Mighty Mule Gate Opener - Trouble shooting

[Dusty Britches]

I have a Mighty Mule gate opener and I guess it is about 5 years, maybe 6 years old. We replaced the battery about a year ago - Interstate - but when it is cold outside the gate opens part way and stops. Sometimes part way is a foot sometimes it is half way. When we use our keyless remote it will open some more, some times the rest of the way. We tested the battery yesterday and it is in perfect working order.

Any clues on where I need to focus my efforts?

[bearkat2004]

have you tested the battery on cold days? not sure on how to fix the issue, but i do know batteries hate cold.

[redfishted]

Have you adjusted the sensor that stops it when it hits something, mine does this in cold weather or strong wind sometimes, adjust the sensor to the highest setting and grease the hinges with thinner grease or oil and give it a try.

[db@100]

You say, if I understand correctly, when it stops, you can press the remote and the gate will start to move again. Will it open totally and then can you make it close with the remote? Does it close without stopping? If so, then may not be the battery. It may be in the limit switch that detects the gate hitting something. Could be some oil or grease is thicker when cold. Just a thought.

[Txjourneyman]

Have you adjusted the sensor that stops it when it hits something, mine does this in cold weather or strong wind sometimes, adjust the sensor to the highest setting and grease the hinges with thinner grease or oil and give it a try.

This. It was happening to mine. Also, silicone spray on the inner part of the arm to clean and lubricate.

[Texas Tracker]

You need to check AMPS and not voltage. Also on wet cold days you might have frozen water in the armiger or it maybe your stop sencer needs adjusting. Look online and you will find on the main board were the potentiometer is.

[Texas Tracker]

Last pot on the bottom left (obstruct sens.)

[Dusty Britches]

You say, if I understand correctly, when it stops, you can press the remote and the gate will start to move again. Will it open totally and then can you make it close with the remote? Does it close without stopping? If so, then may not be the battery. It may be in the limit switch that detects the gate hitting something. Could be some oil or grease is thicker when cold. Just a thought.

Thanks for the responses.

Yes, it closes just fine as long as it opens all of the way to the limiter. Sometimes I have to press the remote 5 or 6 times to get it to open all of the way. The store said the battery is perfect.

When I say colder I'm talking like less than 50 degrees. Nothing freezing.

[Dusty Britches]

Last pot on the bottom left (obstruct sens.)

Ok, I'll check that, too. I hope to get home before dark tonight so I can easily look at it... if not, it will be headlamps... The wind has never been a factor.

[Loneaggie]

They have a great set of troubleshooting documents on their website. I have to consult them almost weekly to keep mine working. Go to The website for GTO (Gates That Open)

[perfectstorm]

No help, just dropping by to say after a year of fixing ours everyweek we just stopped having the electric gate and opened it by hand. Same thing with my moms MM too. They are pieces of crap.

[Txjourneyman]

No help, just dropping by to say after a year of fixing ours everyweek we just stopped having the electric gate and opened it by hand. Same thing with my moms MM too. They are pieces of crap.

Mine has been going for 5 years with very few issues. I had to adjust the sensor once and I lube the arm every couple of months. Still on the original battery. Mine is charged with 120v as opposed to the solar charger. I have installed Atlas and Chamberlain openers commercially and while they are better openers they cost A LOT more. Maybe I just got lucky with my MM but I'm pretty happy with it for less than $300.

[Dusty Britches]

perfect storm - mine isn't a convenience - it is a necessity. my husband can't walk.

[perfectstorm]

perfect storm - mine isn't a convenience - it is a necessity. my husband can't walk.

I understand that. Just was saying we had constant trouble with ours & based on internet searches, we were not alone. Maybe our gate was too heavy but my mom had a very light gate. I'm sure there are other models, perhaps better ones made by mighty mule. If we ever get an auto gate again, it won't be MM brand. Good luck with figuring yours out. No better place that the green screen.

[Dusty Britches]

Mine has been going for 5 years with very few issues. I had to adjust the sensor once and I lube the arm every couple of months. Still on the original battery. Mine is charged with 120v as opposed to the solar charger. I have installed Atlas and Chamberlain openers commercially and while they are better openers they cost A LOT more. Maybe I just got lucky with my MM but I'm pretty happy with it for less than $300.

I feel the same way. It has been working great, with a few minor issues for all of this time. I was wondering how long they last.