Garage doors are a common feature in many homes. They provide security and privacy for homeowners and protect vehicles from outdoor elements. Garage doors typically open and close without issue, but sometimes they may not close properly for a variety of reasons.
In this article, we will explore 10 simple things to check when your garage door doesn’t close. We’ll also discuss which problems you can fix on your own, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Troubleshooting – 10 Simple Things to Check When Your Garage Door Doesn’t Close
Check the Remote and Keypad Batteries
The first and easiest thing to check is the batteries in your garage door remote and keypad. If these devices are not working, then your garage door will not close. Most remotes use standard AA or AAA batteries, so simply replace them with new ones to see if that solves the problem.
If you have a keypad, it may use a 9-volt battery. These are less common, but you can usually find them at your local hardware store.
Check for Interference with The Remote or Transmitter Range Issues
Another common issue is interference with the remote or transmitter signal. If anything is blocking the signal between the remote and the garage door opener, then the door will not close. This could be something as simple as a parked car in the way, or something more serious like a metal garage door or other metal interference.
You may also be using the remote too far away and it can’t send a strong enough signal to reach the opener.
To troubleshoot this problem, try moving the remote closer to the opener or pressing the button multiple times to see if that makes a difference. If not, then you may need to replace the batteries in your remote.
If you are still having trouble, then there may be an issue with the garage door opener itself and you will need to keep working down the list below.
Check the Photo Eye Sensors and Safety Features/board Test
One common reason why garage doors don’t close is that the safety sensors are misaligned, blocked, or dirty. These sensors are located at the bottom of the garage door tracks on either side, and they prevent the door from closing if there is an obstacle in the way.
If the sensors are triggered they will open the door and keep it open until the cause of the trigger is removed.
First, clean the sensors and remove any obstructions that may be blocking them. If the problem persists, try realigning the sensors. The sensors should be pointing directly at each other, about 6 inches off the ground.
If the safety sensors are still not working properly, check the wiring and connectors to make sure they are secure and free of any corrosion. If the wires are damaged, you will need to call a professional to replace them.
If the safety sensors are not the problem, the next thing to check is the safety reversing board/feature. This feature is designed to stop and reverse the garage door if it senses an obstruction while closing.
To test this feature, place a block of wood or another object in front of the garage door while it is closing. The door should stop and then reverse when it comes in contact with the obstruction.
If the safety reversing feature is not working properly, you will need to call a professional to repair or replace it.
Check for Obstacles
Another common reason why garage doors don’t close properly is that there is an obstacle in the way. The first thing you should do when troubleshooting this problem is to check for any objects that may be blocking the door.
Remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the area around the garage door. Also, make sure that nothing is blocking the tracks on either side of the door.
If you have a garage door opener, check to see if anything is preventing the arm from moving freely. The arm should be able to move up and down without any obstruction.
If you find that there is an object blocking the garage door, simply remove it and try closing the door again.
Check the Track Alignment
Another simple but often overlooked reason why garage doors don’t close properly is that the tracks are not aligned correctly. Over time, the tracks can become bent or misaligned from normal wear and tear.
To check the alignment of your garage door tracks, simply look at them to see if they are level with each other. The tracks should be parallel to each other and should be level with the ground.
If the tracks are not aligned properly, you can try to straighten them yourself using a mallet or a rubber hammer. If the tracks are severely bent or damaged, you will need to call a professional to replace them.
Check the Rollers and Hinges
The rollers and hinges on your garage door can also become damaged over time. The rollers should be free of any cracks or chips, and the hinges should be free of any rust.
If you find any damage to the rollers or hinges, you can try to repair them yourself using a hammer or pliers.
Look for Broken Tension Springs, Extension Springs, or Cables
If your garage door is still not closing properly, the next thing to check is the tension springs, extension springs, or cables. These parts can become damaged or broken over time and will need to be replaced if they are not working properly.
To check the tension springs disconnect the emergency release cord and close the door manually. Be careful and have someone help you. If one or both of the springs are broken you’ll be moving the full weight of the door or it could slam shut.
After closing the door try opening it again. The door should open smoothly without any resistance. If the door is difficult to open or if it doesn’t stay open, the tension springs need to be replaced.
Confirm the Emergency Disconnect Switch Is Still Correctly Engaged
Next, check the emergency disconnect switch to make sure it is still engaged. This switch connects your garage door to the chain or belt drive. Its purpose is to allow you to manually open and close the door if the opener is malfunctioning (or you lose power).
If it’s disconnected the opener won’t be able to close the door. The switch is usually a large, red lever located just above the garage door on the wall.
If you find that the emergency disconnect switch is not engaged, try to engage it yourself. Each model is different but generally, you just need to pull it either towards or away from the door until it clicks into place (or disengages).
If you can’t engage it, or if it won’t stay engaged, you will need to call a professional to repair or replace it.
Test the Limit Setting
Another common reason for garage doors not to close is that the limit setting needs to be adjusted. The limit setting tells the door opener how far it needs to go to fully close.
If this is incorrectly set then the door will assume it’s hit something before fully closing then simply open up again.
Read your opener’s instruction manual, find the limit set on your opener, and adjust it to new levels.
You’ll need to do this at several levels to find the correct one. Once you find the level that lets the door close fully without opening back up, make a note of it, and don’t change it again.
Which Problems to Fix on Your Own and When to Call a Professional
Now that you know the most common reasons why garage doors don’t close, you may be wondering which ones you can fix on your own and when you should call a professional.
In general, any problem that involves the tracks, rollers, hinges, or springs should be fixed by a professional. These parts can be very dangerous to work with and can cause serious injury if not handled correctly.
The emergency disconnect switch, remote/keypad tests, cleaning the photo eyes, and removing dirt, debris, and obstructions are all things you can do on your own.
If you find that your garage door still won’t close after trying these tips, then it’s time to call a professional. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and safely.
How Much Does It Cost on Average to Fix a Garage Door That Doesn’t Close?
The average cost to fix a garage door that doesn’t close properly is $200-$300. This price will vary depending on the problem and how extensive the repairs are.
If you need to replace parts like the springs, cables, or opener, then the cost will be on the higher end. If the problem is something simple like dirty photo eyes or an obstructed sensor, then the cost will be on the lower end.
Conclusion
If your garage door won’t close, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem yourself. If these tips don’t work, then it’s time to call a professional.
In most cases, the problem is something simple that can be fixed quickly and without too much cost. So don’t wait, get your garage door fixed today!
