Trouble Opening & Closing Garage Door

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Why is My Garage Door Having Trouble Opening and Closing?

Do you have a dying garage door opener? Or the garage door refuses to budge, don’t panic. The solution to your problem may be simpler and more cost-effective than you think. You may not even need to call Level Up Garage Door to come to the rescue.

To help you troubleshoot and fix common garage door opening issues, we’ve compiled a list of potential problems and solutions. By understanding why your garage door won’t open and how to address the issue, you can save time and money on unnecessary repairs. However, after troubleshooting call/text 602-500-1800 for a free diagnosis and estimate over the phone.

Photo Lens

One common reason for a garage door not closing properly is dirty photo eyes. These safety sensors, located near the bottom of the door track on both sides, need a clear line of sight between them to function correctly.

If the brackets holding the electronic eyes are misaligned, the door may fail to descend all the way, causing it to stop or reverse. In this case, adjusting the sensors or brackets by hand can help ensure a clear line of sight and smooth operation.

Still no sure what you are looking for? Check out our garage door maintenance FAQs page to learn more about garage door photo-lens. Better yet, call/text Level Up Garage Door 602-500-1800 for a free diagnosis and estimate over the phone.

Remote Control or Keypad

Another issue that may prevent your garage door from opening is a malfunctioning remote control or keypad. If the door opens with the hardwired wall switch but not with the remote or keypad, the battery may need replacing. Additionally, check the wire antenna on the motor unit to ensure it is hanging downward and undamaged. Reprogramming the remote control or keypad may also be necessary if the sensitive electronics lose their programming.

Rollers

In Arizona, the garage rollers see some pretty frigid weather during the winter (unless your well insulated) so garage door rollers may stiffen up, causing the door to open slowly or not at all. Adjusting the sensitivity of the opener or lubricating the rollers with white lithium or silicone lubricant can help resolve this issue. If the rollers are damaged or rusted, replacing them or lubricating them can also prevent the door from binding in the tracks.

Motor Unplugged or Burned Out Fuse

If your garage door fails to open when the remote or wall switch is pressed, the motor unit may be unplugged. Check the ceiling outlet where the door opener is plugged in and ensure the cord is securely connected. If the power source to the motor has been disrupted, such as a tripped circuit breaker or burned-out fuse, resetting the breaker or replacing the faulty component may be necessary.

Still no sure what you are looking for? Check out our garage door maintenance FAQs page to learn more about garage door rollers and burned out fuses. Better yet, call/text Level Up Garage Door 602-500-1800 for a free diagnosis and estimate over the phone.

Torsion Springs

If the spring on your garage door is old and worn out, it could break soon. It’s important to replace it to avoid any problems. Make sure to know the strength or length of the old spring before buying a replacement. We do not recommend the homeowner doing a DIY torsion spring replacement. If you decide to do it, replace the spring when the door is open and under minimal stretch. Loosen the cable and add slack before removing the old spring and putting on the new one. Attach the new spring to the anchor point and tensioning roller. Make sure the tension is the same as the other side of the door. If the door doesn’t move smoothly, adjust the tension until it does.

Up-Limit Switch

In some cases, the up-limit switch may need to be adjusted closer to or away from the motor unit to ensure the garage door opens and closes properly. Similarly, the close-limit switch may need adjusting if the door fails to close completely or reverses when attempting to close.

Close-Force Adjustment

If the garage door reverses before touching the floor or immediately leaps upward after touching the floor, the close-force adjustment screw on the door opener motor may need to be adjusted. This screw controls the closing force of the door and may need to be fine-tuned for optimal performance.

Still no sure what you are looking for? Check out our garage door maintenance FAQs page to learn more about garage door force settings. Better yet, call/text Level Up Garage Door 602-500-1800 for a free diagnosis and estimate over the phone.

Motor Burned Out

If all else fails and your garage door still won’t open, it’s possible that the garage door opener’s motor has burned out and you may need a garage door replacement. Additionally, if the torsion or extension springs are the culprit, it’s best to have a professional technician handle the replacement, as these springs can be difficult and dangerous to work with.

By understanding these common garage door opening problems and their solutions, you can troubleshoot and address issues with confidence. Remember to always prioritize safety when working on your garage door and consult a Level Up Garage Door and call/text 602-500-1800 for a free diagnosis and estimate over the phone.

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