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 Open

DIY Friendly5 minutes - 2 hours

When your garage door won't open, start by checking the simplest causes: dead remote batteries, power outage to the opener, or an accidentally engaged manual release (red cord). If the motor runs but the door doesn't move, the drive gear or trolley may need repair.

Common Symptoms

Nothing happens when pressing remote or wall button
Motor runs but door doesn't move
Door is stuck and feels extremely heavy
Remote works sometimes but not always
Heard a loud bang, now door won't open

Possible Causes

•Dead remote battery
•Power outage or unplugged opener
•Manual release engaged
•Broken torsion spring
•Stripped drive gear
•Broken trolley or carriage
•Locked door (manual lock engaged)

How to Fix It

Check power supply

Ensure the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power. Check your circuit breaker for tripped breakers.

Replace remote batteries

Swap out the batteries in your remote. This solves the problem about 30% of the time.

Try the wall switch

If the remote doesn't work, try the wall-mounted button. If the wall switch works, reprogram your remote.

Check the manual release

Look for the red emergency release cord. If it's been pulled, the door is disconnected from the opener. Re-engage by pulling the cord toward the door.

Test door weight manually

Disconnect the opener and try lifting the door by hand. If it's extremely heavy or won't stay up, you likely have a broken spring.

If you suspect a broken spring, stop and call a professional. Spring repair is dangerous.

Listen to the opener

If the motor runs but the door doesn't move, the drive gear or trolley may be stripped. This requires opener repair or replacement.

When to Call a Professional

•You heard a loud bang (broken spring)
•Door is extremely heavy to lift manually
•Motor runs but door doesn't move (internal gear failure)
•You see broken cables hanging
•Door is off track

Frequently Asked Questions

Why won't my garage door open after a power outage?

The opener should work once power is restored. If it doesn't, check that the manual release cord wasn't pulled during the outage. Re-engage it by pulling the cord toward the door, then try the opener.

How do I manually open my garage door?

Pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the door from the opener. Then lift the door by hand from the bottom. Only do this when the door is fully closed to prevent it from crashing down.

Why does my garage door opener click but not open?

A clicking sound usually means the motor is trying to engage but the door is too heavy (likely a broken spring) or the trolley is disconnected. Check the manual release and test the door weight.