Garage Door Won't Close? 7 Common Causes and How to Fix Them

A garage door that won't close leaves your home exposed and your family unsafe. The good news: the cause is usually one of a handful of issues, and a few are things you can check yourself in under five minutes.

1. Misaligned safety sensors

The two small photo-eye sensors near the floor must face each other perfectly. If one is bumped or a light is blinking, the door will refuse to close. Gently realign them until both LEDs are solid.

2. Dirty or blocked sensor lenses

Spider webs, dust, or even direct sunlight can interfere with the sensor beam. Wipe the lenses clean with a soft cloth.

3. Something in the door's path

Check the track for a stray object, trash bin, or even a small toy breaking the sensor line.

4. Bad or worn rollers

Worn rollers can cause the door to bind and reverse. This usually needs a professional to replace safely.

5. Limit settings out of adjustment

If the opener thinks the door is hitting the floor early, it reverses. The close-limit screw on the opener may need adjustment.

6. Broken or frayed cables

Cables work with the springs to control the door. A frayed or snapped cable will throw the door off balance — this is a repair to leave to a technician.

7. A failing spring

If the door is heavy and won't stay open or close evenly, a spring may be on its way out.

Still won't close? Don't force it. Call (469) 231-4906 and we'll have a local Prosper technician out the same day.