A malfunctioning garage door that won’t close can be more than just an annoyance—it’s a security risk that exposes your home to theft, intruders, pests, and harsh weather. Before you call a professional, there are several common reasons why this issue occurs, many of which you can troubleshoot and resolve on your own.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover 20+ reasons your garage door won’t close, including the underlying causes, troubleshooting tips, and when you should bring in a professional for assistance.
1. Object Blocking the Track or Sensors
A common reason for a garage door that won’t close is an obstruction in the track or something blocking the sensors. Garage door sensors are safety mechanisms designed to prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. These sensors may be detecting small objects near the door, including:
- Vehicle parts
- Children’s toys
- Sports equipment
- Tools or gardening supplies
- Dirt, dust, or cobwebs on the sensors
Solution:
Check both the tracks and sensors for any obstructions. Even if there doesn’t seem to be anything directly in the path of the door, the sensors can be sensitive enough to pick up objects slightly outside their field. Simply moving any items that could be in the way might resolve the issue.
2. Dirty or Misaligned Sensors
Garage door sensors can become dirty or misaligned over time. If dirt or grime accumulates on the sensors, they may perceive this as an obstruction, preventing the door from closing.
Solution:
Turn off the power to the garage door opener before cleaning the sensor eyes with a soft cloth. After cleaning, realign the sensors by ensuring both are positioned at the same height and facing each other. Some sensor systems will blink if they are not aligned correctly, which can help in diagnosing the problem.
3. Dead Transmitter or Remote Batteries
Another simple reason why your garage door might not close is dead batteries in your remote or transmitter. Garage door openers rely on batteries, which can drain over time.
Solution:
Replace the batteries in your remote or transmitter. After doing this, test the remote. If the door still won’t close, reprogram the remote according to your garage door opener’s instructions. If the problem persists, the remote itself might be defective and need replacement.
4. Defective Remote
Sometimes, the remote itself could be defective. If your garage door closes using the wall button but not the remote, and replacing the batteries doesn’t work, the remote may need replacement.
Solution:
Replace the remote with a new one, which can usually be ordered from the manufacturer or purchased as a universal model. Reprogram the new remote and test the door.
5. Broken or Damaged Trolley
The trolley is the mechanism that connects the garage door to the opener, and if it becomes damaged, the door may get stuck or fail to close properly.
Solution:
Check the trolley mechanism, which is often attached to a rope. If it’s stuck in bypass mode, you can reset it by pulling the rope toward the garage door. This action will re-engage the latch and allow the door to close properly.
6. Activated Door Lock
Some garage doors have a manual lock, and if engaged, it can prevent the door from closing.
Solution:
Check to see if your garage door’s manual lock is engaged. If so, simply unlock it and try closing the door again. An engaged lock can also put extra stress on the door’s components, so if you’ve forced it to close, consider having a professional inspect it for damage.
7. Power Issues in the Home
A tripped breaker or power outage can prevent your garage door opener from receiving power, making it impossible to close the door automatically.
Solution:
Check the electrical panel for any tripped breakers. If you’ve had a power outage, you may need to reset the garage door opener by unplugging it and then plugging it back in. If you continue to experience power issues, consult an electrician.
8. Incorrect Limit Settings
Garage doors have limit settings that determine how far the door travels when opening and closing. If these settings are off, the door may stop prematurely or reverse its course.
Solution:
Consult your garage door opener’s manual to adjust the travel limit settings. You can typically find these settings on the opener itself, and they are labeled as “up” and “down” screws. Adjust the “down” screw in small increments, testing the door after each adjustment until it closes properly.
9. Faulty Garage Door Opener
If your garage door opener isn’t functioning correctly, it might cause the door to fail when closing.
Solution:
Test the garage door by pressing both the remote and the wall button. If neither works, it’s likely the opener itself has a problem, such as a faulty motor, belt, or chain. In this case, contact a professional to replace or repair the opener.
10. Misaligned Roller Tracks
Rollers help the door glide smoothly along the track. If the rollers are damaged, misaligned, or disconnected from the track, the door may become stuck and refuse to close.
Solution:
Examine the roller tracks for any bends, dents, or debris. Realign any misaligned tracks or call a professional if you notice more severe damage.
11. Worn-Out Springs
Garage doors are equipped with springs that help counterbalance the door’s weight. When the springs wear out or break, the door may not close correctly.
Solution:
Inspect the springs for any signs of damage. You’ll typically find torsion springs at the top of the door and extension springs on either side. If you notice a gap or loose pieces, the springs need to be replaced. This is a dangerous job best left to professionals.
12. Broken Garage Door Cables
Garage door cables work alongside springs to lift and lower the door. If a cable is broken, it can cause the door to hang unevenly or fail to close altogether.
Solution:
You’ll need to have broken garage door cables replaced by a professional. Attempting to repair them yourself can result in injury or further damage to your garage door system.
13. Presence of an Obstruction
Obstructions don’t have to be physical objects. Sometimes, it could be dirt, grime, or even spider webs on the tracks or near the sensors that cause the system to stop working.
Solution:
Clear all visible dirt and debris from the tracks, sensors, and garage door mechanism. Lubricate the tracks using a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
14. Misaligned Sensors
Over time, sensors may become misaligned due to vibrations, bumps, or general wear and tear. Misaligned sensors may cause the door to reverse or not close at all.
Solution:
Align the sensors by ensuring both sensors face each other directly and are positioned at the same height. You can use a level or measure the distance from the floor to the sensor to make sure they are even.
15. Incorrect Travel Limits
The travel limits in your garage door opener could be set too high or low, preventing the door from closing all the way.
Solution:
Adjust the travel limit using the adjustment screws on the opener. Turn the “down” screw in small increments until the door closes without reversing.
16. Loose or Damaged Tracks
If the garage door tracks are loose or bent, it may prevent the door from closing properly. Over time, tracks can warp, bend, or become misaligned, affecting the door’s ability to move smoothly.
Solution:
Tighten any loose hardware holding the tracks in place. If the tracks are visibly damaged, a professional may need to replace them to restore proper door operation.
17. Dusty or Blocked Sensors
If your garage door sensors are covered in dust or debris, they may prevent the door from closing as a safety measure.
Solution:
Wipe down the sensor lenses with a clean, soft cloth. Be careful not to scratch the lenses, as this can further interfere with sensor function.
18. Activated Door Lock Mechanism
Inadvertently activating the garage door’s manual lock can cause it to become stuck in place, preventing it from closing properly.
Solution:
Double-check that your garage door’s manual lock has not been activated. If it has, disengage the lock and try closing the door again.
19. Mechanical Component Failure
Garage doors consist of numerous mechanical parts, including hinges, screws, rollers, and chains. Any of these can wear out over time, leading to improper door operation.
Solution:
Inspect all moving parts for signs of wear, rust, or damage. Lubricate the rollers, hinges, and chains regularly to keep them functioning smoothly.
20. Unresponsive Wall Button
If your garage door closes with the remote but not with the wall button, the problem may lie with the wall-mounted button itself.
Solution:
Check the wiring behind the button for any loose connections. If the wiring appears intact, the button may need to be replaced.
When to Call a Professional
While many garage door issues can be solved with simple troubleshooting, there are certain situations where calling a professional is the safest and most effective option. If you encounter broken springs, snapped cables, or a malfunctioning opener, it’s time to contact an experienced garage door technician to perform the necessary repairs. Professionals can also provide regular maintenance to prevent future problems