What can cause the Locking Door to get stuck in its rails?
If your door becomes stuck and throws an error, or it struggles to move up and down without physical assistance, this could be due to one or more of the following:
The runners are too tight;
they may have been installed too tight, not allowing enough room for the door to move freely
if your coop is made of wood, changing weather conditions can cause it to warp slightly, which can alter the position of the runners
Dirt or debris in the runners
Freezing temperatures causing condensation to freeze between the door and rails- Door runner clearance issues in open position
Environmental impact from moisture (e.g., rain) causing wooden coops to warp, affecting door alignment
Cord issues such as tangling or misalignment leading to operation problems
How can you resolve the problem?
Click on one of the drop-down options below to learn what you can do to resolve the problem, or prevent the problem from occurring again.
The runners are too tight To fix the problem of the runners being too tight, please remove one or both of the runners, and reinstall them, making sure the door has plenty of room to slide up and down freely between the rails. There should be no friction or resistance at all, as the door opener relies on gravity to close the door.Additionally, ensure the runners have sufficient clearance in the fully open position to avoid jamming at the top. For a more thorough adjustment, inspect any pads or spacers used during the installation process. If needed, remove or reposition the spacers to maintain a consistent clearance of a few millimeters on each side of the door. Test the door multiple times to ensure it slides smoothly and freely by gravity without any obstruction.
Dirt or Debris in the runners Make sure to regularly clear the runners of any debris caused by birds coming in and out of the coop. ChickenGuard products are designed to make your life easier, but like most mechanical products, they still need regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure they can keep working without error.Consider adjusting the spacing of one of the door guides if the alignment seems to cause sticking, and recalibrate the door to ensure proper functioning. Additionally, inspect the alignment of the door rails and spacers, ensuring there is no binding and that the door has adequate clearance on both sides. Proper alignment can minimize wear and improve functionality.
Condensation freezing between the door and rails Freezing condensation can impede the door’s operation, but can often be mitigated through proper maintenance and resetting procedures.
However, it is impossible to stop frost forming on the exterior of the material during very cold nights. Customers have reported that rubbing some vaseline (petroleum jelly) along the inside of the runners prevents ice from developing overnight. If the calibration or adjustments mentioned earlier do not resolve the issue, capture a video of the door calibration process showing both the door and the ChickenGuard unit. Share the video with ChickenGuard Support to assist with diagnostics. For cases where freezing persists, consider performing a full calibration of the ChickenGuard door mechanism, ensuring the controller relearns precise open and closed positions. Also, ensure the cord is properly rewound by accessing the Motion Control settings on the ChickenGuard unit.
Still need some assistance?You can also undertake preventive measures to avoid future issues. Regularly verify the alignment of the door rails and clear any debris, and inspect the cord for signs of wear or tangling. Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life and reliability of your ChickenGuard door.