Automatic gate openers provide convenience and security, but like any other technology, they can sometimes encounter issues. 

Understanding error codes and knowing how to resolve them can save you time and keep your gate operating smoothly. 

At Ghost Controls, we’re here to help you troubleshoot common error codes and their solutions.

Understanding Error Codes

Error codes on your Ghost Controls gate opener indicate specific issues. These codes are usually accompanied by beeping sounds or flashing lights on your control panel. Here’s a guide to the most common error codes and their solutions.

5 BEEPS - PAUSE - 5 MORE BEEPS 

The Automatic Gate Opener System 5 Beep Error Code is characterized by a sequence of 5 beeps, followed by a pause, then another 5 beeps, and so on. This error code indicates a loose connection at the 1st operator terminal, meaning the control board no longer recognizes the 1st operator control arm.

Note: Splicing the control arm power cable can cause this issue over time; therefore, we do not recommend any splices on the operator arm power cables.

Step 1:Turn off the system and remove the 1st operator arm wires from the control board.

Step 2: Inspect and reinsert the red, black, green, and white wires into the 1st operator arm terminal. Turn the system back on and test.

5 RAPID BEEPS 

These beeps occur only once when you are attempting to activate the unit via your remote control. 

Follow these steps if you have a ZombieLock connected to your system: 

Step 1:

- Make sure all your lock wires are secure.

- Turn the system off.

- Remove the red, black, and blue wires from the control board.

- Inspect and replace the wires back into the terminals.

- Turn the system on and test with your remote control.

- If the issue persists, proceed to Step 3.

Step 2:

- Check for binding at the closed position between the receiver lock pin and lock.

- If the pin is resting against the lock draw bolt, you will need to readjust your gate's closed position.

- Please refer to your installation manual (availablehere) for the automatic gate opener and the Zombie Lock Manual.

Step 3: Follow these steps if you have disconnected the ZombieLock:

Turn Off the System:

• If your system is not already off, turn the system control board OFF using the switch on the outside bottom of the system control box.

Hold Down JOG Buttons:

• Hold down BOTH the “JOG OPEN” and “JOG CLOSE” buttons for the 1st Arm.

Turn On the System:

• Turn the system control board ON while continuing to hold the JOG OPEN and JOG CLOSE buttons down for approximately 6-8 seconds.

Complete the Reset:

• Your system has now reset.

Test the System:

• Test your system operation with the Remote Transmitter to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

6 BEEPS - PAUSE - 6 MORE BEEPS REPEATING ON A DUAL GATE SYSTEM

This error indicates a loose connection at the 2nd operator terminal, meaning the control board no longer recognizes the 2nd operator control arm.

Note: Splicing the control arm power cables can cause this issue over time; therefore, we do not recommend any splices on the operator arm power cables.

Step 1:

• Turn the system off and remove the 2nd operator arm wires from the control board.

Step 2:

• Inspect and reinsert the red, black, green, and white wires into the 2nd operator arm terminal.
• Turn the system back on and test.
• If the issue is still present or the 2nd operator arm did not run, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3:

• Turn the system off and disconnect both the 2nd operator arm and the 1st operator arm from the control board.
• Only wire back up the 2nd operator arm to the 1st operator arm terminal.
• Turn the system back on and test with the remote control.
• If you are now getting a 5-beep error code, the issue is with the 2nd operator arm itself.
• If you are still getting a 6-beep error, please contact technical support.

7 BEEPS - PAUSE - 7 MORE BEEPS ON A SINGLE GATE SYSTEM

This error means that the control board is not detecting any movement from the 1st operator arm. Here’s how you can fix the situation by troubleshooting: 

Step 1:

• Turn the system off, check the 1st operator arm connections, take out the wires and remake the connections.
• Turn the system back on and test.

Step 2:

• Turn the system off, remove the 1st operator arm from the gate.
• Attempt to operate the unit with your remote control. If there was no 1st operator arm movement, replace the F1 fuse.
• If there was a little arm movement and now it is beeping again, go to Step 3.

Step 3:

1. When attempting to activate the gate with your remote, if the 1st operator arm moves only a few inches and then starts beeping again, turn the system off and then back on.
2. Check your battery voltage. It should be above 12 volts and remain above 12 volts for the system to remain operational.
3. If your battery voltage is good at this point, please contact Technical Support for further assistance.
4. If the battery voltage is below 12Vdc, please see“The unit is resetting due to low or bad batteries”.

8 BEEPS - PAUSE - 8 MORE BEEPS REPEATING ON A DUAL GATE SYSTEM

This error code, indicated by 8 beeps followed by a pause, signals that the control board is not detecting movement from the 2nd operator arm.

Step 1:

• Turn the system off, check the 2nd operator arm connections, take out the wires, and remake the connections.
• Turn the system back on and test.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2:

• Turn the system off and remove both operator arms from the gates.
• Turn the system on and attempt to operate the unit with your remote control.
• If there was no 2nd operator arm movement, replace the F2 fuse.
• If there was some movement, go to Step 3.

If replacing the fuse resolves the issue, the extension limit may be set incorrectly, or the mounting hardware may be misplaced. The operator arms must return to the fully retracted position each cycle. Refer to your installation manual for proper bracket placement:

• Pull to Open Gates: Set the closed position on the control board; the open position is determined by bracket placement.
• Push to Open Gates: Set the open position on the control board; the closed position is determined by bracket placement.

Step 3:

• If the 2nd operator arm moves a few inches and then starts beeping, turn the system off.
• Disconnect the 2nd operator arm, turn the system back on, and test with the remote control.
• If still giving an error code, see Step 5.
• If operational, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4:

• Disconnect both operator arms from the control board.
• Reconnect the 2nd operator arm to the 1st operator arm terminal.
• Turn the system back on and test with the remote control.
• If you get a 7-beep error code, the issue is with the 2nd operator arm.

Step 5:

• Check your battery voltage. It should be above 12 volts and remain above 12 volts for the system to function.
• If below 12Vdc, see“The unit is resetting due to low or bad batteries”.
• If above 12 volts under load, the issue might be in the main control board. Contact technical support.

NO BEEPS AND NO MOVEMENT 

When your Ghost Controls gate opener has no beeps and no movement, use these steps when troubleshooting the issue:

1. Check if the System is On:

• Cycle the unit off, then back on. Test with your remote control.

2. Inspect Battery Connections and Fuse:

• Battery Load Test

• Charging Circuit Testing

• Tips for Solar Installations

• Check battery connections and the 20 amp inline battery harness fuse.
• Disconnect the battery and use a multimeter to ensure it reads above 12Vdc.

3. Verify Dip Switch #3:

• Safe Force Information
• Ensure Dip switch #3 is to the left (off) unless using Ghost Controls’ Monitored photo beams (AXPE).

4. Test Remote Controls:

• Test all remotes. If none work, follow the "LEARN NEW REMOTE" procedure on the control box lid.
• If some remotes work, use this video to add others.
• Ensure remotes are genuine Ghost Controls products. Change the CR2032 battery if the Learn XMTR LED doesn’t flash.
• Disconnect and reconnect the white five-wire connector and the antenna 3-4 times. Test the system.

5. Check the On/Off Switch:

• Disconnect the on/off switch connector.
• Use a jumper to connect the two pins on the control board. If the unit turns on, the switch is faulty. Contact Ghost Controls for a replacement.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, contact Ghost Controls technical support for assistance.

Conclusion 

Troubleshooting your Ghost Controls gate opener when it exhibits no beeps and no movement can seem daunting, but following these systematic steps can help identify and resolve the issue efficiently. 

However, if these steps do not solve the problem, don't hesitate to reach out to Ghost Controls technical support for expert assistance. 

By taking a proactive approach to troubleshooting, you can maintain the reliability and security of your automatic gate system, ensuring it operates smoothly and effectively.