How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open or Close

How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open or Close

Renovation & Repair

A garage door that won’t open or close can be frustrating. It can leave your car trapped inside or make your home less secure. Most homeowners experience this at some point, and in many cases, the fix is simple. However, some problems require professional repairs to avoid causing more damage. If you’re struggling with a faulty door, Garage Door Repairs Wales offers expert services to get your garage door working safely and efficiently.

Here’s how to fix a garage door that won’t open or close and when to call an expert.

1. Check the Power Supply

If your garage door opener isn’t responding, start by checking its power source.

  • Make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.
  • Check the transmitter batteries in your remote control.
  • Inspect the garage door opener’s memory for error codes.

If the motor is dead or making a buzzing noise, it may need a reset or replacement.

2. Inspect the Garage Door’s Path

If your garage door refuses to move, something may be blocking its tracks.

  • Look for dirt, debris, or small objects in the garage door’s path.
  • Inspect the rollers for obstructions.
  • Wipe down the tracks with a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust.

If the tracks are damaged, the door may not operate smoothly. Bent tracks should be repaired by a professional.

3. Test the Safety Sensors

Most automatic garage doors have photo eye safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. If the door won’t close properly, the sensors might be misaligned.

  • Make sure nothing is blocking the photo eye.
  • Wipe the sensors clean with a soft cloth.
  • Adjust them until both lights remain straight and steady.

If the light flashes, it may indicate a signal problem between the sensors and the opener.

4. Adjust the Limit Settings

If your garage door won’t open fully or doesn’t close completely, the limit settings may be incorrect.

  • Locate the limit screws on the door opener.
  • Turn them slightly to adjust how far the door closes or opens manually.
  • Test the door after each adjustment.

Incorrect force settings can prevent the door from moving smoothly. If adjusting the limits doesn’t help, a new garage door opener may be needed.

5. Check for Broken Springs or Cables

Torsion springs and extension springs help lift the door. If a spring breaks, the door may feel heavy or fail to move.

  • Look for broken springs above the garage door.
  • Check for fallen or frayed cables near the ground.
  • Listen for loud snapping sounds, which can indicate a broken part.

Springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle. If you suspect a spring issue, call a professional to replace them safely.

6. Reset the Garage Door Opener

If none of the above fixes work, try resetting the electric garage door opener.

  • Press the reset button on the opener.
  • Unplug the unit for a minute and plug it back in.
  • Reprogram the remote if necessary.

If the garage door still won’t work, the motor or control board may be faulty.

When to Call a Professional

Some common reasons a garage door stops working require expert repairs. Call a professional if:

  • The springs or cables are broken.
  • The garage door opener makes unusual noises.
  • The garage door won’t open or close even after troubleshooting.
  • You notice damaged tracks or the door is off-balance.

A professional can fix these common issues safely and prevent further damage.

Keep Your Garage Door Working Smoothly

Whether you have an electric or manual garage door, regular maintenance can help avoid these problems. Keep tracks clean, inspect moving parts, and lubricate rollers and hinges. If your garage door still won’t operate properly, don’t risk injury—call an expert for a repair or replacement.

A reliable garage door keeps your home secure and makes daily life easier. If yours isn’t working, act now to get it back in shape.

If your electric garage door is unresponsive, you may need to open manually to access your property while waiting for repairs.

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