TL;DR:
Garage doors may stay open due to sensor misalignment, obstructed tracks, faulty wiring, or worn parts. Troubleshoot common issues like dirty sensors, incorrect limit settings, or manual locks. Simple fixes often help, but professional repair may be needed for broken springs or structural damage.
- Misaligned or dirty photo eye sensors can stop closure.
- Tracks may be obstructed, loose, or misaligned.
- Faulty wiring or dead batteries can interrupt function.
- Limit settings may falsely signal closure.
- Broken springs unbalance the door—professional repair required.
- A manual lock may be engaged.
- Damaged weatherstripping can confuse sensors.
Garage doors are particular. Multiple factors could be keeping yours stuck open.
If nothing is in the way of the sensors but your garage door won’t close—or if it closes, then reopens—don’t panic. You likely just need to do some minor maintenance or repair to get your garage running smoothly again.
We’ll help you troubleshoot and diagnose 7 of the most common reasons your garage door is stuck. Continue reading this guide to learn more.
7 Possible Reasons a Garage Door Won’t Close
Garage door components can be incredibly complicated. One little smudge or misalignment can cause the whole garage door system to malfunction. If your sensors or tracks have a blockage, the garage door may refuse to close.
Sometimes, simply cleaning the components or adjusting their placement makes all the difference. In many cases, however, professional repair is necessary. Please prioritize your physical safety while you’re troubleshooting garage door problems.
Photo Eye Sensors
Garage doors use two safety sensors evenly aligned on either side to open and close. If they become misaligned, dirty, or smudged, they may cease to function correctly. You can easily repair this issue by gently wiping the sensors and adjusting the brackets for correct alignment.
Garage Door Tracks
Loose, misaligned, or obstructed tracks can interrupt a garage door’s function. In most cases, you’ll be able to realign, tighten, and clean your own tracks. All you’ll need is a rubber mallet to gently straighten the tracks and a wrench to adjust the brackets. However, if your foundation is shifting, you may need expert assistance.
Faulty Wiring
Electronics failures are often simple to correct. Your garage door opener may need a new battery, reprogramming, or could be facing interference from other devices. Your wall switches may require rewiring, or your breaker may have tripped. Additionally, your motor could be unplugged or even burned out.
Take the time to examine each component to find the cause. Battery replacement is significantly easier than rewiring a garage. Please don’t hesitate to call the experts when you need them.
Incorrect Limit Settings
Travel limit settings include a series of switches, screws, and wiring to tell the door when to close. If any of these components are out of sync, the door might assume it’s hitting the ground while it’s still open. Turn the down-limit screw slightly, testing until your door closes without reopening.
Broken Garage Door Springs
The incredibly tense, coiled springs above or beside your garage door bear most of its weight. When they stretch or break, your door will be stuck or unbalanced. Extension springs, which are on either side of the door, are more prone to issues than torsion (above door) springs.
Replacing springs is incredibly dangerous, so please call a professional.
Manual Lock
We all make silly mistakes, and you may have turned your garage door’s manual lock accidentally. Ensure that your garage is physically unlocked, then try opening it once more.
Faulty Weatherstripping
The seals on your garage door aren’t just for temperature control. If weatherstripping cracks, tears, or breaks, it may affect your door’s seal and confuse the sensors. Ensure that your weatherstripping is in good condition. If your garage door’s panels are warped or cracked, call a professional.
Solutions for Garage Doors to Stay Closed
If your garage door doesn’t open and close properly, the door is useless to your family. But improper function is your door’s way of communicating a problem. Something is preventing it from closing, and you can probably fix the garage door easily. Whether you need to replace the batteries in your remote, clean the sensors, or call an expert, solutions are possible.
Get Your Garage Door Closed All the Way
Space Coast Garage Door provides a wide range of garage door services for homeowners in Melbourne, FL. If your garage door won’t close fully and you’ve exhausted your troubleshooting capacity, we are here to help. We tailor our regular tune-ups and urgent repair services to the components of each garage door we examine.
From electrical wiring issues to poorly lubricated tracks, we know garage doors inside and out. We’ll complete any necessary inspections and repairs to keep your life moving smoothly again in no time.