well, there are a couple of things that you can do.

Step 1: Pull the power cord on the opener and disconnect it from the outlet. Remove the bulb from the bad socket and look at the center contact. Sometimes it's hard to see the contact as it loses it’s tension over time. Try taking a hook device, skewer or paper clip, to give that center contact a gentle tug toward you. After pulling the center contact out a bit, install a new light bulb. Plug the power cord back into the electrical outlet and try opening or closing the garage door. If it works, problem solved! If not, go on to Step 2.

Step 2: If that did not do the job, remove the light bulb from the socket. With the garage door opener powered-up to the electrical outlet, test the center contact with a 120 volt electrical meter or test light, with one lead on the center contact of the socket and one to the metal chassis of the opener (serving as the ground). If there is no current or power, it's very probable that part of the motor control board has been fried due to heat and/or age. In that case there are two options: replacing the garage door opener or replacing the most contract or circuit board.

Note: If you do not get any power with this test, it's possible that the control board may not be bad but that there is another problem with power supply or opener itself or some combination. We cannot guarantee your individuals results but are simply providing you with information on the most common issues we see based on our years of experience.

Options?
Star Door Parts offers replacement circuit and motor control boards for Liftmaster/Sears Craftsman/Chamberlain brand garage door owners. Click here to view the circuit boards we carry for sale online.

*Warning/Disclaimer: Only attempt these steps if you have skilled electrical experience. If you are unsure about whether or not you should attempt any of the these steps then do not attempt them. Working with and on parts and products that carry electricity can cause serious injury. For safety and other reasons, Star Door Parts recommends that only a qualified, licensed electrician work on and/or open the motor cover to garage door openers. Star Door Parts and Southwest Garage Door, LLC hereby disclaims any and all liability for personal injury or death, expense or property damage incurred by anyone else who attempts to perform electrical testing.