Why won't my garage door close?

Common reasons include: misaligned safety sensors, obstructions in the door path, broken springs, stripped gears in the opener, or issues with the close limit settings. Check the safety sensors first - they should both have steady lights.

Should I repair or replace my garage door?

Consider replacing if: the door is over 15-20 years old, has significant rust or structural damage, panels are severely damaged, or you want to upgrade to an insulated door. Many issues like springs, cables, sensors, and openers are cost-effective to repair.

What do the blinking lights on my garage door opener mean?

Blinking lights indicate error codes. For LiftMaster/Chamberlain: 1 blink = sensor wire issue, 2 blinks = sensor wire short, 3 blinks = door control wire issue, 4 blinks = sensor misalignment, 5 blinks = motor issue. Use our error code lookup tool for specific diagnosis.

How do I calculate what torsion spring I need?

To calculate the correct torsion spring, you need: door height, door width, door weight, track type, and number of springs. The formula involves IPPT (Inch-Pounds Per Turn) = d^4 × E / (10.8 × D × Na). Use our spring calculator for accurate results.

Can I replace a garage door spring myself?

Torsion spring replacement is dangerous and recommended only for trained professionals due to the extreme tension (over 200 lbs of force). Extension springs are safer for DIY but still require proper safety precautions and tools.

Garage Door Won't Close

DIY Friendly5-30 minutes

When your garage door won't close, the most common cause is blocked or misaligned safety sensors near the floor. These sensors prevent the door from closing when something is in the way. Check that nothing is blocking the sensors, clean the lenses, and ensure they're properly aligned with each other.

Common Symptoms

Door reverses immediately after touching the ground
Door reverses before reaching the ground
Opener lights blink when trying to close
Door goes down a few inches then stops
Remote works but wall switch doesn't (or vice versa)

Possible Causes

•Safety sensors blocked or misaligned
•Dirty sensor lenses
•Sensor wiring damaged
•Close-limit switch needs adjustment
•Track obstruction or debris
•Broken spring (door feels heavy)

How to Fix It

Check for obstructions

Look for any objects blocking the door path or sensors. Remove toys, boxes, or debris near the bottom of the door.

Clean the sensor lenses

Wipe both sensor lenses (located 6 inches from the floor on each side) with a soft cloth. Dirt, cobwebs, or moisture can block the beam.

Check sensor alignment

Both sensors should have solid (not blinking) lights. If one blinks, it's misaligned. Loosen the wing nut, adjust until the light is solid, then retighten.

Inspect sensor wires

Look for damaged, frayed, or disconnected wires running from sensors to the opener. Repair or replace damaged wiring.

Test the door

Try closing the door. If it still won't close, check the close-limit switch on the opener unit.

Adjust close-limit switch

Locate the limit adjustment screws on your opener. Turn the 'down' or 'close' screw slightly clockwise to increase travel distance.

When to Call a Professional

•Door is extremely heavy or hard to lift manually
•You hear a loud bang and the door won't move (broken spring)
•Motor runs but door doesn't move
•You're uncomfortable working with electrical components

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my garage door close then immediately open?

This usually means the close-limit switch is set incorrectly or the safety sensors are misaligned. The opener thinks the door has hit an obstacle and reverses for safety. Adjust the close-limit or realign your sensors.

Can I bypass the safety sensors?

While technically possible, you should never bypass safety sensors. They prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects. If sensors are faulty, replace them instead of bypassing.

Why do my garage door sensors keep going out of alignment?

Frequent misalignment usually means the mounting brackets are loose or the sensors were bumped. Check bracket tightness and consider installing sensor guards to protect them.