Things You'll Need
Stepladder
Phillips-head screwdriver
Small flat-head screwdriver
Wire strippers
The wall switch that controls your garage door opener will fail over time. When this happens, replace it yourself and get your opener working again. Universal garage door opener wall stations are available at home improvement centers. Because of the variety of options, it is a good idea to purchase a wall switch similar to the current one. You have either a single button or a multi-switch with three buttons.
Step 1
Place a stepladder under the garage door opener motor head so that you can reach the opener power cord. Unplug the opener power cord from the ceiling electrical outlet.
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Step 2
Remove the two screws that secure the wall switch to the wall with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Some models have a trim cover to hide the screw heads. Insert a small flat-head screwdriver between the cover and the wall control to pry the cover off.
Step 3
Pull the wall switch away from the wall and turn the switch around to access the back. Loosen the two terminal screws that secure the low-voltage bell wire to the wall switch with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Discard the old wall switch.
Step 4
Cut the bare ends of each wire with a pair of wire strippers. Remove ¼-inch insulation from the end of each wire with the wire strippers and bend the ends in a U shape to fit around the new wall switch terminal screws.
Step 5
Loosen the screws on the back of the new wall switch enough to place the bare ends of the wire around them. The terminal screws have a B and a W, marking where each of the ends of the bell wire attach. The white bell wire with the black stripe attaches to the B terminal screw. The white bell wire attaches to the W terminal screw.
Step 6
Place the wire around the respective terminal screw and secure the wire by tightening the screw with the Phillips-head screwdriver. Place the wall switch on the wall and attach the switch to the wall with the two retaining screws.
Step 7
Plug the garage door opener power cord back into the ceiling outlet. Test the operation of your new wall switch.
Tip
Some multi-button switches may have three wires connecting to the back of the switch. Mark each wire with masking tape with their location to aid installation of the new wall switch.
Warning
Always disconnect power from garage door openers before making any repairs.
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