Quick Answer:
If your garage door won’t close, the most common causes include misaligned safety sensors, obstructions in the door’s path, damaged tracks, or a malfunctioning opener. Start by checking for any objects blocking the door’s path, ensuring the sensors are clean and properly aligned, and testing the remote batteries. If the problem persists, the issue may require professional repair.
At LG Garage Door Repairs, we provide expert garage door troubleshooting and repair services. Whether it’s a sensor issue, a mechanical failure, or a motor problem, we’ll get your garage door working again quickly and safely.
1. Check for Obstructions in the Door’s Path
Garage doors are designed with safety features that prevent them from closing if something is blocking their path. Even a small object can trigger the system, causing the door to stop or reverse when you try to close it.
How to Fix It:
Look for any objects near the door tracks or on the floor where the door closes. Items like toys, tools, or even built-up dirt and debris can interfere with the system. Remove any obstructions and try closing the door again.
If the issue persists, move on to checking the safety sensors.
2. Inspect and Align the Safety Sensors
Garage doors have infrared safety sensors located near the ground on either side of the door. These sensors communicate with each other and prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. If the sensors are misaligned, dirty, or faulty, the garage door won’t close properly.
How to Fix It:
Look at the sensors on both sides of the garage door. Make sure they are aligned and facing each other directly. If one of them is out of position, gently adjust it until both indicator lights turn on.
If the sensors appear to be aligned, clean the lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust or debris. Dirt buildup can cause the sensors to malfunction and prevent the door from closing.
If your sensors are aligned and clean but the door still won’t close, the wiring may be damaged. LG Garage Door Repairs can inspect and replace faulty sensors if needed.
3. Test the Garage Door Opener Remote
If your garage door isn’t closing when using the remote or wall switch, the problem could be related to the garage door opener itself.
How to Fix It:
Try using the wall switch to close the garage door. If the door closes with the wall switch but not with the remote, replace the batteries in the remote.
If replacing the batteries doesn’t work, try reprogramming the remote by following the instructions in your garage door opener manual. If the remote is still unresponsive, you may need a replacement or a professional inspection.
If both the remote and wall switch fail to close the door, the issue could be with the opener or safety features. LG Garage Door Repairs can diagnose and repair opener-related issues.
4. Look for Damaged or Misaligned Garage Door Tracks
If your garage door starts closing but then reverses or stops suddenly, the tracks may be misaligned or damaged. Over time, the tracks can shift due to vibration, wear, or accidental impact.
How to Fix It:
Inspect the tracks for dents, bends, or visible damage. If the tracks look uneven or bent, they may be preventing the door from moving smoothly.
For minor misalignments, try gently tapping the tracks back into place with a rubber mallet. However, if the tracks are severely bent or broken, they will need to be replaced by a professional.
If you suspect a track issue, LG Garage Door Repairs can realign or replace damaged tracks to restore smooth operation.
5. Check the Garage Door’s Limit Settings
Garage door openers have limit settings that control how far the door moves when opening and closing. If these settings are incorrect, the door may not close all the way or may reverse before hitting the ground.
How to Fix It:
Locate the limit adjustment screws on your garage door opener unit. These screws control how far the door moves when opening and closing.
Try slightly adjusting the “down” limit setting and test the door again. If the door now closes properly, the issue was due to incorrect limit settings.
If you’re unsure how to adjust the settings, LG Garage Door Repairs can fine-tune your garage door opener for optimal performance.
6. Inspect the Garage Door Springs and Cables
If your garage door feels heavy, closes unevenly, or doesn’t close fully, the springs or cables may be damaged. The springs and cables work together to balance the weight of the door, and if one of them breaks, the door may not function correctly.
How to Fix It:
Check if the springs are visibly broken or stretched. If you hear a loud snapping noise when trying to close the door, a spring may have failed.
Also, inspect the garage door cables for fraying or detachment. Broken cables can cause the door to close unevenly or prevent it from closing completely.
⚠️ Do not attempt to repair or replace springs or cables yourself. These components are under high tension and can cause serious injury if handled improperly. Call LG Garage Door Repairs for professional repair.
7. Disconnect the Garage Door Opener and Try Closing the Door Manually
If your garage door opener isn’t working, try disengaging the opener to close the door manually.
How to Fix It:
Find the emergency release cord (usually a red handle hanging from the opener rail). Pull it down to disconnect the door from the opener.
Once disengaged, try closing the garage door manually. If the door moves smoothly, the issue is likely with the opener. If the door still doesn’t close properly, there may be an issue with the springs, cables, or tracks.
For opener-related issues, LG Garage Door Repairs provides garage door opener repair and replacement services.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Repair
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your garage door still won’t close, it’s time to call a professional.
You should call a garage door technician if:
- The safety sensors are clean and aligned, but the door still won’t close.
- The garage door reverses suddenly when closing.
- You hear loud noises, grinding, or snapping sounds.
- The springs or cables are broken or frayed.
- The garage door opener is unresponsive or making unusual sounds.
At LG Garage Door Repairs, we provide fast, reliable garage door repair services, including sensor realignment, track repair, opener troubleshooting, and spring replacement.
Final Thoughts: How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Close
If your garage door isn’t closing properly, check for obstructions, misaligned sensors, dead remote batteries, or damaged tracks. If the issue is more serious—like broken springs, snapped cables, or a malfunctioning opener—contact a professional for repairs.
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