What to Do When Your Garage Door Won’t Open or Close

It can be very aggravating to try and figure out what is causing your garage door to not open or close effectively. There are multiple causes of why your garage door may not be working, and Hunter Door can happily fix them! Understanding what may be causing these issues is a great start to getting your garage door repaired correctly. Below, we will discuss common problems and solutions to ensure that your garage door is working as it should.  

Common Causes of Garage Door Problems Opening and Closing

There are various reasons as to why your garage door won’t open or close. Here are some common causes:

• Electrical and power issues: Problems with the power supply or circuit breakers can prevent your garage door from functioning. A dead battery in the remote control can also cause the door to remain unresponsive.
• Mechanical failures: Worn-out parts such as springs, cables or rollers can lead to mechanical failures.
• Misalignment and obstruction: If the garage door track is misaligned or obstructed by debris, the door may struggle to open or close.

Why Won’t My Garage Door Close?

A garage door that won’t shut can be just as concerning. Common issues include:

• Sensor issues and alignment: A photo eye on a garage door is also known as the sensors, which are two black boxes located on the bottom of your garage door. The purpose of these is to signal when an object may be getting in the way of your garage door closing. This part may have become misaligned over time, hindering your garage door from operating. 
• Sensitivity and limit setting adjustments: Incorrect sensitivity settings on the garage door opener can lead to the door reversing before it closes.

How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open

Below are some common solutions to resolve these problems. 

Electrical and Power Issues

For electronic issues:

• Ensure the garage door opener is plugged in and that circuit breakers are functioning correctly.
• Try replacing the batteries if your remote isn’t working.

Mechanical Failures

If you suspect your garage door is not operating due to mechanical errors:

• Clear any debris from the tracks and ensure they are aligned properly.
• Check that all rollers are in their tracks and not obstructed.

Sensor Issues

Here’s what to assess for malfunctioning sensors: 

• Clean and align the safety sensors: Dust or misalignment can cause the sensors to malfunction. Make sure they are clean and facing each other.
• Check for obstructions blocking the sensors: Remove any items that could be blocking the sensors’ line of sight.

Door Opener and Remote Control Problems

Is your remote control acting up? Consider the following:

• Sometimes, the remote may need to be reprogrammed to communicate effectively with the opener.
• Try resetting the opener according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Manual Overrides and Locks

Consider switching your door to manual mode while you wait for professional service:

• Locate and use the manual release cord: This allows you to operate the door manually in case of emergencies.
• Check for engaged locks: Ensure no locks are engaged that would hinder the door from opening or closing.

Contact Us Today

Located in southern New Jersey and looking for a reliable garage door company to further assist you and your garage door needs? Hunter Door is your place to go! Contact us today to request an estimate, request a service quote, or speak with our team. Hunter Door is a highly efficient and trustworthy company that is thrilled to assist your needs! Contact us today for more information!