6 Common Ghost Controls Gate Opener Problems

ghost controls gate opener problems
ghost controls gate opener problems

The lifetime warranty with the Ghost Controls Gate Opener helps owners enjoy a secure purchase over an extended time. As long as you follow the servicing requirements, it will last for decades.

However, on the off chance you do run into some problems, the professional from customer support will help you eliminate the issue immediately.

So, you don’t have to concern yourself with purchasing replacement components for your gate opener.

Just focus more on engaging with a reliable dealer that brings decent policies to the customers.

Engaging in business with a shady supplier is never a good idea. Hopefully, that way, you won’t have to worry about purchase security.

The majority of issues that are pointed out by the customers can be fixed rather easily by following a few quick fixes.

So, if you are purchasing a Ghost Control gate opener for your home, going through this list of potential problems and solutions will prove useful.

Ghost Controls Gate Opener Problems:

  1. No Movement from One Arm

If you’re not getting movement from one arm and the gate doesn’t move at all after the input, then there is a good possibility that you’re dealing with voltage problems.

Any voltage-measuring device can be used to narrow down this issue. So, grab a multimeter and check the output from the battery.

multimeter device

If the power output is below 12 volts, then replacing the battery is the only viable option. However, if you’re sure that the battery is not the issue, then check the integrity of the control board and the fuse.

  1. Gate Opens by Itself

Customers also complain about running into issues with the gate opening itself, even when there is no vehicle near the entrance.

This issue is mostly linked to defective vehicle sensors installed with your gate opener. So, you will have to recalibrate the vehicle sensor to avoid these false inputs to the gate opener.

For the recalibration process, you will have to reconnect the red wire with the locking terminal and leave the sensor alone for around 15 minutes.

check wire

That should fix the issue with the gate opening up at random, even when no one is at the entrance.

  1. Battery Issues

The battery issues might not sound that serious, but these problems are surely annoying.

You won’t be able to get any response from the unit when the batteries are in poor shape. Sadly, the reviews on the battery featured in the Ghost control gate opener are not that great.

So, there is a good chance that you will also struggle with the same errors. The only fix in this situation is to get a fresh replacement.

You can’t really work with a drained piece and getting a new one might be the only fix here. From there, you can test out the response from the battery one more time.

Ideally, a replacement will fix the majority of power errors in the machine. However, you need to focus on getting a compatible replacement.

battery replace

Spending money on an off-brand option will lead you back to the same errors. So, do yourself a favor and keep sticking with reliable options.

The dealer will help point you in the right direction if you can’t seem to find the right fit for the device. That way, you won’t have to worry about wasting money on a bad unit.

  1. Calibration Problems

The situation with the arm overshooting or undershooting the desired open and close limit will create a ton of problems.

This issue is not that uncommon when you’re setting up the unit for the first time. So, if you’re in the same boat, make sure to go through the calibration routine one more time.

You ended up making sure that the door was in the open orientation and then using the Job buttons to fix the adjustment.

Once the unit is in the right spot, you can hold down on the SET button, and that will be it when you’re setting up the open spot.

From there, you just have to wait for the alarm to sound, and that will mark the completion of the calibration routine.

You need to follow the same routine for the closed spot and then click the 1st and the 2nd SET button once the location is perfect.

  1. Auto Close Features Not Working

The auto close feature is one of the most significant parts of this system, but some owners have complained about this feature not working.

Luckily, these errors are mostly related to the configurations and not the hardware side of things. So, you’ll be able to fix it quickly.

All you have to do is to set the auto-close timer and then wait for the alarm to sound.

It will mostly be enough to set the routine, and you can proceed with the setup. Some owners have also had to disable and then re-enable this feature to get ahead of minor errors.

Just be patient with the unit, and try out all of the configurations to find what works best for you. Hopefully, it won’t be that hard to fix the situation with the auto-close features.

  1. Accessories Issues

Interference from other wireless devices and thick walls can create problems with the accessories not working.

So, if you ever run into the same errors, make sure to limit the number of wireless devices near the garage door opener.

wireless devices

There is no point in having a cluster of useless wireless devices near the receiver. It will only complicate the situation, and you’ll notice a drop in the consistency of the unit.

So, go through the fix accordingly when you can’t seem to fix the errors.

  1. Keypad Issues

It is not that rare for users to run into keypad-related issues from time to time.

Depending upon the condition of your keypad, there is a chance that you’re dealing with drained batteries in your unit. So, make sure to check the battery inside the keypad before you rely on any reset procedures to fix the unit.

If the issue doesn’t get fixed after replacing the batteries in your keypad, all you need to do is reset the unit to factory settings.

keypad

It will fix all the minor bugs in the keypad, and as long as the control board is functioning, you won’t have to worry about this issue again.

  1. Transmitter Problems

Several reports have also been recorded on no performance from the unit after the transmitter is used by the owners. There won’t be any movement in the gate, and you won’t get any response from the gate.

According to experts, this issue with the Ghost Controls Gate opener transmitter is because of the improper positioning of the drip switch. So, you will need to fix the orientation of this switch and try to operate the gate opener again.

  1. Wiring Conditions

Broken wires and corroded connections are pretty common for users living in regions with increased humidity.

So, if you are also living in similar environmental conditions and the unit often malfunctions, then there is a possibility of wiring issues.

The only thing you can do about this issue is follow the servicing requirements of the gate opener.

Ignoring these requirements for too long will create more wiring problems, and you can use any cleaner from the market to keep the wiring in perfect condition.

  1. Defective Control Board

While this issue is not as rare as some of the other options mentioned here, you will find some owners complaining about this issue on the community forums.

Unfortunately, you can’t do much about this issue, and the only solution is to call the dealer for a replacement unit.

Claim warranty

The warranty policy will cover this issue with your gate opener, and involving your dealer is the best move.

So, instead of messing up the wiring connected to the control board, just ask the dealer to help you with this issue. That way, you will save a lot of time and effort.

Wrapping Up

These were some of the more common problems that you need to keep in mind when purchasing the Ghost Controls garage door opener.

Hopefully, you will be able to get through the majority of these issues by following the quick fixes mentioned above.

However, if you’re unlucky and find the unit to be defective, then the only solution is to get a replacement. You can’t expect any performance consistency from a damaged unit, and getting a new one is the only logical move.

The upside here is that the warranty should cover all damages, and you can show proof of purchase to get a new unit. Once the warranty claim is verified, you will be able to get the new unit within two to three business days.

To get more details on the claiming procedure, make sure to reach out to the dealer. There is no point in waiting on your own, and the customer care team will guide you better. So, be sure to get in touch with these experts.

17 thoughts on “6 Common Ghost Controls Gate Opener Problems”

  1. How many are still in use @5 years? I hate batteries, already hardwired 110v, gonna cost $2400 to avoid a battery for a Viking R6 unit

    Reply
  2. This is the third arm I have purchased, and I installed this one myself. Installed fairly easy and works well – except once the clickers and key pads are programmed they work great for about 2-3 hours. We’ve programmed one opener over and over again, it will work for as many opens and closes that you want for a few hours then it just forgets programming. This has happened with all of the openers and with the keypad so it has to be the control board. I have never had a unit forget it’s programming before. Has anyone seen this problem?

    Reply
  3. GHOST OPERATORS LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO THE MIGHTY MULE WHICH MAJORITY YOU SEE ARE UNHOOKED BECAUSE THEY ARE CHEAP UNRELABLE OPERATORS. ID RATHER PAY OVER DOUBLE TO GET A RELIBLE OPERATOR THEN TO GET AN OPERATOR SIMILAR TO THE MIGHTY MULE. THEY LOOK ALIKE WHATS THE DFFERENCE. IF THEY ARE CHEAP THEY USUALLY ARE SO GHOSTS ARE LIKE MIGHTY MULES ID NOT WASTE MY MONEY ON ONE. THE ACTUATER LOOK CHEAPER THEN APOLLO SO ARE THEY

    Reply
  4. I reprogramed my ghost controls using jog in jog out and now my lock doesn’t work. Do you have any suggestions on how to reprogram it?

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    • I’m late to the party, but this opener doesn’t like changes unless you cycle it ALL the way open after you fuss with it. Somehow, it resets after that. in my experience…

      Reply
  5. I have two gates one is opening slower than the other I’m trying to get them to open in uniform how do I fix that thanks

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    • That happened to me. The book suggested that you check the gate for level, and the opener for level as well. I adjusted my gate, and the problem stopped for a time, then started again. I’ve adjusted the location of the opener hinge. I hope this fix works. Good luck.

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      • Mine does too…..this is ridiculous as I have tried to adjust several different times and ways. Works for a while, then does it again. I am looking for a new brand as this is ridiculous.

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    • If it’s any help to anyone, when my gate closed and then reopened 2-3 feet, I found that it was set too ‘tight’ to the strike set on the post. Interestingly, two problems: first is that the heads of the bolts which attach the strike to the post are pretty thick and the tolerance for jogging the gate into correct position is pretty thin. Gotta fuss with this a bit and dialing it in can be frustrating but possible. Second problem is that the strike (the part that the Zombie lock attaches to), has fixed holes. The single gate I have is mounted to an 8″ steel post but the strike side is mounted to a 6 X 6″ wooden post, which moves a bit when it is cold, wet, dry or hot. I have turned the mounting holes in the strike to ‘elliptical’ and when the weather changes, I loosen the bolts and slide the strike up or down as necessary and retighten the bolts. Note to Ghost: make the strike an inch longer (top to bottom), cut the bolt holes elliptical (not round), create a deeper strike (in and out) and use shallower headed bolts (so the heads don’t interfere with the latching function). All of this will allow the average homeowner to have the ability to adjust the Zombie lock as conditions change….

      Reply
      • You nailed it! I am looking for a piece of red iron C channel to make my own lock catch. The Zombie lock attaching bolts are a joke and go into the lock 1/4 inch so as not to interfere with the locking mechanism. One day my lock was hanging by one bolt. I replaced them with U bolts, I believe they were 2 inches.

        Reply
    • I have the same problem. I pull the fuse to the battery for about a minute then power it up again, all is well for now. BUT, it happens kinda regular.
      Gate opens and closes great zombie works great. Key pads operate good, remotes work well. Just the ghost 2’ opening drives me crazy.

      Reply

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