Garage Door Won't Close: Causes & Fixes
A garage door that won't close is usually caused by misaligned safety sensors, a blocked track, or a broken spring, and fixing it often costs $50–$200 in parts. Most homeowners can realign sensors or clear obstructions themselves, though spring replacement typically requires a professional. Understanding what's stopping your door is the first step to getting it working safely again.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Check the safety sensors
Look at the two small sensors mounted on each side of the garage door frame about 4–6 inches above the ground. Make sure neither sensor is dirty, misaligned, or blocked by objects—wipe them clean with a dry cloth. If the LED light on either sensor is off or red instead of green, the sensors are not aligned and need adjustment.
- 2
Realign the sensors
Loosen the bracket bolts on the misaligned sensor just enough to pivot it toward the opposite sensor until the LED turns green. Tighten the bolts once both sensors show green lights. Test the door close by pressing the button from inside the garage—it should now descend without stopping.
- 3
Inspect the tracks for obstructions
Walk along both sides of the garage door and look for bent metal, debris, or buildup inside the tracks. Remove any leaves, dirt, or objects blocking the rollers by hand or with a vacuum. If you see a dent or bend in the track that is less than 1/4 inch deep, tap it out gently with a rubber mallet.
- 4
Test the force setting on the opener
Look at the garage door opener unit mounted on the ceiling and locate the force or travel adjustment screws—usually marked with arrows. If the door closes halfway and reverses, turn the down-force adjustment screw counterclockwise a quarter turn to increase closing power. Test the door again; repeat in quarter-turn increments if needed.
- 5
Lubricate the tracks and rollers
Spray a silicone-based lubricant (not oil) along the entire length of both vertical and horizontal tracks. Wipe away excess lubricant with a clean cloth to prevent dirt buildup. Operate the door a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly.
- 6
Check for a broken spring
Look up at the torsion spring rod above the door opening—if you see a visible gap or separation in the coiled spring, it is broken and requires professional replacement. Do not attempt to adjust or replace a torsion spring yourself, as they are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury.
⚠️ Safety Notes
- Do not touch or attempt to repair a broken torsion spring; the tension is strong enough to cause severe injury or death. Call a professional immediately if you see a gap or separation in the spring.
- Never stand directly under the garage door while it is moving or testing the close function, in case it reverses unexpectedly.
- If the door closes and then reverses, stop using the opener and check the sensors and track before testing again—a reversed closing door can damage property or cause injury.
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional garage door technician if the torsion spring is broken, the tracks are severely bent or damaged, or the sensors remain misaligned after adjustment and cleaning. A broken spring typically costs $150–$300 to replace and requires specialized tools and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does my garage door stop halfway and reverse?
- A reversed door is usually caused by misaligned safety sensors that detect an obstruction. Check that both sensors have green LED lights and face each other directly; if one is dirty or turned away, clean and realign it.
- How do I know if my garage door spring is broken?
- A broken torsion spring will show a visible gap or separation in the coiled metal above the door opening, and the door will feel very heavy or not open at all. Do not attempt to repair it yourself; a professional must replace it.
- Can I fix a bent garage door track myself?
- You can tap out dents less than 1/4 inch deep with a rubber mallet, but severely bent or kinked tracks must be professionally straightened or replaced to prevent door binding and further damage.
- What should I do if the garage door sensors are blocked?
- Remove any objects, debris, or buildup blocking the sensor beams, wipe the sensor lenses clean with a dry cloth, and check that both sensors have green LED lights and point directly at each other.
- How much does it cost to fix a garage door that won't close?
- Sensor realignment and track cleaning are free to DIY, while replacement parts like sensors ($25–$50) or springs ($150–$300) range in cost; professional service calls typically run $100–$200 in labor.
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