Opener hums briefly then stops; motor does not turn; five flashes or code “5” on Decko opener LED.
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Unplug the opener before removing covers. Do not attempt to open or rewind the motor yourself.
Check door movement first:
- Disconnect trolley: Pull the emergency release and move the door by hand. It should move smoothly with moderate effort.
- If door is hard to move: Have a garage door professional correct spring balance, track alignment, or panel damage before further opener work.
Inspect motor and capacitor:
- Remove opener cover: With power disconnected, remove the screws securing the Decko opener cover to access the motor compartment.
- Locate start capacitor: Most Decko AC motor units use a cylindrical start capacitor mounted near the motor with two wires.
- Check for bulging or leaks: If the capacitor is swollen, cracked, or leaking oil, it is likely defective and should be replaced with the same µF and voltage rating.
- Spin motor shaft: If accessible, gently try to rotate the motor shaft or pulley by hand. It should turn smoothly. If seized, the motor must be replaced.
Replace start capacitor (if faulty):
- Discharge the capacitor by shorting its terminals with a resistor or insulated screwdriver (if you are not experienced, have a technician do this).
- Note wire positions, remove the old capacitor, and install the new one with identical ratings.
- Reassemble the opener, restore power, and test.
If the motor still only hums and trips code 5, the motor windings or control board are likely defective and require professional replacement.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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