Garage Door Won't Close? Here's Why & How to Fix It

A garage door that won't close is a security and safety issue. Run through these checks in order — most problems can be resolved without a service call.

1. Check the Safety Sensors First

This is the cause in the majority of cases. The two sensors at the bottom of each track must have a clear, aligned beam between them. Look for:

• A blinking or amber light on one sensor (indicates misalignment or obstruction)
• Debris, spiderwebs, or dirt on the sensor lenses
• A sensor knocked out of position by something bumped

Clean the lenses with a dry cloth. Loosen the wing nut on the misaligned sensor, point it directly at the opposite sensor, and retighten. Both lights should turn solid (usually green and amber).

2. Look for Track Obstructions

Check both vertical tracks for dents, bends, or debris. A small dent can stop a roller in its tracks. Carefully remove any visible debris and look for visible damage to the track walls.

3. Check the Limit Settings

Every opener has "close limit" settings that tell it how far down to travel. If these are set incorrectly, the opener may think the door has hit the floor before it actually has and reverse. Consult your opener manual for the limit adjustment procedure — usually a screw on the motor unit labeled "DOWN LIMIT."

4. Remote vs. Wall Button

Try closing with the wall button. If it works but the remote doesn't, the problem is the remote (battery or signal). If neither works, the issue is the opener or door itself.

5. Broken Spring

If the motor runs but the door barely moves or won't come all the way down, a broken spring may be making the door too heavy for the opener to handle. Look at the torsion spring above the door for a visible gap in the coils.

When to Call

If the sensors check out, there's no obstruction, and the remote and wall button both fail, it's time for a technician. We can diagnose opener, spring, and track issues same day.

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