Automatic sliding doors are an essential feature in malls, hospitals, hotels, and corporate offices across Dubai and the UAE. They add convenience, accessibility, and style — but when they malfunction, they can cause major inconvenience and even safety concerns.
The good news? Many common automatic door issues can be fixed quickly with the right steps, tools, and professional support.

In this detailed guide, inspired by the Canadoor Systems article and expertise from AutomaticDoorsUAE.com, we’ll walk you through the causes, quick fixes, and professional repair options for automatic sliding doors.

Why Automatic Sliding Doors Stop Working

Automatic doors are powered by an advanced system of motors, sensors, and control panels, and even a minor fault can interrupt their smooth operation. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. Sensor Malfunction
     If your door doesn’t detect movement or opens randomly, the sensors may be dirty, misaligned, or damaged. In Dubai’s dusty climate, this is one of the most common reasons doors stop working properly.
  2. Mechanical Wear and Tear
     Over time, the rollers, tracks, and hinges accumulate debris or become worn out, causing friction and jerky movement.
  3. Electrical Faults
     Power surges, wiring issues, or motor burnout can interrupt the power supply, stopping the door mid-operation.
  4. Software or Control Unit Issues
     Modern doors rely on control logic. If programming becomes corrupted or miscalibrated, the door may malfunction or respond unpredictably.
  5. Loose Components
     Continuous operation and vibration can loosen screws, mounts, or tracks, making the door unstable.

Knowing the root cause helps you choose between a DIY check or professional repair service like AutomaticDoorsUAE, which specializes in automatic sliding door repair in Dubai.

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Before starting, gather basic repair tools:

  • Screwdriver and Allen key set
  • Multimeter or voltage tester
  • Cleaning cloths and brushes
  • Silicone-based lubricant
  • Replacement rollers or screws (if needed)
  • Safety gloves and goggles

Having these on hand makes inspection and minor maintenance much easier.

Safety Precautions

Automatic doors are powered by electricity and motorized parts — so safety is non-negotiable:

  • Turn off the power before touching any internal components.
  • Use proper lighting and protective gear.
  • Never force the door to move manually — it can damage the motor.
  • If unsure, call a certified technician from AutomaticDoorsUAE for inspection.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix Your Automatic Sliding Door Quickly

1. Inspect and Clean the Tracks

Dirt and sand are the biggest enemies of smooth sliding doors, especially in UAE’s sandy environment. Clean the track with a brush or vacuum to remove debris and check for dents or bends. A warped track can prevent the door from gliding smoothly.

2. Check the Rollers and Bearings

If your door is jerky or makes grinding noises, inspect the rollers. Replace any that appear cracked, uneven, or stiff. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to ensure friction-free motion.

3. Examine the Sensors

Dirty or misaligned sensors are responsible for most door-opening failures. Clean both motion and safety sensors gently with a soft cloth.
If cleaning doesn’t help, ensure they’re correctly aligned — both sensors must “see” each other clearly.
If your door still doesn’t respond, call AutomaticDoorsUAE, which offers sensor recalibration and replacement services across Dubai.

4. Test the Power Supply

Use a voltage tester or multimeter to ensure the door motor is receiving power. Check the circuit breaker, fuses, and wiring for continuity.
If power is reaching the motor but it still doesn’t move, the control unit may be faulty and will need professional servicing.

5. Calibrate the Control System

Modern doors have programmable settings for motion speed, closing time, and sensitivity. If these parameters are off, the door may open too slowly or not close properly.
A technician from AutomaticDoorsUAE can reprogram the control panel to factory settings or adjust the software parameters to match your traffic requirements.

6. Test Door Function and Safety Features

After cleaning and adjusting everything, power on the system and test operation. Make sure:

  • The door opens smoothly when someone approaches.
  • The auto-close function works correctly.
  • The safety sensor stops the door if an object or person is detected.

If all these tests pass, your door should be fully operational again.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Prevention is always better than repair — especially for high-traffic locations in Dubai’s commercial environments. Here are some expert tips from AutomaticDoorsUAE to keep your automatic sliding doors in perfect working condition:

  1. Regular Cleaning:
     Dust and sand accumulate quickly. Clean sensors, tracks, and panels weekly to prevent buildup.
  2. Monthly Lubrication:
     Use silicone-based lubricants (never oil-based) to keep rollers and hinges smooth.
  3. Sensor Inspection:
     Test your sensors regularly. Even a slight misalignment can lead to malfunction.
  4. Tighten Loose Screws:
     Vibrations from frequent use can loosen mounts and fasteners. Inspect monthly.
  5. Professional Servicing:
     Schedule routine servicing every 6–12 months with AutomaticDoorsUAE. Their technicians provide preventive maintenance to detect wear before it causes breakdowns.
  6. Replace Worn Parts Promptly:
     Ignoring minor wear can cause motor strain and expensive future repairs.

When to Call AutomaticDoorsUAE for Professional Help

While small cleaning or alignment tasks can be handled on your own, certain repairs should only be performed by professionals. Contact AutomaticDoorsUAE if:

  • The door fails to open or close even after cleaning and resetting
  • You notice electrical sparks, smoke, or burning smell
  • The control panel or sensor lights flash error codes
  • The motor produces grinding or buzzing sounds
  • The door opens and closes unexpectedly (sensor fault)

Their certified technicians in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are trained to diagnose, repair, and maintain all types of automatic sliding doors, swing doors, telescopic doors, and glass systems.

They use advanced diagnostic tools and genuine spare parts to ensure long-lasting performance and safety compliance with UAE standards.

Example Case: Repairing an Office Door in Dubai Marina

A commercial office in Dubai Marina reported that its sliding door was opening halfway and stopping. Upon inspection by AutomaticDoorsUAE technicians:

  • The track was clogged with fine dust.
  • One roller had a broken bearing.
  • The safety sensor was misaligned by 5 degrees.

After cleaning the track, replacing the roller, realigning the sensor, and recalibrating the motor controller, the door worked like new — all within two hours.
This is a perfect example of how timely professional repair prevents prolonged downtime and business disruption.

Final Thoughts

Automatic sliding doors are an integral part of modern architecture — sleek, efficient, and hygienic. But like any mechanical system, they need proper care and timely maintenance to stay reliable.

By following simple steps such as cleaning tracks, inspecting rollers, and maintaining sensors, you can handle basic upkeep yourself. For complex electrical or programming issues, always trust experts.

If you’re in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, AutomaticDoorsUAE.com is your go-to partner for automatic sliding door repair, maintenance, and installation.

Their expertise, 24/7 support, and commitment to quality make them one of the leading names in UAE’s automation industry — keeping your doors moving smoothly, safely, and efficiently.