Most garage door problems trace back to a handful of parts: the safety sensors, the tracks and rollers, the remote, or the springs and cables. Match what you're seeing below, try the safe checks, and call for anything involving a spring, cable, or a door that's off its track.
Match the Symptom to the Cause
- Won't open, or you heard a bang: likely a broken spring. See garage door won't open.
- Won't close, or reverses partway: check the photo-eyes; binding and travel settings can also cause it. See garage door won't close.
- Grinding, squeaking, or rattling: usually rollers, hinges, or loose hardware. See noisy garage door.
- Opens or closes unevenly: often a worn or slipping cable.
- Door looks crooked or came off the track: stop using it. See garage door off track.
- Remote or keypad doesn't respond: usually batteries, range, or programming.
Safe Checks You Can Do
- Follow the door manual to lubricate hinge pivots and serviceable roller bearings. Wipe accessible tracks clean and leave them dry.
- Clean the sensor lenses and confirm they face each other with nothing blocking the beam.
- Look for loose hardware without turning fasteners on springs, cables, bottom brackets or track supports; have those repaired by a technician.
- Replace remote and keypad batteries.
- Test balance on a closed door: disconnect the opener and lift the door by hand to about waist height. It should stay in place if it's balanced. Don't stand under it, and skip this test if a spring or cable looks damaged.
What Needs a Professional
Springs, cables, and an off-track door all involve tension or weight that can cause serious injury if handled without the right tools and training. If your door is heavy, crooked, making a banging noise, or won't stay balanced after the test above, that's a service call, not a repair project.
Preventing Repeat Problems
A yearly tune-up catches worn rollers, loose hardware, and weak springs before they cause a breakdown, and keeps the sensors and opener adjusted correctly. Garage door tune-up.
FAQ
Why does my garage door reverse before touching the ground?
Check for an interrupted photo-eye beam, dirty lenses or misalignment. If those are normal, binding or travel settings can also trigger reversal; do not increase force to push through it.
How can I tell if my garage door springs are broken?
A loud bang, a door that won't lift or lifts only a few inches, or a visible gap in the coil are the main signs. Don't try to open the door; call for a replacement.
What causes a garage door to open by itself?
Usually a remote stuck transmitting, frequency interference, or a wiring issue in the opener. If basic checks don't explain it, have the opener inspected.
If your door needs more than a safe check, call (916) 838-8182. We diagnose and repair garage doors across the Sacramento area, most often the same day, with a $45 diagnostic trip fee and the price agreed before we start. Garage door repair.
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