Garage Door Won't Close? Troubleshooting Guide

A malfunctioning garage door that refuses to close can disrupt your daily routine and pose security concerns. But there’s no need to panic! We’ll guide you in finding the root cause of a garage door that won’t close and implement the necessary fixes.

From sensor problems to misaligned tracks, we've got you covered. In a few simple steps, you can confidently tackle the issue and restore your garage door's smooth operation without the need for professional intervention. 

Let's get your garage door back on track and restore seamless functionality.

Top Reasons Your Garage Door Won't Close

• Disrupted Power Source

One of the most common reasons is a disrupted power connection. Check the power supply to ensure the garage door opener is receiving electricity.

• Sensor Obstruction

Modern garage doors have safety sensors that prevent them from closing if there's an obstruction in their path. Inspect and clear any debris or objects blocking the sensor's path.

• Broken Torsion Springs

Torsion springs counterbalance the weight of the garage door. If these springs break, the door may become difficult to move or close properly.

• Misaligned Tracks

Garage door tracks can become misaligned, causing the door to stick while closing. Problems with alignment can impede smooth door movement.

• Malfunctioning Remote Control

Sometimes, the problem may lie with the garage door remote control. Check and replace the batteries if necessary and ensure the remote works correctly.

Troubleshooting

Check the Sensors

Garage door openers have safety sensors by the tracks to detect obstructions and prevent closure if something is in the way. Check for dirty or misaligned sensors if the door won't close fully. Use a clean cloth to clean the lenses and realign blinking sensors until the light is steady by altering their position.

Check the Tracks and Rollers

Check tracks and rollers if the sensors seem to be in order, but the garage door won't fully close. Remove any obstructions and inspect for damage. Gently bend bent sections back into place with clamps or precise hammer strikes. Lubricate rollers with white lithium or silicone-based grease for smooth movement.

Check the Trolley

The trolley might be in bypass mode if the garage door doesn't close automatically but moves freely by hand. To fix it, pull the hanging rope towards the door to engage the trolley latch with the chain. When the opener is activated, the trolley will work properly.

Check Your Remote

If the garage door won't close with the remote, replace its batteries first. If it still doesn't work, reprogram it by accessing the "learn" button on the opener, pressing it until a light flashes, and then pressing a button on the remote. The remote should work properly after reprogramming.

Manually Close Your Garage Door

If you can't fix the door, call a technician. In the meantime, use the bypass rope to close and secure the garage manually. Insert a bolt into holes in the tracks to lock the door if no built-in latches are available.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for a Smooth-Functioning Garage Door

Regular Lubrication

Keep all moving parts of the garage door, such as hinges, springs, and rollers, well lubricated to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.

Visual Inspections

Inspect the garage door and its components on a regular basis for signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. Address any flaws as soon as possible to avoid more serious difficulties.

Professional Maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance with a skilled garage door technician to detect and resolve potential issues before they become serious.

Conclusion

You can keep your garage door running smoothly and avoid the annoyance of a door that won't close by following these troubleshooting procedures and practicing preventive maintenance.

But if the problem persists, call the professionals at Door Doctor right away!