Why My Garage Door Won’t Close?

Fix N Go • January 15, 2021

Hearing about a malfunctioning garage door can bring a sudden wave of despair. The garage door can stop working in several ways, sometimes it won’t open, and other times, it won’t close. You may also witness a perfectly working garage door stuck in the middle due to an unknown reason. Whatever issue you are facing, the professionals at FixNGo can help you get a garage door that works perfectly. This article will explore some top reasons why your garage door won’t close.

Check the Safety Sensors

Maintain the functionality of your garage door by regularly inspecting and cleaning the door track, ensuring smooth and efficient door movement. Garage door safety sensors play a crucial role in preventing the door from closing when obstacles are detected. Follow these step-by-step instructions to clean and align the sensors properly, ensuring optimal functionality and safety:

Understanding the Role:

Safety sensors are designed to detect objects or obstructions in the door's path.
They work in tandem, sending and receiving an invisible beam of light. If the beam is interrupted, the door stops to prevent accidents.

Step-by-Step Cleaning:

Power off the garage door opener to ensure safety during maintenance.
Use a soft, clean cloth to wipe away any dirt, dust, or debris on the sensor lenses.
Inspect the sensors for spider webs or other blockages that might disrupt the beam.

Alignment Instructions:

Check the alignment of both sensors. They should be facing each other directly.
Use a level to ensure they are at the same height. Adjust the sensors if necessary to achieve proper alignment.
Tighten any loose screws holding the sensors in place.

Test the Sensors:

Power on the garage door opener and test the sensors by closing the door.
If aligned correctly, the door should stop closing if an object is placed in the sensor's path.
If the door doesn't respond, recheck the alignment and cleanliness of the sensors.

Maintain a Clear Line of Sight:

Trim any vegetation or obstacles that may block the sensor's beam.
Ensure there are no items stored in the garage that could inadvertently interrupt the sensor's line of sight.

Regular Checks:

Perform these checks regularly to ensure the sensors remain clean and aligned.
Educate family members about the importance of maintaining the clear line of sight for the safety sensors.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your garage door sensors in optimal condition, ensuring the safety features are effective in preventing accidents.

Test the Limits and Adjustments

Understanding and adjusting the travel and force limits on your garage door opener is crucial for ensuring smooth and proper door operation. Follow these instructions to make necessary adjustments:

Significance of Adjustments:

The travel and force limits dictate how far the garage door opens and closes and the amount of force it applies during these movements.
Proper adjustments prevent unnecessary strain on the opener and ensure the door moves smoothly without causing damage.

Locating Adjustment Controls:

Refer to your garage door opener's user manual to identify the location of the travel and force limit adjustment controls.
These controls are typically found on the opener unit itself or on the accompanying wall-mounted control panel.

Adjusting the Travel Limits:

To set the travel limits, press and hold the adjustment button until the door begins to move.
Release the button once the door reaches the desired open or closed position.
Repeat the process for the opposite direction.

Setting Force Limits:

To adjust force limits, locate the corresponding controls and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Test the force by placing a sturdy object, like a block of wood, in the door's path during closing.
The door should automatically reverse when it encounters the object. If not, adjust the force settings accordingly.

Reasons Why My Garage Door Won’t Close

Misaligned Tracks

Misaligned tracks can stop the garage door from closing. To ensure this is the cause, look for any gaps between the rail and the rollers. If you find some, there is a problem. If there’s some misalignment, but your door still works, it’s possible to make things good by yourself. However, if the door is badly stuck because of the misalignment, then you shouldn’t try anything yourself and leave things to a professional. Prevent unauthorized access and enhance security by securely blocking the garage door when not in use.

Blocked Path

Garage doors have an inbuilt functionality that stops them from closing if something is in their way. If your door closes partially, it means an object is present in a way that is preventing it from closing. Another reason could be the accumulation of debris that includes gum, rock, or mud. If the garage door senses even the slightest of any object, it won’t close.

To troubleshoot, see if you find something that is blocking the photo eye sensors. Also, look for the debris buildup on the lower and the top track. To prevent buildup in the future, wipe off the tracks from time to time.

Broken Springs

The garage door springs are what lift the heavyweight of the door. If something happens to these springs, the garage door may only unlocked partially or won’t open at all. In this scenario, don’t try anything on your own, as working with these springs can be very dangerous. Simply call a professional to come and have the springs repaired or replaced. If your garage door is not functioning, check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn't tripped, disrupting the power supply to the opener. Maintain the balance and functionality of your garage door by regularly inspecting and adjusting the tension of the torsion spring.

Limit Settings Need Adjustment

Some homeowners complain that their doors partially close but again go back up in the open position. This is a common issue in recently installed garage doors or too old ones. The reason behind this problem is that the open and close limit settings of the door need some adjustments. The readings on the range instruct the door to move forward at a certain point to close. If the settings are out, the door will stop and close only partially. Ensure the security of your home by properly closing the garage, preventing unauthorized access and protecting your belongings.

Manual Lock

To ensure if the door has been manually locked, listen to the opener motor. If it runs for a brief time then shuts off, but your garage door is not unlocking, the culprit is in front of you. If the door springs and the track look good, check if the door lock is engaged. Garage door safety sensors send signals to the opener, halting door movement if an obstruction is detected in the path.

Do all of the above issues look good, but your door still won’t close? It’s best to have an expert at your service. To request a consultation, call FixNGo at(833) 644-2822

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Fix N Go Blog

How To Fix A Squeaky Automatic Garage Door?

By Rabia Tingat • February 21, 2025

Stop your automatic garage door from squeaking with these quick and easy maintenance tips. Say goodbye to irritating noises today!

How Long Do Automatic Garage Door Openers Last?

By Rabia Tingat • February 20, 2025

Automatic garage door openers have become a staple in modern homes, offering convenience, security, and efficiency. However, like any mechanical system, they do not last forever. If you are wondering, how long do automatic garage door openers last, the answer depends on various factors, including usage, maintenance, and the quality of the opener itself. In this article, we’ll explore the average lifespan of garage door openers, signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement, and tips to extend their longevity. Average Lifespan of an Automatic Garage Door Opener On average, an automatic garage door opener lasts between 10 to 15 years. However, with proper maintenance and minimal wear and tear, some openers can function efficiently for up to 20 years. The lifespan of a garage door opener depends on: Usage frequency – The more you use it, the quicker it wears out. Maintenance – Regular servicing can prolong its life. Quality of the opener – Higher-end models tend to last longer. Environmental factors – Harsh weather conditions can impact longevity. For homeowners who use their garage doors multiple times a day, the opener may wear out faster than the average lifespan. Factors That Affect the Lifespan of a Garage Door Opener 1. Frequency of Use Every garage door opener has a motor and internal gears that undergo stress each time the door opens and closes. If your garage is the primary entrance to your home, daily use can shorten its lifespan. A standard garage door opener is designed to last about 10,000 cycles (one cycle = opening and closing). If you open and close your garage door twice a day, it could last around 13–15 years. However, if you use it more frequently, the lifespan may be closer to 8–10 years. 2. Quality of the Opener Not all garage door openers are created equal. Cheaper models may last around 8–10 years, while premium brands with advanced technology and durable parts can last well beyond 15 years. 3. Maintenance and Repairs Routine garage door maintenance plays a significant role in longevity. Lubricating moving parts , tightening loose hardware, and ensuring the safety sensors are clean can prevent wear and tear. Without regular maintenance, components like springs, chains, and belts can wear out faster, forcing the motor to work harder—ultimately reducing its lifespan. 4. Weather and Environmental Conditions Extreme weather conditions, such as high humidity, freezing temperatures, or excessive heat, can impact the opener’s performance. Cold weather can cause metal components to contract, making the opener work harder. High humidity can lead to rust and corrosion, affecting internal parts. Extreme heat can damage the circuit board inside the opener. If you live in an area with harsh weather, investing in a weather-resistant garage door opener can help extend its lifespan. 5. Power Surges and Electrical Issues Frequent power surges or poor electrical wiring can damage the opener’s circuit board. Using a surge protector can help prevent unexpected failures due to voltage spikes. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door Opener Even if your garage door opener is still working, certain signs indicate that it may need a replacement soon: 1. Slow or Noisy Operation: If your garage door moves slower than usual or starts making loud grinding or rattling noises, it could mean the motor or internal gears are wearing out. 2. Inconsistent Performance: Does your garage door opener sometimes refuse to respond? If you notice delays or frequent malfunctions, the circuit board or motor may be failing. 3. Outdated Safety Features: Older garage door openers lack modern safety features like rolling code technology, motion sensors, and smartphone integration. If your opener is more than 15 years old, consider upgrading to a newer, safer model. 4. Increased Maintenance Costs: If you find yourself constantly repairing the opener, it may be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer model rather than spending money on frequent repairs. 5. Random Opening and Closing: If your garage door opens or closes on its own, it could be due to a malfunctioning circuit board or interference from nearby signals. This can pose a security risk, so replacing it may be the best solution. How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Garage Door Opener Want to make your garage door opener last as long as possible? Follow these maintenance tips: 1. Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply garage door lubricant to the chains, rollers, and hinges every 6 months to reduce friction and wear. 2. Tighten Hardware Regularly: Over time, bolts and screws may loosen. Inspect and tighten them annually to ensure smooth operation. 3. Test the Safety Features: Ensure that the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors are working properly. Place an object in the door’s path to see if it stops and reverses as it should. 4. Replace Worn-Out Parts Promptly: If you notice frayed belts, worn-out chains, or weak springs, replace them before they break completely. 5. Keep the Tracks Clean: Dirt and debris can cause misalignment. Clean the garage door tracks regularly to prevent operational issues. 6. Install a Surge Protector: A surge protector prevents damage from unexpected power surges, helping to protect the opener’s circuit board. Final Thoughts So, how long do automatic garage door openers last? The typical lifespan is 10 to 15 years, but with proper maintenance, some can last up to 20 years. If your opener is showing signs of wear, struggles to function properly, or lacks modern safety features, it may be time for an upgrade. By following preventative maintenance tips, you can extend its lifespan and avoid unexpected failures. Invest in a high-quality garage door opener, maintain it regularly, and enjoy years of hassle-free operation!

How Do Automatic Garage Doors Work?

By Rabia Tingat • February 18, 2025

How do automatic garage doors operate? Explore the technology, from remote control signals to motorized lifting, and understand why they’re a must-have.