If you’re like most people, you use your car’s garage door opener all the time. But what happens when you lose your remote, or it runs out of batteries? Here’s how to deactivate garage door opener in car to get in and out without issue.

Summary: To deactivate your garage door opener in your car, you will first need to locate the “learn” or “smart” button on your garage door opener motor. Press and hold the button until the light next to it turns off. Next, hold down the button on your car’s remote that opens and closes the garage door until the car’s overhead light flashes rapidly.
What Is a Garage Door Opener?
A garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes garage doors. Most garage door openers have a remote control that allows you to open and close the door outside the garage. A switch usually operates garage door openers on the wall inside the garage. Some garage door openers also have a keypad outside the garage that you can use to open the door.
Garage door openers are convenient because they allow you to get in and out of your garage without opening and closing the door manually. However, if you lose your garage door opener remote or it runs out of batteries, you may not be able to get into your garage. In this case, you’ll need to deactivate the garage door opener so that you can operate the door manually.
Why Should You Deactivate Garage Door Opener in Car?
Many people are unaware of the importance of deactivating their garage door opener when they leave their car. A garage door opener is a device that allows you to open and close your garage door from inside your car. While this can be very convenient, it also poses a security risk.
If someone were to break into your car and find your garage door opener, they would have access to your home. In addition, if your car was stolen, the thief would also have access to your garage. For these reasons, it is important to deactivate your garage door opener whenever you leave your car.

Fortunately, most garage door openers can be easily deactivated by pressing a button on the remote control. By taking this simple precaution, you can help to keep your home safe and secure.
How to Deactivate Garage Door Opener in Car Step by Step Guide
Deactivating the garage door opener in your car is necessary in certain situations, such as when you sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle, or if you want to disable the remote control functionality temporarily. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to deactivate a garage door opener in a car.
Step 1: Park Your Car Safely
Start by parking your car in a safe location, preferably outside of the garage. Make sure the vehicle is turned off and the engine is not running. Engage the parking brake to ensure the car remains stationary throughout the process.
Step 2: Locate the Garage Door Opener Button
Locate the garage door opener button inside your car. It is usually located on the overhead console, visor, or center console, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the button’s location.
Step 3: Identify the Programming Button
On the garage door opener unit itself, locate the programming button. This button is typically found on the back or side of the unit and is used to program or reprogram the opener with a remote control or keypad.
Step 4: Clear Existing Programming
To deactivate the garage door opener in your car, you need to clear the existing programming. Follow these steps:
- Press and hold the programming button on the opener unit until the indicator light or LED turns on. This puts the opener into programming mode.
- Within 30 seconds, press and hold the garage door opener button in your car.
- Continue holding the car’s opener button until the opener unit’s indicator light or LED blinks or flashes rapidly.
- Release both buttons.
Step 5: Test the Deactivation
To ensure the garage door opener in your car is deactivated, perform a test by pressing the opener button in your car. If the opener was successfully deactivated, the garage door should not respond to the signal from your car.
Step 6: Remove or Disable the Opener Remote
If you want to completely disable the garage door opener functionality in your car, you may need to remove or disable the remote control device itself. This step may vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model, so consult the owner’s manual or follow these general guidelines:
- Remove the battery from the remote control device if it is removable. This will render the remote control inoperable.
- If the remote control is built into the vehicle’s key fob, consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions on disabling or removing the garage door opener functionality.
Step 7: Store the Opener Remote Securely
If you have removed the remote control device from your car, store it securely in a safe place. It’s important to keep it in a location where it won’t be lost, damaged, or accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Step 8: Resetting the Opener (Optional)
If you plan to reactivate the garage door opener in your car in the future, you may need to reset the opener. The process for resetting the opener can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. Refer to the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for detailed instructions on resetting the opener.
Step 9: Seek Professional Assistance if Needed
If you encounter difficulties during the deactivation process or are unsure about performing the steps yourself, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance. Contact your car’s dealership or a qualified automotive technician who can guide you through the process or perform the deactivation for you.
Deactivating a garage door opener in a car involves clearing the existing programming and, if desired, removing or disabling the remote control device. By following these steps, you can effectively deactivate the garage door opener functionality in your car. Remember to store the remote control securely and seek professional help if needed. It’s important to note that the process of deactivating a garage door opener in a car may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the specific garage door opener system. Always consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for precise instructions related to your particular setup.
Additionally, it’s crucial to exercise caution and ensure that you are deactivating the garage door opener for legitimate reasons and within the boundaries of applicable laws and regulations. Unauthorized deactivation or misuse of the garage door opener can lead to security vulnerabilities or potential legal issues.
Step 10: Reactivating the Garage Door Opener (If Needed)
If you wish to reactivate the garage door opener in your car at a later time, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This typically involves reprogramming the opener with the remote control or key fob. Consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific guidelines on how to reactivate the garage door opener.
Step 11: Update the Garage Door Opener System (If Applicable)
If you have permanently deactivated the garage door opener in your car due to a change in ownership or any other reason, it’s important to update the garage door opener system itself. This can be done by reprogramming the opener unit with new remotes or keypad codes. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the garage door opener is properly reconfigured.
Step 12: Maintain Proper Security Measures
Even after deactivating the garage door opener in your car, it’s crucial to maintain proper security measures to protect your garage and belongings. Consider implementing the following security practices:
- Ensure that the garage door itself is secure, with functioning locks and proper maintenance.
- Install additional security measures such as a keypad entry system or smart lock for access control.
- Regularly inspect the garage door opener system for any signs of tampering or damage.
- Keep the remote control or key fob for the garage door opener in a secure location to prevent unauthorized access.
By following these steps, you can effectively deactivate the garage door opener in your car. Whether it’s for a temporary disabling or a permanent deactivation, always prioritize safety and security. If you encounter any challenges or are unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from a qualified automotive technician or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
How Do I Unlink My Car Garage Door Opener?
Most car garage door openers come with a built-in feature that allows you to link it to your car. This can be extremely convenient, as it allows you to open your garage door without getting out of your car. However, there may come a time when you need to unlink your garage door opener from your car.
For example, you may want to give the opener to someone else, or you may no longer have the car it was originally linked to. Luckily, unlinking a garage door opener from a car is usually simple. In most cases, all you need to do is press and hold the button on the opener for a few seconds.
This will disengage the link between the two devices. If you are unsure how to unlink your particular garage door opener model, consult the instructions manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Frequently Asked Question
What Happens if I Pull the Red Cord on My Garage Door?
If you pull the red cord on your garage door, it will deactivate the opener, and the door will no longer open automatically. Instead, you will need to open and close the door manually.
How Do I Reset My Liftmaster Garage Door Opener?
To reset your Liftmaster garage door opener, you will need to press and hold the “learn” button on the opener for about 5 seconds. Once the button has been pressed, release it and press the “close” button.

Can You Disable Garage Door Sensors?
There are a few ways to disable garage door sensors. One way is to cover the sensor with tape or foil. Another way is to unplug the sensor or remove the battery. You can also try repositioning the sensor so that it’s not in direct line of sight of the door.
Do Garage Door Openers Work Without Electricity?
Assuming you are talking about a standard garage door opener that uses an electrical motor to open and close the door, then no, it will not work without electricity.
Conclusion
When you know how to deactivate garage door opener in car, you will be able to save yourself from a potential headache down the road. While it is easy to do, everyone who operates your vehicle must know how to do this simple task in case of an emergency. Have you ever had to use this feature? Let us know in the comments below!