Garage door opener not responding to remote — San Francisco, California

When your garage door opener ignores the remote but works from the wall button, the issue is usually the remote itself (dead battery, $3–$5 fix) or radio-frequency interference. But when the opener doesn't respond to either the remote or the wall button, the problem is likely electrical: a tripped GFCI outlet, a blown motor capacitor, or a failed circuit board in the opener unit. A handyman can diagnose and fix most garage door opener issues in under an hour. Common repairs include replacing the capacitor ($15–$50 part, $100–$200 with labor), reprogramming or replacing remotes ($20–$80 per remote), realigning safety sensors ($50–$100), or replacing the entire logic board ($100–$250 part, $150–$350 total). If the motor itself is burned out and the opener is over 10–15 years old, replacement of the entire unit ($250–$600 for the opener plus $150–$300 for installation) is more cost-effective than a motor rebuild. Important safety note: never attempt to adjust the torsion springs above the door — they are under extreme tension and cause serious injuries every year. Spring repairs must be done by a trained professional ($150–$350).