Novoferm garage door opener stops shortly after starting and shows E3 on the display.

Safety first: Disconnect power. A garage door under spring tension can cause serious injury. Do not adjust torsion or extension springs unless you are trained and equipped.

Steps to try:

• Check for physical obstructions: Inspect the full travel path of the door. Remove any debris, ice, or objects in the tracks or under the door.
• Test manual balance: Release the Novoferm carriage using the emergency release cord. Manually move the door up and down. It should move smoothly and stay about halfway open without drifting strongly up or down. If it is heavy or jerky, the door hardware or springs need service.
• Inspect tracks and rollers: Look for bent tracks, loose brackets, or worn rollers. Tighten loose fasteners and replace damaged rollers or hinges.
• Check drive rail: Examine the Novoferm chain/belt or toothed rack for tight spots, damage, or misalignment. Ensure the rail is straight and securely fixed to the header and ceiling.
• Re‑learn force limits: After correcting mechanical issues, follow the Novoferm programming procedure to reset travel and force limits. This often involves running a full open/close cycle in programming mode.

When to call a pro: If the door is unbalanced, springs are broken, or the door is extremely heavy to lift manually, contact a professional door technician. Do not attempt spring adjustment yourself.