Problem
Garage door won'tclose, or reverses
A door that goes back up thinks something is in the way. Most often that's a sensor near the floor that is blocked, dirty or knocked out of line.
Try these, in this order
Safe to do
- Clear the doorway, including leaves, snow and anything leaning on the track.
- Wipe each sensor lens with a soft cloth.
- Look at the lights on both sensors. Both should be steady.
- Gently turn a sensor back into line if it points the wrong way.
- To close the door for now, hold the wall button down until it's closed, and watch it the whole way. On most openers this overrides the sensors. If it works, a sensor is the cause.
Leave alone
- Don't tape over or unplug a sensor to force the door shut.
- Don't turn up the force setting to stop the door reversing.
- Don't stand under the door to test it.
If the sensors look fine
A door that stops partway and goes back up may have a travel setting that's off, or a track or roller that's binding. Pull nothing apart. Tell the contractor where in its travel the door turns around.
Test the reverse after any repair
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says to lay a 2x4 flat on the floor in the door's path. If the door doesn't reverse when it hits the board, disengage the opener until it has been adjusted, repaired or replaced.
Ready to talk to a contractor?
Your call goes to an independent contractor who works in this area. Say what the door is doing, ask what the price covers, and ask for license details before you agree to anything.