If a garage door closes but then immediately reopens, it usually indicates a safety or mechanical issue. This behavior is a built-in safety feature to protect people, pets, and objects from injury or damage. Here are the main reasons why this happens and what Illinois homeowners can do:
Misaligned or Malfunctioning Safety Sensors
The most common cause is the safety sensors at the base of the garage door. These infrared sensors create an invisible beam that, if broken or obstructed, signals the door to reverse. Misalignment, dirt, cobwebs, or debris often cause false obstructions. Both sensors should face each other with solid indicator lights. If one sensor is blinking or off, the door will close then open automatically to avoid accidents.
Incorrect Limit Switch or Travel Settings
The limit switch tells the opener how far to close the door. If set incorrectly, the door may hit the ground or track and think it has hit an obstruction, reversing automatically. Similarly, travel settings control how far the door moves, and if these are off, the door will close then reopen. Temperature changes common to Illinois weather can affect these settings, causing intermittent issues. Adjusting the limit and travel settings usually resolves this.
Broken or Weak Springs
Garage door springs balance the door’s weight to allow smooth operation. If the springs are broken or worn, the motor may struggle to close the door fully and reverse when it hits resistance. This imbalance can cause the door to close then open repeatedly.
Control Wiring or Opener Malfunctions
Damaged, frayed, or loose wires connecting the sensors or wall controls to the opener can create electrical faults, causing erratic door movement. Additionally, a faulty logic control board in the opener may trigger random closes and reopens. These issues require professional diagnosis and repair.
Debris or Objects Blocking the Sensor Path or Threshold
Even small objects like leaves, dust, or uneven concrete at the door’s base can cause the door to reverse. Regularly clean the sensor lenses and clear the threshold area to prevent this.
How to Troubleshoot
- Check sensor LED lights and realign if blinking or off.
- Clean sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
- Inspect wiring for damage.
- Adjust limit and travel settings per the opener’s manual.
- Remove debris from the door’s path and threshold.
- Test the door by holding the wall button to bypass sensors temporarily in emergency.
Summary
Garage doors closing then reopening is mainly caused by sensor issues, incorrect settings, or mechanical problems. These safety features prevent accidents but can be temporarily bypassed by holding the wall button. For long-term safety and code compliance, repair or replacement by a professional is recommended.
Dmytro Shevchenko is the owner of Prime Garage Door Repair, a trusted garage door repair company serving the Chicagoland area. Based in Mundelein, IL, he leads a team of certified technicians specializing in emergency repairs, opener and spring replacement, and complete garage door installation.
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