A complete interactive guide to diagnosing and fixing problems.

Quick Answer: The 3 Most Common Fixes

If your garage door isn’t closing, start here:

1. Check for Obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the door’s path.
2. Inspect Safety Sensors: Ensure the two sensors at the bottom of the door tracks are aligned (both should have solid lights) and clean.
3. Check Power: Make sure the motor is plugged in and the circuit breaker has not tripped. Check the batteries in your remote.

Safety First & Basic Checks

Important Safety Warning!

Never attempt to adjust, repair, or remove garage door springs or cables yourself. They are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death. This work should only be done by a qualified professional.

✅ Step 1: Check for Physical Obstructions

Carefully inspect the entire area under the garage door. Remove any items like tools, boxes, or toys that might be blocking its path.

✅ Step 2: Check Power Supply & Remotes

Ensure the garage door opener unit is plugged into a working outlet. Check your home’s circuit breaker. If you’re using a remote, try replacing the batteries and also test the wall-mounted button to rule out a remote issue.

✅ Step 3: Check the Disconnect Handle

Make sure the manual release handle (usually a red cord) hasn’t been pulled, disconnecting the door from the opener motor. If it has, consult your manual on how to safely re-engage it.

Solving Safety Sensor Issues

The safety sensors are one of the most common reasons a door won’t close. They are located near the floor on both sides of the door opening.

✅ Step 1: Clean the Sensor Lenses

Use a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe the lenses of both sensors. Dust, cobwebs, or dirt can block the infrared beam.

✅ Step 2: Check for Sensor Alignment

Look at the small LED lights on each sensor. Both lights should be solid (not blinking). If one is blinking or off, they are misaligned. Gently adjust one of the sensors by hand until both lights become solid, indicating the beam is connected.

✅ Step 3: Check for Sun Interference

Direct sunlight shining into one of the sensors can sometimes interfere with the beam. Try shading the sensor with your hand or a piece of cardboard to see if the door closes. If this is the issue, you may need to install sensor sun shields.

Track & Door Alignment Checks

✅ Step 1: Inspect the Tracks

Visually inspect the metal tracks on both sides of the door. Look for any bends, dents, or debris. If you see debris, clean it out. Small dents can sometimes be gently hammered back into place with a rubber mallet, but significant damage requires a professional.

✅ Step 2: Check Door Travel Limits

Sometimes the opener’s “close limit” setting is incorrect, causing it to think the door is closed before it actually is. This usually happens if the door reverses immediately after touching the floor. Consult your opener’s manual to learn how to adjust the travel limits, which typically involves turning small screws on the motor unit.

When to Call a Professional

While many issues can be fixed with simple adjustments, some problems are dangerous and require expert service. Call a qualified technician if you suspect any of the following:

• Broken Springs: If you see a gap in one of the large springs above the door, DO NOT operate it.
• Frayed or Broken Cables: The cables that lift the door are under high tension and are critical for safety.
• Severely Bent Tracks: Major track damage can compromise the door’s stability.
• The Door is Off-Track: If the rollers have come out of the track, the door is unstable.
• Opener Motor Issues: If the motor is making grinding noises or won’t run at all after checking power, it may need professional repair.

Likelihood of Common Problems

This chart shows the most frequent causes for a garage door that won’t close.

Expert Tips for Maintenance

Look & Listen

Once a month, watch your door open and close. Listen for unusual sounds like grinding or scraping. A well-maintained door is relatively quiet.

Test the Balance

With the door closed, pull the emergency release cord. You should be able to lift the door manually with little effort. If it’s heavy, the springs may need adjustment by a pro.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Twice a year, use a spray-on garage door lubricant (not WD-40) on the rollers, hinges, and springs to keep them operating smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my garage door start to close then go back up?

This is the classic symptom of a safety sensor issue. Either something is blocking the sensor’s beam, the sensors are misaligned, or they are dirty. The opener reverses the door as a safety feature because it thinks something is in the way.

How do I know if my garage door sensors are bad?

Check the small LED lights on them. A sending sensor usually has a solid amber light, and a receiving sensor a solid green one. If either light is blinking or off, there’s a problem with alignment or power. If they won’t light up at all after checking the wiring, the sensors may need to be replaced.

Can I fix a broken garage door spring myself?

Absolutely not. Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury or even death if handled improperly. Replacing them requires special tools and expertise. Always call a professional for any spring-related work.

© 2025 Garage Guide. Information is for educational purposes only. Always prioritize safety.