Garage Door Won't Close? Work Through These 8 Causes First
A garage door that won't close is usually one of eight things, and several are free to fix. Work the list before you call, then know what to say when you do.
A door that won't close leaves your house open, so the urgency is real. Fortunately this particular fault has a short list of causes, and the first three cost nothing to check.
1. Something is in the sensor beam
A bin, a bike, a coiled hose, even a pile of leaves. Clear the floor either side of the door and try again.
2. The sensors are out of alignment
The two photo-eyes near the floor must face each other exactly. Both lights should be steady. A blinking light means one has been knocked — loosen the wing nut, aim it at its partner until the light goes solid, and tighten.
3. The lenses are dirty or sun-blinded
Wipe both lenses with a dry cloth. Low winter sun shining directly into a sensor can also blind it, which is why some doors only misbehave at one time of day.
4. The lock button is engaged
Most wall controls have a vacation lock. Held down by accident, it disables the remotes. Usually a small padlock icon with a blinking light.
5. The close-force setting is off
If the door reverses just before touching down, the opener thinks it's hit something. Sometimes it's the setting, but often it's a genuine obstruction — investigate before adjusting.
6. The travel limit is set wrong
If the opener thinks the floor is lower than it is, it reverses on contact. A limit adjustment fixes it.
7. Rusty, bent or obstructed track
Look along both tracks for kinks, dents or debris. Bent track will stop a door dead at exactly the same point every time.
8. Broken spring or cable
If the door also feels heavy, hangs crooked or fell fast, stop. That's a spring or cable failure and it needs a technician.
How to secure the door tonight
If you can't get it down, lower it as far as it will go and use the manual slide lock if your door has one. Then call — a door stuck open is exactly the kind of call we take at any hour.