Craftsman Stalled Motor or Jammed Drive System

Garage door opener hums but does not move the door; humming stops after a few seconds.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Failed start capacitor, Jammed trolley on rail, Frozen or seized door, Over-tightened chain or belt

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the opener before inspecting the rail or trolley. Do not continue to run a humming motor; it can overheat and fail.

  • Check door movement: Pull the emergency release and try to move the door by hand. If it is stuck, address track or spring issues before using the opener.
  • Inspect trolley: Look along the Craftsman rail for a jammed trolley or broken stop bolt. Clear any obstructions and ensure the trolley moves freely when the opener is disconnected.
  • Check chain/belt tension: If the chain or belt is extremely tight, loosen the tension nut slightly until there is a small amount of sag or deflection.
  • Test capacitor: If the motor hums but will not start even with a free door and proper tension, the start capacitor may be weak or failed. Replace it with a Craftsman-compatible capacitor.
  • Test operation: After corrections, reconnect power and run the opener. If humming persists, the motor itself may be failing and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Motor Start Capacitor or Motor Assembly
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