If your automatic gate is not opening or it won’t close properly, it’s usually caused by a power issue, a safety sensor trigger, a blocked track, or a gate that’s started dragging out of alignment. The good news is many problems can be identified with a few simple checks.
This guide walks you through the most common reasons an electric driveway gate stops working, what you can safely check first and when it’s best to bring in a professional.
If you’re planning a new system or an upgrade, you can explore options on Driveway Gates and Accessories and Options.
Quick answer
When an automatic gate is not opening or closing, start with power, remotes and safety devices. Then check for obstructions, dragging, or misalignment. If the gate moves inconsistently, stops mid-cycle, or forces against the latch, it may need adjustment or servicing to prevent damage to the motor or hardware.
The most common reasons an automatic gate won’t open or close
1. Power supply issues
This is the most common and easiest to rule out.
Check:
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Has there been a recent outage?
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Is the power point switched on?
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Is the circuit breaker or safety switch tripped?
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Are there any obvious signs the system has no power?
If power reliability is a concern for your area, it’s worth discussing options like solar or backup power through Accessories and Options.
2. Remote, keypad, or access control problems
If the gate won’t respond at all, the issue may be your access device rather than the gate itself.
Quick checks:
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Try a second remote if you have one
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Replace the remote battery
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If you use a keypad, test a known working code
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If you use smart control, confirm your phone has connection and the app is responding
For access upgrades and control options, visit Accessories and Options.
3. Safety sensors or beams are being triggered
Many automatic gate systems use safety devices to prevent the gate from closing on a person, car, or pet.
If your gate opens but won’t close, or it closes and then reopens, a safety device may be triggered.
Check for:
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Leaves, cobwebs, dirt, or water spray on sensors
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A bin, car, or object sitting in the path
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Misaligned sensors after a bump or vibration
4. Something is blocking the gate
This sounds obvious but it’s common.
Check:
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Sliding gate track for stones, gravel, sticks, or built-up dirt
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Swing gate path for plants, toys, or uneven ground contact
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Bottom edges scraping on pavers or driveway edges
If you want to see the difference between sliding and swing setups, browse Driveway Gates.
5. The gate is dragging due to sag or misalignment
A gate that’s started rubbing or scraping can overload the system. Over time, this can stop it from operating properly.
Signs of dragging:
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You hear grinding or scraping
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The gate feels harder to move than usual
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It stops mid-way or struggles at the same point each cycle
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You need to lift the gate slightly to get it to latch
If you’re also dealing with sagging, your existing blog on gate sag is a great internal companion post.
6. Auto-close settings are causing confusion
Sometimes the gate is working fine, but the behaviour looks wrong because the timer is set too short or the close logic isn’t suited to your routine.
If your gate starts closing too soon, or closes unexpectedly, it may be worth reviewing auto-close setup. If you want to add or adjust auto-close, start here: Accessories and Options.
Quick checks you can do safely
These checks are simple and low-risk.
Power and access
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Confirm power is on and breakers are not tripped
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Replace remote batteries
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Try a second access method if available (remote vs keypad vs wall control)
Obstructions and cleanliness
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Clear the sliding track if applicable
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Remove any object in the gate path
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Wipe down sensor lenses if they look dirty
Gate movement and alignment
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Watch one full open or close cycle from a safe distance
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Listen for scraping, dragging, clicking, or sudden stops
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Look for uneven gaps that suggest the gate is out of square
If the gate is forcing, jolting, or stopping mid-move, avoid repeated attempts. That can strain the motor and hardware.
When it’s time to call a professional
It’s best to get help if:
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The gate stops mid-cycle repeatedly
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The gate scrapes heavily or has obvious alignment issues
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Safety devices are not behaving reliably
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You suspect the post, hinges, or track has shifted
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The motor runs but the gate doesn’t move properly
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The gate moves inconsistently or sounds rough
If you’re considering a replacement gate that’s designed to operate smoothly long term, you can explore Premier Gates aluminium driveway gates.
Why aluminium gates can help reduce common automation issues
A lot of gate problems come back to movement and alignment. When a gate is heavy, warped, or dragging, the automation system has to work harder.
Aluminium is a popular option because it offers strength without excessive weight and suits clean, consistent gate movement. If you want matching pedestrian access as part of a complete entry, explore Access Gates.
FAQ
Why is my automatic gate not opening at all?
Start with power, then test another remote or access method. If there’s no response from any device, it may be a power or control issue.
Why does my automatic gate open but not close?
This often points to a safety sensor trigger, an obstruction, or a close setting that needs adjustment.
Why does my gate close then reopen?
This can happen when sensors are triggered or the system detects resistance from dragging or obstruction.
Can I keep using the gate if it’s scraping?
It’s better not to. Scraping increases strain and can cause bigger issues over time.
Can Premier Gates help diagnose and upgrade gate access?
Yes. You can discuss upgrades like keypads, smart control, safety options, and automation accessories via Accessories and Options.
Conclusion
When an automatic gate is not opening or closing properly, it’s usually a simple cause like power, sensors, or an obstruction. If the gate is dragging, stopping mid-cycle, or behaving inconsistently, it’s worth fixing early to protect the system and keep the entry safe and reliable.
If you’d like help diagnosing the issue or upgrading your gate setup, contact Premier Gates for a free quote