Door starts to close, travels a short distance, then reverses to open; three flashes or code “3” on Decko opener LED.

Safety first: Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Do not loosen or remove torsion springs or center bearing plates unless you are trained and equipped. Disconnect power before mechanical inspection.

Check door balance and hardware:

• Disconnect opener: Pull the emergency release cord to disengage the trolley from the door.
• Test door balance: Lift the door by hand to mid-height and release. A properly balanced door should stay in place or move slowly. If it slams down or shoots up, the springs need professional adjustment or replacement.
• Inspect tracks and rollers: Look for bent tracks, loose track brackets, or rollers that are cracked, seized, or off-track. Tighten loose brackets and replace damaged rollers.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply a garage-door-rated lubricant to rollers (except nylon tires), hinges, and the torsion spring coils (lightly). Do not use heavy grease.

Adjust Decko down force (if door hardware is OK):

• Locate force controls: On most Decko units, there are separate UP and DOWN force adjustment screws or dials.
• Increase down force slightly: Turn the DOWN force control about 1/8–1/4 turn in the direction indicated for “more.”
• Test door: Reconnect the trolley and run the door closed. If it still reverses with no obstruction, increase slightly again. Do not exceed the minimum force needed to close reliably.
• Re-test safety reversal: Use a 2x4 board test to ensure the door still reverses when hitting an obstruction.

If the door is hard to move by hand, correct the mechanical issues before increasing force. If the door moves freely but the opener still shows code 3, the motor or logic board may be failing.