How much does it cost to fix a garage door that won't open?

There is no single price, because a door that will not open can have very different causes. Some you can rule out yourself for free. Others, such as a broken spring, need a technician. If you do book a visit, it carries a $45 diagnostic trip fee, and you get a written repair price to approve before work starts.

Common causes, from least to most involved

• No power or a dead remote battery: check the outlet, breaker and GFCI, and replace the remote battery.
• Wall control lock mode or remote programming: if the wall button works but the remote does not, this is a likely cause.
• Engaged manual lock: a slide lock on the door can stop it a few inches up.
• Opener drive problem: the motor runs but the door does not move because of a stripped gear, broken chain or belt, or disconnected trolley.
• Broken spring or cable: often a loud bang, then a door that will not lift. This is one of the most common reasons and a larger repair.

Checks that keep the bill down

Working through the power, battery and lock checks first can save a visit entirely. Do not keep pressing the button if the motor strains, and do not raise the force setting. If you heard a bang or can see a gap in a spring or a loose cable, stop using the door, do not pull the release handle, and keep clear. Forcing it can turn a spring repair into opener and track damage too. See whether a broken spring can stop a door from opening.

What a visit determines

The technician finds the actual cause, checks for anything that failed with it, and quotes that repair. If more than one fix is reasonable, such as repairing an old opener or replacing it, you see both prices.

Read more

• Garage door won't open
• Garage door repair cost guide
• Garage door repair

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