How to Repair a Door Chime
Remove the cover of the chime unit., Look for obviously broken or missing parts., Tighten electrical terminal screws., Listen carefully and then observe the moving parts while an assistant presses the doorbell button several times., Check and...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Remove the cover of the chime unit.
Many times this cover will just hang on some tabs and can be removed by lifting it straight up.
Other types may require that screws be loosened or removed. , Reinstall if possible.
Springs and plungers are basically the only moving parts for electro-mechanical chime units., Most units operate at 24 volts or less, and should not pose a shock hazard.
You can determine this by looking at the wires.
If the wires look to be closer in size to telephone wire
- or low voltage thermostat wire, it is most likely the 24 volt (or less) type.
Low voltage doorbell circuits usually originate at a small 120 volt to 24 volt (may be any value between 12 and 24 volts) transformer connected to the side of electrical panel.
The presence of a transformer is also a good indication, too.
In any case, treating the wiring as if it was line voltage (120 volts) will help prevent getting hurt., A faint buzzing sound or slight movement confirms that the chime unit is getting powered., If still unable to hear or see the indications above, just continue following the steps below., Gently push / pull the plunger(s).
It may move only in one direction, but may move in both.
If unable to move the plunger, or it moves but does not "spring back" into position, it is likely hanging up on dirt, dust, etc., Do not use any kind of lubricant.
No oil, no WD-40, no graphite powder, and no silicon spray.
These may work for a short time, but will quickly attract dust and grime and gum up the plungers., Either way will require safeguarding the area from dirt, solvents, etc.
If removing from wall, label the wires and terminals before disconnecting., Do not be surprised to see dirty contact cleaner dripping out of the mechanism.
Attempt to move the plunger again.
Continue to spray bursts while moving the plunger.
The idea is to flush out any dirt, etc that has collected around the metal plunger body.,, These values must match.
Replace either the chime or transformer so that the two have matching voltage values.
Most doorbell transformers are marked with AC voltage, but also have a 25 VA (watts) rating
-- do not confuse VA with AC volts., If chime works, replace doorbell buttons. -
Step 2: Look for obviously broken or missing parts.
-
Step 3: Tighten electrical terminal screws.
-
Step 4: Listen carefully and then observe the moving parts while an assistant presses the doorbell button several times.
-
Step 5: Check and tighten the electrical points (fuses and circuit breakers
-
Step 6: terminal screws of the doorbell button(s)
-
Step 7: and transformer) if unable to hear or see the indications above and try again.
-
Step 8: Check the plunger for freedom of movement.
-
Step 9: Clean the moving parts of the chime unit.
-
Step 10: Cleaning can be done in place or removed from the wall.
-
Step 11: Spray a short blast of electrical contact cleaner at the moving parts.
-
Step 12: Once the plunger is able to move freely
-
Step 13: the chime unit is ready to be reconnected and tested by pressing the doorbell button.
-
Step 14: Compare the voltage rating of the chime (likely 12 to 24 volts) with the rated voltage output stamped on the transformer.
-
Step 15: Remove wires from doorbell buttons and touch wires together.
Detailed Guide
Many times this cover will just hang on some tabs and can be removed by lifting it straight up.
Other types may require that screws be loosened or removed. , Reinstall if possible.
Springs and plungers are basically the only moving parts for electro-mechanical chime units., Most units operate at 24 volts or less, and should not pose a shock hazard.
You can determine this by looking at the wires.
If the wires look to be closer in size to telephone wire
- or low voltage thermostat wire, it is most likely the 24 volt (or less) type.
Low voltage doorbell circuits usually originate at a small 120 volt to 24 volt (may be any value between 12 and 24 volts) transformer connected to the side of electrical panel.
The presence of a transformer is also a good indication, too.
In any case, treating the wiring as if it was line voltage (120 volts) will help prevent getting hurt., A faint buzzing sound or slight movement confirms that the chime unit is getting powered., If still unable to hear or see the indications above, just continue following the steps below., Gently push / pull the plunger(s).
It may move only in one direction, but may move in both.
If unable to move the plunger, or it moves but does not "spring back" into position, it is likely hanging up on dirt, dust, etc., Do not use any kind of lubricant.
No oil, no WD-40, no graphite powder, and no silicon spray.
These may work for a short time, but will quickly attract dust and grime and gum up the plungers., Either way will require safeguarding the area from dirt, solvents, etc.
If removing from wall, label the wires and terminals before disconnecting., Do not be surprised to see dirty contact cleaner dripping out of the mechanism.
Attempt to move the plunger again.
Continue to spray bursts while moving the plunger.
The idea is to flush out any dirt, etc that has collected around the metal plunger body.,, These values must match.
Replace either the chime or transformer so that the two have matching voltage values.
Most doorbell transformers are marked with AC voltage, but also have a 25 VA (watts) rating
-- do not confuse VA with AC volts., If chime works, replace doorbell buttons.
About the Author
Stephanie Stokes
A passionate writer with expertise in pet care topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: