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Frequently Asked Questions

 About Genie Garage Door Opener products, installation, operation,
and more.

Product Selection FAQ

How do I select the right Genie garage door opener?

Once you have decided to go with the Genie brand, these factors will help you determine
the garage door opener that is right for you:
 

  • Size (height, width, thickness), construction (steel, insulated, wood), and weight of your garage door. (This will help determine the size of the motor and the type of drive needed.)

  • Clearance above the door opening (which will help determine where to mount the opener.)

  • The living spaces that are near or above the garage (which may affect the noise level of the Genie opener you want.)

  • Desired safety and convenience features and accessories, so your new Genie garage-door system fits your needs and preferences.
     

For additional assistance in choosing the right opener for your door, consult your closest Genie Dealer or Retail outlet.

Where can I get help selecting a Genie garage door opener?

Because The Genie Company has been making garage door openers for more than half a century, we can offer expert advice about selecting and installing your new garage door opener. For help selecting a Genie garage door opener, first determine if you need do-it-yourself or professional installation. If you’re unsure about the type of installation you need, we can help.
 

  • For do-it-yourself projects, you can find Genie products and expert advice at a variety of leading retail stores, home-improvement centers, and lumberyards. Locate your local Genie retailer.

  • Professionally installed Genie openers are available through our network of Genie Professional Dealers. These experts in your area are available to offer advice about selecting the right opener for your needs, as well as to install and maintain any Genie product you own. Locate your local Genie Pro™ dealer, who will also install the opener for you.

  • As always, feel free to contact Genie customer service online or call us at (800) 35-GENIE
     

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST

What features should I look for when buying a Genie garage door opener?

Your garage door opener is an important home appliance that will get daily use for many years to come. Six factors to consider when making this important product purchase are safety, power, drive type, speed, compatibility, and accessories. (These factors are described below in the next four questions)

What safety features are available on Genie openers?

Your garage door is the largest and one of the heaviest moving objects in your home. That means the features designed to enhance your door’s opening and closing are important considerations for your family’s safety. At The Genie Company, we believe that safety depends on two things — the safety features incorporated into the opener system and the reliability of the opener itself.
 

  • For your Genie garage door opener to work, certain safety features, such as the Genie Safe-T-Beam® system, must be properly installed. We require Safe-T-Beam on all garage-door systems we manufacture to prevent doors from closing when doorways are obstructed. In particular, the Safe-T-Beam system keeps people, pets, and vehicles safe by utilizing an infrared beam that automatically reverses a garage door when an obstruction is detected in the door’s path. Its self-diagnostic feature can also help troubleshoot system errors.
     

  • GenieSense™ Monitoring and Diagnostic Technology – Some of our newest products feature this innovative technology. GenieSense delivers the power needed at every movement of the garage door and continuously monitors the operation of the door, stopping operation when significant changes occur. These features minimize noise, wear and tear on the door, and improve overall safety.
     

  • Reliable performance is as critical to your safety as any other feature your garage-door system incorporates. Genie possesses an impressive track record for manufacturing high-quality openers that are known for dependable performance. An industry leader, Genie offers one of the largest selections of openers for residential applications in the world. This ensures that we have a reliable solution for every homeowner. Our openers carry limited warranties that are among the best in the industry.
     

What power level should I choose?

The amount of power needed for your opener is determined by the size, construction, and weight of your garage door.
 

Garage door openers are powered by alternating-current (AC) or direct-current (DC) motors. DC motors are a newer technology and provide some benefits over AC motors: quiet, smooth operation; soft starting and stopping; and lighter weight for easier installation. Since DC motors are not measured in horsepowers like AC motors and their power cannot be directly compared, Genie has developed a comparative rating system for DC openers to help compare them with AC openers. The Horsepower Comparable (HPc) rating indicates that the DC opener meets or exceeds Genie’s lifting-force specifications for a horsepower rating. The HPc ratings do not denote equivalency, but instead are a basis for garage door opener comparisons
.

Your local Genie retailer or Professional Dealer can help you choose the right garage door opener for your garage door.

What is the difference between belt drive, screw drive and chain drive?

Direct Drive Screw
 

The direct drive screw opener is another innovation in a long list of other industry firsts from Genie. This premium garage door opener features a solid-steel direct drive for increased strength and unmatched durability. With no belts, chains, or gears that wear out, screw-drive openers feature simplistic, yet strong designs. For example, the motor shaft connects to a direct-drive system with no gearing to decrease or artificially enhance the amount of torque provided by the motor.
 

Belt Drive
 

With proper periodic maintenance, belt units offer years of trouble-free service. Belt drives are ultra-quiet because they are smooth and have no metal-on-metal contact in the rail.
 

Chain Drive
 

Chain-drive garage door openers are among the most affordable in the industry. They feature a rugged, time-tested design that is durable and long-lasting.

How fast will my Genie garage door opener lift the door?

Most Genie garage door openers operate at a variety of speeds ranging from 6 inches per second to 12 inches per second opening speed. If the faster opening is important to you, we recommend our TriloG® 1500, which opens twice as fast as most garage door openers on the market. With opening speeds up to 12 inches per second, TriloG 1500 is also quiet, thanks to its near-silent, direct-current (DC) motor and soft-start/stop actions.

How do I know if a Genie opener is compatible with my garage door?

Compatibility should not be a problem with Genie garage door openers. We have been developing and producing garage door openers for more than half a century. Note that some doors may require specific hardware for connecting an opener and to avoid voiding the product warranty. Please review your owner's manual and instructions for any manufacturer's requirements. All Genie openers are manufactured to meet our standards, and they are warranted to meet our criteria for high-quality, long-lasting performance.

What accessories are available for my Genie opener?

If you want the added convenience and simplicity of a complete garage-door system, add a time-saving accessory or security enhancement to your Genie package. We offer a variety of accessories for do-it-yourself products, as well as for doors and openers installed by our Genie Professional Dealers.

Genie accessories and product add-ons include:
 

  • Extension Kits: for do-it-yourself applications on eight-foot sectional doors.

  • Remotes featuring Intellicode® Access Security System.

  • Additional Wall Controls: provide convenient opener operation from inside the garage.

  • Wireless Keypads: Lighted keypad features a flip up cover and lets you control up to three garage door openers from the outside of the home for convenient, secure access. Features Intellicode Access Security System.

  • Universal, Hard-Wired Keyless Entry: available for older model openers.

  • Emergency Release Kit: allows the garage door to open or close in case of power failure (a necessity for vault-type garages.)

  • Maintenance Items: enhance the life of your garage door opener.

  • Genie Intellicode Receiver Universal Dual Frequency Kit: converts garage door opener to operate on two frequencies, providing flexibility in the case of frequency Interference.

Does it matter what brand of LED light bulbs I use with my opener?

With the obsolescence of the basic incandescent light bulb, it has come to Genie's attention that there are certain brands or types of LED bulbs that can cause interference with the radio signals. These LED bulbs can have an effect on the operation of nearby devices, such as affecting the transmitter range for remote operation of a garage door opener.
 

To solve the issue, Genie has developed its own LED light bulb, designed specifically for almost any brand of garage door opener. It either eliminates or greatly reduces the issue of weakened remote signal to your opener than common LED bulbs can cause. It also has the added advantage of being shatter & vibration resistant. Learn more about the Genie LED Light Bulb for Garage Door Openers, including where to buy.
 

For other brands of light bulbs, Genie has conducted tests with many LED replacement bulbs. The LED bulbs listed here showed minimal radiofrequency impact when compared to other brands of LED bulbs tested. Other LED bulb models may work but the effect on your garage door opener remote could vary.

 

Installation FAQ

How much space is required to install a Genie garage door opener?

Please see your owner's manual for requirements. You can also find helpful tips in this blog article. 

What do I need to check before installing a Genie opener myself?

Before attempting installation yourself, thoroughly read your owner's manual. Be sure to inspect the mounting area: Is it adequate (e.g., structurally sound, clear of wires and other obstructions, clean, etc.) to safely install the opener you have selected? Also confirm the availability of a 110- volt, grounded outlet within the reach of the opener’s power cord. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, and follow all precautions regarding electrical and ladder safety.
 

Please see your owner's manual. The pre-installation checklist includes:
 

  • Check door condition and thickness.

  • Check door alignment and balance.

  • Confirm door height.

  • Measure door header.

  • Select power-head mounting area.

  • Confirm the grounded power source.

  • Select bracket locations.

  • Gather tools required for installation.

  • Remove door locks.
     

If at any point, you are unsure of the steps to take, or if you have any questions, contact Genie Customer Service or your local Genie Professional Dealer.

How do I program my Genie opener to HomeLink?

Use our Homelink programming page for helpful programming information.

Can I access installation manuals online?

View a complete list of owner's manuals available as downloadable PDF files: Online Product Support

Can I cut the rails?

Yes, only if necessary to work around the structural obstructions in the garage; however, when you cut the rail, you also reduce the distance that the door is raised. For every inch cut, an inch of door travel is lost. Your Genie Professional Dealer can help you determine the best approach to installing around obstructions.
 

If you must cut the rails, the Genie® Direct Screw Drive Screw has the easiest rail to cut. Simply measure and cut off the appropriate length of the rail, then drill an appropriately sized attachment hole in the rail. Belt- and chain-drive systems are more difficult to handle because changing the rail length requires re-tensioning the belts or removing chain links, followed by reassembling. We DO NOT support cutting belts or chain rails; only Screwdrive. Contact your Genie Professional Dealer for detailed instructions.
 

The rails can be adjusted to work around structural obstructions in the garage, however, it is recommended that you contact your local Genie Professional Dealer for assistance with installing around obstructions.

What is the thin black or gray wire that hangs from the power head?

It is the radio antenna, which is required for proper operation of Genie remotes. For the best range, make sure that the antenna hangs straight down from the power head.

Operating & Maintaining Genie Products FAQ

What is Intellicode, and how does it work?

Intellicode Access Security System features rolling-code technology that enhances the security of your Genie garage door opener. It offers significant advantages over conventional garage door openers that use fixed codes. An old-style opener remote transmits the same, fixed security code each time the remote button is pressed. Because the number of available fixed codes is limited, a conventional garage-door system can be breached by an unsuspecting neighbor, who inadvertently uses a remote with the same fixed code, or by hackers with less-than-innocent intentions.
 

Genie Intellicode is different. Every time your garage door system is activated, our proprietary Intellicode system selects a new code from billions of possible combinations. This virtually eliminates the possibility of hacking, and it helps prevent unauthorized entry into your home through the garage.

How do I program a Genie remote?

You'll need to be within reach of your Genie garage door opener with your remote. Before activating the door, be sure that all people, pets, ladders, vehicles, and other obstructions are clear from the garage door’s path.
 

Then, see your owner’s manual for instructions pertaining to your specific model.

How does Safe-T-Beam work?

Safe-T-Beam technology uses a continual infrared beam that projects across the interior of the garage door opening to a receiver at all times. In order for your garage door to operate, the beam must be located at least five inches, but no more than six inches, from the floor, and it should be aligned so that the sensors “see” each other. During closing, if the beam is interrupted by a person, animal or object, Safe-T-Beam automatically raises the garage door to protect whatever is in its path. Please note that the garage door opener will not close the door unless Safe-T-Beam® is installed and working properly.

Can I turn off or remove Safe-T-Beam?

No. All garage door openers manufactured since 1993 require some form of safety device to protect people, pets and objects from injury or damage if they are in the door’s path. The beam must be located at least 5 inches, but not more than 6 inches, from the floor. The opener will not work if Safe-T-Beam® is tampered with, removed or otherwise disengaged.

How do I open my Genie garage door opener during a power outage?

It depends on the model. You can open your Genie garage door opener from the inside by using the emergency release cord, which hangs from the mounted overhead opener. Pulling down on the emergency cord will release the door from the opener’s carriage, allowing you to operate the door manually. Use the handle when manually operating your garage door, and be cautious to avoid pinching your fingers between moving door sections. Opening the door from the outside requires the installation of a Genie Emergency Release Lock (GER-R).

Battery backups are also available for certain model Genie garage door openers, these allow you to continue to use the garage door opener during a power outage. 
 

To learn more, contact The Genie Company Customer Service or your Genie Professional Dealer. You can also refer to your owner’s manual for further instructions.

How do I disengage/reengage the garage door from/to the opener’s carriage?

It depends on the model. You can disengage the garage door by pulling down on the emergency release cord. Refer to your owner's manual for complete instructions about disengaging and reengaging the door.

How do I open the lens cover to replace a bulb?

It depends on the model, but specific instructions are provided in your owner's manual. On some models, like the TriloG™, IntelliG™, Excelerator®, and ReliaG™ 800 models, simply depress the two tabs that connect the lens cover to the top of the unit (chassis); the lens cover will swing open. Replace the bulb(s) with a service light bulb (follow guidelines in your owner’s manual for maximum wattage), and close the lens cover. On other Genie® models, you will need a Phillips screwdriver. Remove the two screws (at the top) that attach the lens cover to the front panel. The lens cover will drop down like a hinge, while you change the bulb. Use a heavy-duty, rough service light bulb (follow guidelines in your owner's manual for maximum wattage). Realign the lens cover, and reattach the screws.

What is the recommended maintenance for my Genie garage door opener?

It varies by model. View the list of Genie® opener models and online maintenance instructions. It is vital that the appropriate maintenance be performed to keep your garage-door system operating properly. (See: Safety Center)

Are some LED light bulbs better for my opener than others?

With the obsolescence of the basic incandescent light bulb, it has come to Genie's attention that there are certain brands or types of LED bulbs that can cause interference with the radio signals. These LED bulbs can have an effect on the operation of nearby devices, such as affecting the transmitter range for remote operation of a garage door opener.

To solve the issue, Genie has developed its own LED light bulb, designed specifically for almost any brand of garage door opener. It either eliminates or greatly reduces the issue of weakened remote signal to your opener than common LED bulbs can cause. It also has the added advantage of being shatter & vibration resistant. Learn more about the Genie LED Light Bulb for Garage Door Openers, including where to buy.

Troubleshooting Genie garage door opener products FAQ

Why is the Safe-T-Beam® light blinking?

Safe-T-Beam is a government-required safety feature that must be installed in order for your Genie garage door opener to work. A flashing Safe-T-Beam LED indicator means a malfunction has occurred. First, be sure that the lenses are clean, and check for any possible obstructions or loose wires. Also, make sure that lenses are mounted five to six inches from the floor on either side of the garage-door opening and that lenses are aligned facing one another. If the LED indicator continues to flash, see your owner's manual for a list of possible causes and additional troubleshooting.

Why does my Genie garage door reverse/open when I try closing it?

The likely culprit is an obstruction in the path of the garage door. Check for and clear any obstructions in its way. If the problem persists, check to see if the red Safe-T-Beam LED indicator is blinking. If it is, be sure that the lenses are mounted five to six inches from the floor on either side of the garage-door opening. If the Safe-T-Beam® lenses appear to be installed properly and aligned facing one another, refer to the troubleshooting section of your owner’s manual for additional causes and solutions.

Why does the Genie opener run without moving the door?

Your garage door may be disconnected from the opener. Check that the emergency-release cord has not been pulled. If this is the reason, you will need to reengage the carriage. The method to reengage the carriage depends on the model of garage door opener you own. See your owner's manual for more details.

Why won’t my Genie remote control work?

Be sure that the remote has been properly programmed and that fresh batteries have been installed. If you are still having trouble, refer to your owner's manual, or contact Customer Service.

I lost a little range on my remote transmitter after installing LED bulbs on my opener. Are the two items related?

With the obsolescence of the basic incandescent light bulb, it has come to Genie's attention that there are certain brands or types of LED bulbs that can cause interference with the radio signals. These LED bulbs can have an effect on the operation of nearby devices, such as affecting the transmitter range for remote operation of a garage door opener.

To solve the issue, Genie has developed its own LED light bulb, designed specifically for almost any brand of garage door opener. It either eliminates or greatly reduces the issue of weakened remote signal to your opener than common LED bulbs can cause. It also has the added advantage of being shatter & vibration resistant. Learn more about the Genie LED Light Bulb for Garage Door Openers, including where to buy.

Technical Support FAQ

What if my garage door opener was made before 1993?

If your opener was made before 1993, click here for important information.

How do I get expert advice?

Genie has been manufacturing garage-door products for more than half a century, which means we can offer you expert advice about selecting, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting your new opener.

 

How to get expert advice:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. EST

Warranty Registration FAQ

What is the product warranty for my Genie garage-door product?

All Genie garage-door products come with limited warranties that protect the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship. Refer to your owner's manual for details.

How do I get service under my Genie warranty?

For warranty parts and/or repairs, have available your model number and a copy of your original sales receipt. Then, contact Genie Company Customer Service about the problem you are having. A trained Genie representative will help to diagnose the problem and/or will ship you the necessary parts to complete the repair.
 

Note: A shipping and handling fee will be assessed on all parts orders.

How do I purchase, repair or replace parts for my Genie garage-door product?

You can contact The Genie Company in a variety of ways:
 

Warranty Repairs Department

The Genie Company

P.O. Box 67

Attn: Genie Customer Service

Mt Hope, OH 44660
 

For expert advice, contact your local Genie Professional Dealer.

Can I register my Genie product online?

Yes. Please use our online Product registration form to register your Genie product.

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