Why Your Keypad Stops Working in Winter (It’s Not Broken!)

Table of Contents

1. The Quick Answer: Why Your Keypad is Flashing
2. The Science: Why Cold Weather Drains Batteries
3. Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Keypad Battery
4. The “Holiday Hub”: Why You Need Your Keypad Working Now
5. Happy Holidays from AAA Garage Door

The Quick Answer: Why Your Keypad is Flashing

If your garage door keypad works intermittently or flashes rapidly during winter, the battery is likely failing. Cold weather drains standard alkaline batteries significantly faster than warm weather.

• The Diagnosis: If you have to type your code three times to get the door to open, or if the light on the keypad is dim/flicking red, it’s a power issue, not a broken opener.
• Quick Fix: Replace the 9-volt battery immediately.
• Pro Tip: Use Lithium batteries instead of Alkaline; they are designed to withstand freezing Salt Lake temperatures without losing power.

The Science: Why Cold Weather Drains Batteries

It’s a common frustration in Utah: your keypad worked perfectly in October, but the first time the inversion sets in and temperatures drop below freezing, it stops responding.

Batteries rely on a chemical reaction to generate electricity. Cold temperatures slow down this chemical reaction, increasing the internal resistance of the battery. This causes a significant voltage drop.

A standard alkaline battery might still have “juice” left, but in 20-degree weather, it can’t push that energy out fast enough to send the signal through your garage door (which acts as a shield). By switching to a Lithium battery, you are using a chemistry that is much more stable in extreme cold.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Your Keypad Battery

You don’t need to call a technician for this simple fix!

1. Locate the Cover: Most keypads have a battery compartment located at the very bottom.
2. Slide or Pop: Depending on your model (LiftMaster, Genie, etc.), the cover either slides down or pops off.
3. Swap the Battery: Remove the old 9-volt battery.
4. Check Connections: Before putting the new one in, check the metal connector clips. If they look corroded (white or green dust), wipe them off with a dry cloth.
5. Test It: Enter your code. If the door opens, you’re good to go! Note: You usually do not need to reprogram the code after changing the battery.

The “Holiday Hub”: Why You Need Your Keypad Working Now

During the rest of the year, you might just use the remote in your car. But during the holidays, your home becomes a high-traffic zone, and the keypad is your best friend.

With kids coming and going during winter break, relatives visiting from out of town, and neighbors dropping off gifts, the keypad allows for easy, keyless entry. It lets your in-laws get in without you having to run to the door every time, and it ensures your kids can get inside safely after playing in the snow without carrying a house key that could get lost.

A working keypad keeps your home accessible to the people you love while keeping it locked and secure from everyone else.

Happy Holidays from AAA Garage Door

From our family to yours, we want to wish you a safe and warm holiday season.

AAA Garage Door is locally owned, so we understand how important it is to keep your home running smoothly during the Salt Lake winter. Whether you’re in Sandy, Draper, or right downtown, we appreciate you trusting us with your home.

If a fresh battery doesn’t fix the issue, or if you need help with a bigger repair, we are here for you.

Call AAA Garage Door Inc.: (801) 550-0099