Garage Door Won’t Close? Common Causes and Fixes

A garage door that will not close is usually a safety sensor problem. If the opener lights blink, or the door goes down and then back up, check the sensors first. Other causes include something in the door’s path, the close-limit setting, a track or roller problem, or a broken spring. Here is what to check, what never to do, and when to call a professional.

Common reasons a garage door won’t close

1. The safety sensors are blocked or misaligned. The two small sensors near the floor must face each other with clean lenses and a steady light. Wipe them and check that neither has been bumped.
2. Something is in the door path. Remove anything under or beside the door, including items on the floor and leaves or debris at the threshold.
3. The close-limit setting needs adjusting. If the door touches the floor and reverses, the setting may be off. Follow your opener manual or ask a technician.
4. The track or rollers are damaged. A door that jams, shakes or hesitates may have a track or roller problem. Stop using it and call for service.
5. The remote or wall control is the problem. If the wall button closes the door but the remote does not, start with the remote battery.
6. A spring or cable has broken. A door that feels very heavy, or closes crooked, needs a professional.

What you can safely try

• Wipe both safety sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
• Clear the door path and the floor under the door.
• Check that the wall control is not set to a lock mode.
• Replace the remote battery if only the remote fails.

When to call DDS Garage Doors

Call us if the sensors look fine but the door still reverses, if the door is crooked or jammed, or if the door is stuck open and you cannot secure your garage. We offer emergency garage door repair, and you can read more about garage door repair. If the opener itself seems to be failing, see our guide to a garage door opener that is not working.

Frequently Asked Questions