A garage door that opens normally but will not close is one of the most common calls we get, and the good news is that the usual cause is simple to spot. Garage door openers are built with safety features that intentionally stop the door from closing when something seems wrong, so a door that refuses to close is often doing exactly what it was designed to do. Here is how to work through it.
Start With the Safety Sensors
Near the bottom of each track, about six inches off the floor, are two small photo-eye sensors that shine an invisible beam across the opening. If anything breaks that beam, the opener will not let the door close. This is the number one reason a door will not shut.
- Check for obstructions: a trash can, a stray rake, even a cobweb or a leaf in front of a sensor can block the beam.
- Check the alignment: the two sensors must point directly at each other. A bump from a car or a bike can knock one out of line.
- Check the lights: most sensors have a small steady light when aligned. A blinking or dark light usually means they are misaligned or dirty. Wipe the lenses gently and adjust until both lights are solid.
The Door Closes Partway, Then Reverses
If the door starts down and then goes back up, the opener thinks it has hit something. Beyond the sensors, this can be a travel or force setting on the opener that needs adjusting, or a real mechanical snag in the tracks. If it reverses at the same spot every time, look for a damaged roller or an obstruction in the track at that point.
A Damaged Cable or Door Off Track
If the door looks crooked, hangs unevenly, or binds as it moves, a worn or loose cable or a door that has slipped off its track can stop it from closing safely. This is not a DIY fix, since the cables work alongside the high-tension springs.
Remote, Wall Button, or Lock Mode
Try closing from the wall button as well as the remote. If the wall button works but the remote does not, it may be a battery or a lock setting. Some wall consoles have a lock feature that limits the remotes, so check for a lock indicator.
When to Call a Professional
If the sensors are clean and aligned and the door still will not close, or if you see a frayed cable, a door off its track, or the opener straining, it is time for a technician. A door stuck open is also a security and safety concern, so do not leave it overnight if you can help it. Our team handles opener and sensor repair and same-day garage door repair across Atlanta with a free on-site estimate. Stuck right now with the door wide open? We also offer emergency garage door repair.