Problem
Garage door won't close or reverses
Most of the time the opener thinks something is in the way. Start with the two small sensors at the bottom of the door opening.
Your call goes to an independent garage door contractor.
Where to look
- Stops on the way down, opener light flashing
- A sensor is blocked or knocked out of line. See the sensor page.
- Touches the floor, then goes back up
- Look for something under the door, such as a ridge of ice or a stone. If the floor is clear, the opener's close setting may need adjusting.
- Stops or reverses at the same spot each time
- Disconnect the opener with the door closed and lift the door by hand. If it binds at that spot, a roller or the track is the likely cause.
Getting it shut for tonight
Many openers will close if you press and hold the wall button, even with the sensors blocked. Watch the door all the way down, keep people and pets clear, and let go if anything looks wrong. Then get the sensors looked at, because the door isn't protected while they're not working.
What to leave alone
- Don't turn up the force setting to make it close. That is what stops the door crushing something.
- Don't tape over the sensors or take them out of the circuit.
The board test
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tells owners to lay a 2x4 flat on the floor in the door's path and close the door, once a month. If the door doesn't reverse when it hits the board, disconnect the opener until it has been adjusted, repaired or replaced.
Need someone to look at the door?
Call this number to reach an independent contractor. Say what the door is doing, whether it is stuck open or shut, and what happened just before it stopped.