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Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having problems with your Garage Door, please take a look at the troubleshooting guide below, so see if you can find possible solutions to your problem.

There are many different types of garage doors, and there are many different variables that can be causing a problem with your garage door. When considering any of the garage door troubleshooting solutions you are provided, always test your door manually first, and then test with the remote opener second. This simple process can somtimes quickly identify a problem, or help you elminate some of the more obvious possibilities.

Always remember. Garage Door Springs are under immense pressure. Safety first! If your problem is a broken spring, seek a garage door professional to assist you.

My door opens with the remote, but will not close?
The receiver might be sending a weak signal, and may need replacing, or check the power source. If your receiver runs on batteries, check those as well as the remote. Check the batteries first, and then slowly distance yourself from the receiver and press the remote at distance intervals. If you can't get far from the receiver, you may need to replace it.

Another option may be the sensors. Most openers have infra-red sensors that mount on either side of the garage door a few inches off the floor. When the infra-red sensors are malfunctioning, usually one of the sensor lights will be blinking. Make sure there is nothing obstructing the sensor beam. The sensor may need to be re-aligned or the photo lens needs to be cleaned.
The garage door starts to close, then stops, reverses and goes back up.
There are several possibilities here:
Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the coils, signs of excessive wear, or if it is broken.

Depending on what type of garage door you have, the extension pulleys may be worn and need to be replaced.

The roller-wheel bearings may be dry, if so, visit your local hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.

Most openers have infra-red sensors that mount on either side of the garage door a few inches off the floor. When the infra-red sensors are malfunctioning, usually one of the sensor lights will be blinking. Make sure there is nothing obstructing the sensor beam. The sensor may need to be re-aligned or the photo lens needs to be cleaned.

Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to be replaced.
My garage door won't stay open.
The springs may need to be tightened. This can be very dangerous to try on your own. It is best to have a professional come and make the adjustment, or depending on the age and wear of your springs, to replace them.
My garage door does not go all the way down.
Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the coils, signs of excessive wear, or if it is broken. Springs are the most important and the most dangerous part of a garage door. If they need replacing, contact a professional, and if the door has 2 springs, replace both, even if the second one does not appear to need it.

Inspect the pulleys for excessive wear, which can cause damage to the cables. Inspect the cables for fray or excessive wear and replace them if it is necessary.

Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to be replaced.
The door is making popping noises as it opens.
First, consult the owners manual and make sure the open/close force is adjusted according to the manufacturers instructions.

Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the coils, or any signs of excessive wear.

The roller-wheel bearings may be dry, if so, visit your local hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.

Another consideration is that metal wheels tend to be noisy, you may try replacing them with nylon wheels instead.
Garage door is stuck and will not move.
There are many possibilties for this issue, and a full inspection of all major parts of your door may be necessary:

Check the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the coils, or any signs of excessive wear. Make sure the spring is not broken.

Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to be replaced.

The roller-wheel bearings may be dry, if so, visit your local hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.

Inspect the pulleys for excessive wear, which can cause damage to the cables. Inspect the cables for fray or excessive wear and replace them if it is necessary.

Consult the owners manual and make sure the open/close force is adjusted according to the manufacturers instructions.
My door shudders and vibrates when opening and closing.
The hardware on your door may be worn out, visit your local hardware store for the proper lubricant, and apply as instructed.
My door shudders and vibrates when opening and closing.
The hardware on your door may be worn out, and you should have it examined by a garage door professional.
I hear a scraping sound when the door opens and closes.
Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted, then the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to be replaced.

Also, check to make sure the tracks are clean and free of dirt and debris.
My garage door opener runs, but nothing happens
Have you checked to make sure the trolley is not disengaged? If it is, you may have a broken trolley, and you will need a replacement.
The garage door will not open at all.
Check to make sure the tracks are clean and free of dirt and debris.

The receiver might be sending a weak signal, and may need replacing, or check the power source. If your receiver runs on batteries, check those as well as the remote.. Check the batteries first, and then slowly distance yourself from the receiver and press the remote at distance intervals. If you can't get far from the receiver, you may need to replace it.

Inspect the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the coils, or any signs of excessive wear. Make sure the spring is not broken.

Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to be replaced.

You may have accidentally "locked" the door by switching the "lock" or "vacation" switch on.

As a last resort, and depending on your make/model it is possible that the motor protection was tripped. Wait for about 15 minutes while the system resets, and then try again.
I have to hold down the remote button for the door to open or close.
The receiver might be sending a weak signal, and may need replacing, or check the power source. If your receiver runs on batteries, check those as well as the remote.

Another option may be the sensors. Most openers have infra-red sensors that mount on either side of the garage door a few inches off the floor. When the infra-red sensors are malfunctioning, usually one of the sensor lights will be blinking. Make sure there is nothing obstructing the sensor beam. The sensor may need to be re-aligned or the photo lens needs to be cleaned.
The door is struggling to open and close.
Check to make sure the tracks are clean and free of dirt and debris.

Inspect the springs for signs of wear, such as uneven gaps between the coils, or any signs of excessive wear. Make sure the spring is not broken.

Check the track and make sure it is straight. If it is bent or twisted, the wheel is catching in the track. Loosen the screws that secure the track, then carefully straighten or adjust it. Tighten the screws back up, and if this does not work, it may need to be replaced.
There was a loud bang, and the door stopped working.
The loud bang was the spring breaking. This can very dangerous, and the best defense is a regular inspection of the spring/s.

Springs are the most important and the most dangerous part of a garage door. Contact a professional for the replacement, and if the door has 2 springs, replace both, even if the second one does not appear to need it. This will save you in the near future, as chances are the second spring has been wearing out at a similar pace.
Do I need to perfrom a tune-up on my garage door?
Just like cars or other types of equipment, garage doors need to be maintained to keep them safe and operating correctly. Annual tune-ups prevent minor problems from turning into expensive disasters. Contact a local garage door professional for a quote.
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