The problem
A Dallas homeowner called early in the morning because the heavy sliding driveway gate had come completely off its track, leaving them unable to get out.
We arrived approximately 20 minutes after the call.
How we diagnosed it
- The LiftMaster CSL24UL operator itself was operational.
- Rocks and debris had accumulated around the gate track and interfered with the wheels, which is what brought the heavy gate off.
- Inspection also found significant corrosion at one of the 12V backup batteries and its connection.
What we did
- Put the heavy sliding gate safely back onto the track.
- Cleared and checked the wheel and track area.
- Replaced the corroded 12V backup battery.
- Adjusted the gate limits once the gate was back on the track.
- Tested the gate through its travel to confirm proper operation.
- Explained why the track has to stay clear of rocks and debris, and what to check if it happens again.
The outcome
The system was restored without replacing the operator and the customer could use the driveway again.
What you should take from this
A gate that comes off its track is almost never a failure of the operator. It is something in the track, and the reason it is worth being told that at the time is so the next one is prevented rather than repaired.
