Quick Answer:
If your garage door won’t open, the issue could be dead remote batteries, misaligned sensors, broken springs, damaged cables, or power supply problems. Start by checking if the garage door opener is plugged in, replacing the remote batteries, and ensuring the sensors are clean and aligned. If the door still doesn’t open, the issue may require professional repair.
At LG Garage Door Repairs, we specialize in garage door troubleshooting, repairs, and replacements. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major malfunction, we can get your garage door working again quickly and safely.
1. Power Supply Issues
One of the most overlooked reasons for a garage door not opening is a lack of power. If the garage door opener is not receiving power, it won’t respond to your remote or wall switch.
How to Fix It:
First, check if the garage door opener is plugged in properly. Sometimes, power cords get unplugged accidentally. Next, see if the circuit breaker has tripped. If there’s no power to the garage door opener, reset the breaker and test it again.
If your home recently experienced a power outage or electrical surge, your garage door opener’s settings might have been reset. Unplug the opener for 30 seconds and plug it back in to reset the system. If power is restored but the opener still isn’t working, the issue may be internal and require professional diagnosis.
If you suspect a power issue, LG Garage Door Repairs can inspect your garage door opener and electrical system to find the cause.
2. Dead Garage Door Remote Batteries
If your garage door opener doesn’t respond to the remote control, the problem may be as simple as dead batteries. Over time, remote batteries lose power, causing the signal to weaken or stop working entirely.
How to Fix It:
Replace the batteries in your remote and try opening the garage door again. If new batteries don’t solve the issue, test the wall switch inside your garage to see if it operates the door. If the wall switch works but the remote doesn’t, the remote may need to be reprogrammed or replaced.
If multiple remotes aren’t working, the garage door opener’s receiver may be faulty. In this case, LG Garage Door Repairs can replace or reprogram your remote for seamless operation.
3. Misaligned or Blocked Safety Sensors
Garage doors have safety sensors located near the ground on both sides of the door. These sensors prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects. If the sensors are misaligned, dirty, or blocked, the garage door may not open or may reverse immediately after closing.
How to Fix It:
Inspect both sensors to ensure they are facing each other directly. If one sensor is out of alignment, the door won’t function properly. Gently adjust the sensors until both indicator lights turn on.
Also, clean the sensor lenses with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If something is obstructing the sensors, like a trash can, ladder, or storage box, move it out of the way.
If your sensors are aligned and clean but the door still won’t open, the wiring may be damaged. A technician from LG Garage Door Repairs can inspect and replace faulty sensors.
4. Broken Garage Door Springs
Garage doors use torsion or extension springs to lift and lower smoothly. If a spring breaks, the door will not open manually or with the opener. A broken spring is one of the most common and serious garage door issues.
How to Fix It:
Look for visible signs of a broken spring, such as a gap in the coil or a loud snapping noise when the door last operated. Never attempt to repair or replace garage door springs yourself, as they are under extreme tension and can cause injury.
If your garage door feels extremely heavy to lift manually, this is another sign that the springs have failed. Contact LG Garage Door Repairs immediately for safe spring replacement.
5. Damaged or Snapped Cables
Garage door cables work with the springs to lift the door safely. If a cable snaps, the door may become unbalanced and won’t open properly. You may notice the door hanging unevenly or one side not lifting as high as the other.
How to Fix It:
Check if the cables are frayed, loose, or broken. If a cable has snapped, do not attempt to operate the garage door, as this could further damage the system or cause an accident.
Garage door cables require professional replacement, so call LG Garage Door Repairs for a safe and efficient fix.
6. Garage Door Tracks Are Bent or Blocked
Your garage door moves along metal tracks on each side. If these tracks are bent, dented, or obstructed, the door won’t open smoothly or may get stuck.
How to Fix It:
Inspect the tracks for debris, rust, or dents. If an object is blocking the tracks, remove it and try opening the door again. For minor dents, gently tap them back into shape with a rubber mallet.
If the tracks are severely bent or misaligned, a garage door technician will need to repair or replace them. LG Garage Door Repairs can realign, clean, and replace damaged tracks for smooth operation.
7. The Garage Door Opener Motor Has Failed
If your garage door opener makes a humming sound but doesn’t lift the door, the motor may have burned out. Over time, wear and tear can cause motor failure, circuit board damage, or gear malfunctions.
How to Fix It:
If you suspect a motor failure, test the manual release. If the door opens manually but the opener won’t work, the issue is likely with the motor or electrical system.
A faulty motor may need repair or full replacement. LG Garage Door Repairs can diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair
While some garage door issues can be fixed with simple troubleshooting, others require professional expertise to prevent injuries and costly damage.
You should call a garage door technician if:
- The door won’t open after checking the power, remotes, and sensors.
- You notice broken springs, snapped cables, or damaged tracks.
- The garage door makes loud grinding noises when opening or closing.
- The door opens partway and then stops or reverses.
At LG Garage Door Repairs, we provide fast, reliable garage door repair services, including spring replacement, cable repair, track realignment, and opener troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts: How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open
If your garage door isn’t opening, start by checking the power, replacing remote batteries, and ensuring the safety sensors are aligned. If the problem is more serious—like broken springs, snapped cables, or a faulty motor—contact a professional for repairs.
📞 Need expert garage door repair? LG Garage Door Repairs offers same-day service for all garage door issues. Call us now to get your garage door working again!