A garage door that refuses to close is usually one of a handful of problems. A few are easy to check yourself. Others involve springs and cables under heavy tension and need a professional. Here is how to tell the difference.
1. Check the safety sensors (photo eyes)
Near the bottom of the door tracks, one on each side, are two small sensors. If something blocks the beam, or they are knocked out of alignment, the door will start closing and then reverse, or refuse to close. Wipe both lenses, move anything out of the way, and look for a steady light on each sensor. If one is blinking or dark, gently nudge it back into alignment.
2. Try the wall button and a new remote battery
If the wall button closes the door but the remote does not, the remote battery is the likely cause. If neither works, check that the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power. Also check whether the wall control has a lock mode turned on, which blocks the remotes.
3. Look for a disconnected door
Many openers have a red emergency release cord. If it has been pulled, the opener motor runs but the door does not move. Closing the door by hand and re-engaging the trolley usually fixes this, but follow your opener’s manual.
4. Look at the tracks and rollers
Check that nothing is stuck in the tracks and that the door is not visibly bent or off a track. If the door is crooked, a roller has popped out, or you see damaged panels, stop using the door and call us.
When to stop and call a professional
- The door is heavy, drops quickly, or only lifts a few inches. This often means a broken spring. See the signs of a broken garage door spring.
- A cable is frayed, loose, or off its drum.
- The door is off its track or has bent panels.
- The opener hums but nothing moves, or it makes grinding noises.
Never try to adjust or remove springs, cables, or the brackets they connect to. They hold enough tension to cause serious injury.
Need help now? 24-hour emergency service is available, and emergency rates apply. Call 612-910-3032 or see our garage door repair page.