Gate Fault Finder
Use our step-by-step tool below to diagnose common electric gate faults. Select your symptom, complete a few quick checks, and we’ll guide you to the most likely causes and next steps. Scroll down to begin diagnosing your electric gate issue.
Safety first.
If the gate is moving unpredictably, has damaged hinges/track, or presents a crushing risk, stop using it and book a call-out.
If the gate is moving unpredictably, has damaged hinges/track, or presents a crushing risk, stop using it and book a call-out.
Step 1: What’s your gate doing?
Not opening
Gate won’t open at all, or starts then stops.
Not closing
Gate opens but won’t close, or reverses when closing.
Intermittent / random behaviour
Works sometimes, stops mid-cycle, or behaves inconsistently.
Remote / keypad not working
Gate works from one control but not another, or no signal.
Tip: If you have a control board with indicator LEDs, you can get to an answer faster.
Step-by-step checks
Step 2 Power
Step 3 Safety
Step 4 Controls
Step 5 Mechanical
Result Next action
Step 2: Power & obvious status checks
If unsure: check house supply, isolator switch, spur/fuse, breaker, and any RCD.
No LEDs often points to power supply, fuse, transformer, or control board failure.
Likely cause: power supply issue
- Check the fused spur/isolator (replace fuse if blown).
- Check breaker/RCD has not tripped.
- Check for damage to supply cable to control panel.
- If you have battery backup/UPS, check its status/alarms.
If the gate is stuck open or you need urgent access, book a call-out.
Step 3: Safety devices (most common cause of “won’t close”)
Most systems will refuse to close if a safety circuit is triggered.
Clean lenses, remove debris, and check they point at each other.
Likely cause: safety circuit triggered
- Clean photocell lenses and remove cobwebs/dirt.
- Re-align photocells so they face each other.
- Check for damaged cables or water ingress in photocells.
- If safety edge is fitted: check it isn’t compressed/damaged.
If the gate is reversing on close, safety devices are the first place to look.
Step 4: Controls & access (remote/keypad/intercom)
This separates an access issue from a motor/board/mechanical issue.
Spare working often indicates the original remote battery/coding.
Likely cause: access control / receiver / programming issue
- Replace remote battery (simple but common).
- Check receiver power and wiring connections.
- Re-program remote/fob to the receiver if needed.
- If keypad/intercom: check power supply and output relay to the gate board.
If you tell us the brand (CAME/BFT/FAAC/NICE etc.), we can bring the right receiver/spares.
Step 5: Mechanical checks (movement resistance)
Misalignment can trigger safety force limits and stop the gate.
Water ingress and debris in tracks are common after storms.
Likely cause: mechanical resistance / alignment issue
- Check hinges, brackets, posts, and gate leaves for movement or sag.
- Sliding gates: clear track, check rollers, rack alignment and guides.
- Look for impact damage (vehicle strikes can shift alignment).
- Excess resistance can cause the motor to stop or reverse for safety.
Result: Next action
Answer the checks above to reveal the most likely cause and the best next step.
Did this fix your issue or help you find the fault?
If this fixed your problem, please take two minutes to email us at info@gaterepairer.co.uk and let us know — we’d love your feedback on whether this helped.
If not, book a call-out and we’ll diagnose and repair it safely — including safety checks to current standards.
When booking, include: gate type (swing/sliding), postcode, brand (if known), what it’s doing, and any error codes/LED behaviour.
Quick Answers (Common Scenarios)
Gate opens but won’t close
Most often a safety circuit is triggered (photocells misaligned/dirty, safety edge fault, wiring issue).
Clean and align photocells and re-test. If it still won’t close, book a call-out.
Gate won’t open and there are no lights on the panel
This usually points to a power supply issue (fused spur, breaker/RCD, blown fuse, damaged cable, failed transformer/PSU).
If access/security is affected, call us.
Gate stops mid-cycle or reverses
Common causes include safety device triggers, increased mechanical resistance, limit/encoder faults, or force settings.
Check for obstructions and safety devices first.
Remote stopped working
Try a spare remote and replace the battery. If one remote works and another doesn’t, it’s likely the remote/battery/programming.
If no remotes work, it could be receiver power/wiring or control board input issue.
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Gate Repairer Ltd, provide expert gate repair, installation and servicing across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, including areas such as St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, Tring, Berkhamsted, Hatfield, Rickmansworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Harpenden, Broxbourne, Bedford, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Ampthill, Biggleswade, Sandy, Flitwick, Barton-le-Clay, Shefford, Harlington, Stotfold, Houghton Regis, Eaton Bray, Toddington, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham, Chesham, Buckingham, Princes Risborough, Wendover, Bletchley, Iver, Chalfont St Peter, Great Missenden, Warwick, Winslow, Oxford, Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, London and Didcot.
Gate Repairer Ltd, provide expert gate repair, installation and servicing across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, including areas such as St Albans, Watford, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Hitchin, Welwyn Garden City, Tring, Berkhamsted, Hatfield, Rickmansworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Cheshunt, Potters Bar, Harpenden, Broxbourne, Bedford, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable, Ampthill, Biggleswade, Sandy, Flitwick, Barton-le-Clay, Shefford, Harlington, Stotfold, Houghton Regis, Eaton Bray, Toddington, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, High Wycombe, Beaconsfield, Marlow, Amersham, Chesham, Buckingham, Princes Risborough, Wendover, Bletchley, Iver, Chalfont St Peter, Great Missenden, Warwick, Winslow, Oxford, Abingdon, Banbury, Bicester, London and Didcot.