Door will not close; opener starts to move then reverses and displays E3. Sometimes occurs only in one direction.

Safety first: Disconnect power before working on the door hardware. Do not loosen or adjust torsion or extension springs unless you are trained and equipped.

• Inspect the door path: Manually walk the full opening and closing path. Remove any objects, ice, or debris from the floor, tracks, and around the door panels.
• Test manual balance: Release the Cardale opener from the door using the emergency release cord. Lift the door by hand. It should move smoothly and stay at mid‑height. If it is heavy or jerky, the door hardware needs service.
• Check rollers and hinges: Inspect side rollers, hinges, and pivot points. Replace any seized or flat‑spotted rollers and lubricate moving joints with a light garage door lubricant (not grease on tracks).
• Inspect tracks: Look for bent or crushed sections of the vertical or horizontal tracks. Gently straighten minor bends; replace severely damaged track sections.
• Re‑set travel and force limits: Follow the Cardale opener manual to re‑program open/close limits and force settings. Typically this involves pressing and holding a “SET/PROG” button, then running the door fully open and closed so the controller learns the travel.
• Re‑test: After adjustments, reconnect the opener to the door and test operation. If E3 persists with a free‑moving door, the force sensor circuitry on the control board may be faulty and the board may need replacement.