What is what to do when garage door won't close?

Here's what to do when your garage door won't close:

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Photo Eyes: The most common reason a garage door won't close is an obstruction of the photo eyes. These safety sensors are located near the bottom of the door tracks.

   • Ensure they are aligned: Make sure the sensors are pointing directly at each other. You might need to gently adjust them.
   • Clean the lenses: Wipe the lenses of the sensors with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
   • Check for obstructions: Ensure nothing is blocking the path between the two sensors, like a stray leaf, a box, or even a cobweb.

2. Check the Door Track and Obstructions:

   • Inspect the tracks: Look for any bends, dents, or obstructions in the garage door track. Remove any debris or obstacles.
   • Check for binding: Manually try to lift and lower the door. Does it move smoothly, or does it bind or get stuck in certain spots? Binding can prevent the opener from closing the door.

3. Remote and Wall Button:

   • Test the wall button: Try closing the door using the wall-mounted button inside your garage. If it works with the wall button, but not the remote, the remote is likely the problem.
   • Remote batteries: Replace the batteries in your remote.
   • Remote programming: The remote might need to be reprogrammed to the opener. Consult your garage door opener's manual for instructions.

4. Limit Switches:

   • Check the limit switches: Limit switches control how far the door opens and closes. If the down limit is set incorrectly, the door may not close fully. Consult your garage door opener's manual for how to adjust the limit switches.

5. Force Setting:

   • Check the force setting: If the force setting is too sensitive, the door may reverse when it encounters even slight resistance. Refer to your opener's manual to adjust the force setting.

6. Broken Springs or Cables:

   • Inspect the springs and cables: Never attempt to repair or adjust garage door springs or cables yourself. These are under high tension and can cause serious injury. If you suspect a broken spring or cable, call a qualified garage door technician.

7. Manual Release:

   • Use the manual release: Disconnect the garage door opener from the door by pulling the emergency release cord (usually a red handle). Then, manually try to close the door. If the door is heavy or difficult to close manually, there may be a problem with the springs or other hardware that requires professional attention.

When to Call a Professional

If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and your garage door still won't close, or if you suspect a problem with the springs, cables, or opener mechanism, it's best to call a qualified garage door technician.