Not every garage door problem needs a service call. Try these simple checks first. They take a few minutes and cost nothing. If it is something bigger, we will tell you, and we can be there the same day.
Try These Simple Fixes First
Go through these in order. Most "dead" openers turn out to be one of the first three.
1. Check the remote and the wall button
Try both. If the wall button works but the remote does not, the remote needs a new battery or needs to be reprogrammed. If neither works, move on.
2. Check the power
Make sure the opener is plugged in. Check the outlet and your breaker. Some outlets are on a GFCI that can trip and cut power to the garage.
3. Look at the wall control
Some wall controls have a lock or vacation button that stops the remotes from working. Make sure it is not turned on.
4. Clean and check the sensors
The two small sensors near the floor can stop the door from closing if they are dirty, blocked or knocked out of line. Wipe the lenses and check that both lights are steady. Our guide on aligning garage door sensors walks through it.
5. Check the release cord
If the red release cord was pulled, the opener is disconnected from the door. Re-connect it using the steps in our manual release guide.
6. Clear the tracks
Look along both tracks for anything blocking the rollers, like a stone, a bit of debris or a bent piece of metal. Remove loose debris only. Do not try to bend a track.
Still stuck? Try the door or opener test to find out whether the problem is the door or the opener.
A Noisy Door Is Often an Easy Fix
A squeaking or grinding door usually just needs lubricant. A little garage door lube or silicone spray on the hinges and roller stems quiets most squeaks. Keep it off the tracks, and wipe up the extra. Do not spray or touch the springs. If the noise is a loud bang, a scraping sound or a door that shakes, it needs a closer look. Our tune-up service covers all of this, and it lists everything we check.
When to Stop and Call Us
These are not do-it-yourself fixes. Springs and cables are under extreme tension, and attempts to repair them cause serious injuries every year. If you see any of these, stop using the door and call.
- A loud bang from the garage, or a visible gap in the spring coil. See the broken spring warning signs.
- A frayed, loose or snapped cable
- The door is crooked, hanging on one side, or off its track. We handle off-track repair.
- The door feels very heavy, or falls when you let go of it
- Bent or damaged panels, tracks or brackets
- The door is stuck open and you cannot secure the house. Call our 24/7 emergency line any time.
Garage Door Troubleshooting Questions
Why won't my garage door close?
The most common cause is the safety sensors. If the two small sensors near the floor are dirty, blocked or knocked out of line, the door will not close. Wipe both lenses, check that both lights are steady, and try again. If the door still will not close, call us.
Why does my garage door remote not work?
Start with the battery in the remote. If the wall button works but the remote does not, the remote needs a new battery or needs to be reprogrammed. If neither works, check that the opener has power and that the wall control is not in lock mode.
My garage door opener hums but the door does not move. What is wrong?
Try the door or opener test on our won't open page. If the door feels very heavy, a spring is probably broken, and the opener cannot lift the door alone. Stop using the opener and call us.
Can I fix a garage door myself?
Some things are safe: new remote batteries, cleaning and re-aiming the sensors, checking the outlet and lubricating hinges and rollers. Springs, cables and brackets are under extreme tension and cause serious injuries. Leave those to a professional.
How do I know when I need to call a pro?
Call if you heard a loud bang, see a gap in the spring coil, see a frayed or loose cable, or the door is crooked, off its track or falls when you let go of it. Those are not do-it-yourself fixes.
Tried These and Still Stuck?
Call us and tell us what is happening. We will tell you what we think it is, and give you the price before we start.
Call (512) 947-4451