Why Yoaur Garage Door Won’t Close
Why Yoaur Garage Door Won’t Close
Few situations are as stressful as pressing the button to close your garage door – and nothing happens. Whether your door reverses, stops halfway, or won’t move at all, this issue usually points to a handful of common causes.
Although some problems are simple and easy to fix, others require professional repair. Because garage doors are heavy and dangerous, knowing what you can do – and what you should not do – is extremely important.
This guide explains the top reasons your garage door won’t close and the safest solutions.
1. The Safety Sensors Are Misaligned
Safety sensors prevent the garage door from closing on people, pets, or objects. Because of this, if they fall out of alignment, the door will not close.
Signs of misaligned sensors:
- Door starts closing, then reverses
- Blinking sensor lights
- The opener flashes an error light
- One sensor light is off
Causes include:
- Vibration from normal use
- Kids bumping the sensors
- Pets hitting the posts
- Humidity expanding the brackets
- Objects placed near the sensors
Fix:
Gently adjust the sensors so they point directly at each other. When aligned, the LED lights stop blinking.
2. Something Is Blocking the Sensor Path
Even a leaf or piece of dust can block the sensor beam. Florida garages collect debris quickly due to humidity, insects, and outdoor airflow.
Fix:
- Clear any items near the sensors
- Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth
- Make sure nothing is hanging or touching the sensors
3. Broken Garage Door Springs
A broken spring is one of the most common – and dangerous – reasons a garage door won’t close.
Signs include:
- Loud “bang” noise
- Door feels extremely heavy
- Door slams shut
- Gaps in the spring coil
- Cables appear loose
🚫 Never try to repair springs yourself
Springs are under extreme tension and can cause severe injury. Always call a professional.
4. Travel Limits Are Incorrect
Your opener has settings that tell the door how far to open and close. If the limits shift, the opener may believe the floor is higher than it is. Therefore, it reverses automatically.
Fix:
Adjust the travel limits on the opener – usually with two dials or digital settings. If unsure, a technician can recalibrate it quickly.
5. The Opener Has a Wiring or Circuit Problem
Florida weather – especially lightning – often causes electrical issues that affect garage door openers.
Signs include:
- Intermittent power
- Burnt smell
- Dead wall switch
- Opener works sometimes but not always
Electrical problems require professional diagnosis for safety.
6. The Tracks Are Misaligned or Bent
If tracks shift, the rollers cannot move smoothly. Consequently, the door may stop or reverse when closing.
Causes include:
- Wear and tear
- Impact from cars
- Loose bolts
- Vibrations from storms
If the door looks crooked or rubs the side, stop using it immediately.
7. Something Is Physically Blocking the Door
Sometimes, small items like tools, toys, debris, or even a broom can block the door’s downward path.
Fix:
Inspect each side of the door and remove anything near the tracks.
8. The Remote or Keypad Has Connection Issues
If only the remote works but the wall switch doesn’t (or vice versa), you may have a programming or battery issue.
Try this:
- Replace remote batteries
- Re-sync the remote
- Reset the keypad
- Check Wi-Fi connection (smart openers)
9. The Door Is Off-Track
An off-track door is dangerous and will not close properly. This typically occurs due to damaged rollers, impact, or worn hardware.
🚫 Never attempt to force an off-track door closed
Call a professional immediately to avoid further damage.
10. The Motor Is Overheating
If you’ve used the door multiple times in a short period – or if the motor is old – it may temporarily shut down.
Fix:
Let the opener cool for 15–20 minutes. If the problem continues, the motor may need repair or replacement.
When to Call a Professional
You should seek professional help if:
- The door is crooked
- The springs are broken
- You hear grinding noises
- The opener smells burnt
- The door won’t move at all
SFL Garage Doors offers same-day service across South Florida to help homeowners restore safety and security quickly.
Conclusion
A garage door that won’t close is more than an inconvenience – it’s a safety and security risk.
Fortunately, most issues can be identified quickly. Whether the problem is a sensor, a spring, or a damaged track, the safest solution is always to have a trained technician diagnose the issue.