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CAN’T GET YOUR GARAGE DOOR
TO OPEN OR SHUT?
HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO!
Whenever your garage door starts to go on the blink, there are numerous causes. Some reasons are straightforward, and some are more complex. But there’s still plenty you can do.
Issues and Solutions
If your garage door won’t open, the springs are probably not staying contracted as they should. Adjustment is possible by shortening the spring cables, which adds more tension on the springs using a bracket on the cables. Do you have a garage door with one or two torsion springs? One or both could be broken. Please don’t ever try to adjust your garage door! If operated incorrectly, a garage door spring can cause serious injury, and even be deadly. The cables, drums, and bottom brackets may have to be adjusted. Or, it’s likely that the springs have to be replaced. In any case, it’s smart to hire a dependable expert.
Is your garage door not closing? Your garage door has a photo sensor eye on either side, and between them is an invisible beam, which, when broken, prevents the garage door from closing. Look to see if they’re grimy or misaligned. With most styles and brands of sensors, if your light’s blinking, there’s definitely something wrong. Or, if you have sensors with green and red lights, the red one general means it’s not working right.
Another problem with the sensor might be the wiring. Investigate the connections from the sensors, making sure the wires aren’t hindered by corrosion or getting loose. Another possibility is that there’s a short in the wiring, which can result from a staple used during installation; vibrations over the years can ultimately cause a disconnect. Also, a disconnection can come from the wires becoming stretched.
The transmitter batteries might be low. Maybe all you need to do is replace them and your garage door will open.
Does your door go down all the way, yet open again? It’s likely the garage door opener’s open-and-shut limit settings are malfunctioning. These settings instruct the garage door opener on how far the door needs to move before it’s closed all the way down. If set too high, the door will touch the floor before the opener thinks that it should, assuming the door is hitting an object in its path, and it will reverse so it won’t smash it. Read the operator’s manual on how to set the open-and-shut limits.
Does your garage door close part way, then open again? As we’ve pointed out, a garage door has a reversing mechanism so it won’t crush objects in its path, and the reversing instruction is activated by any objects on the ground blocking its path ~ a box, bicycle, or trash can for example. There might be debris on the garage door tracks ~ a small object or grime ~ block the rollers from moving forward. You need professional attention.
Does the garage door opener run, yet the garage door won’t budge? If a power outage happens, your garage door opener has a disconnect switch, which allows you to open or close your garage door by hand. The switch, typically attached to a rope or knob, can inadvertently get unhooked. Here’s what to do:
- Shut or open the garage door all the way.
- Securely reattach the hook.
- Using the transmitter, try closing or opening the door again. It should work this time.
Does your garage door opener run for several seconds, but then turn off? When the door’s closed, this can occur when the motor attempts, but fails, to lift up the garage door.
- Check the track for any obstacles.
- Look at the springs.
- Your garage door may be the kind with a built-in lock that’s engaging accidentally. If you have an older garage door, this is common.
Does your garage door slam down with a bang? You likely have a broken tension spring, which is there to properly counter the garage door’s weight. The cables connected to the tension spring are probably broken, too. Either problem is dangerous, so call a garage door repair expert immediately.
Is your garage door opening and shutting at random? If your garage door opens or shuts on its own, even while you’re away, it’s a nuisance and a security risk. Try this:
- Make sure the transmitters aren’t wedged under something that’s pushing down on the control mechanism. The transmitters could be beneath items you forgot in your car, or somewhere else nearby.
- Test the transmitter’s frequency. A neighbor probably has your same exact frequency.
Your garage door track could be out of alignment. Your garage door metal track must be properly aligned, or it won’t move. See if there are any bends in the rails, or gaps between the rollers and the rail. As time passes, the garage door’s weight compounds these problems, and the door will become increasingly hazardous. Contact a garage door professional.
Prevent Future Problems
It’s relatively effortless to maintain your garage door. The minimal time required to keep your garage door in tiptop condition means you won’t have to replace it for years to come.
Establish a maintenance schedule to help your garage door last longer. If you use your garage as a shop, game room, or office, it’s even more important to lubricate your garage door rollers, springs, and hinges ~ at least annually, before winter arrives. Otherwise, eventually the springs will rust, and the coils will bind. Use a reputable brand, and it won’t dry out. A light coating is all you need.
Schedule an annual inspection with a reliable local garage door service. Pulleys, cables, springs, and wires necessitate professional attention.
Once each month, examine your garage door system’s components.
- Replace worn parts.
- Tighten loose bolts.
- Look into any weird noises you hear when your garage door closes and opens.
At least every two years, clean your garage door.
- Wash both sides with a sponge with mild dish soap and water. Rinse well.
- Using a clean, dry cloth, clean the sensor eyes.
- Clear the area around the sensors from cobwebs and grime.
- If you have a wooden garage door, if there’s any chipping or peeling, apply a fresh coat of paint.
- If you have a steel garage door, for cold-weather protection apply car wax.