Guide · Updated
Garage door won't close? Seven common causes
Why your garage door won't close or reverses before it reaches the floor, what you can safely check yourself, and when to call a technician.
A garage door that won't close is one of the most common calls we get in Matraville and the Eastern Suburbs. Sometimes it's a two-minute fix you can do yourself. Sometimes it's a sign of a part about to fail. Here are the causes we see most, in rough order of how often they come up.
1. Something is blocking the safety beams
Many sectional doors and newer roller doors have photo-electric safety beams: two small sensors either side of the opening, close to the floor. If anything breaks the beam, the door won't close or will reverse. Check for bins, bikes, leaves or a spider web across the lens.
2. The beams are dirty or out of line
A dusty lens or a sensor knocked by a car can stop the beam reaching the other side. Most sensors have an indicator light that goes off or flashes when they're misaligned. Wipe the lenses and gently line them up.
3. The close limit has drifted
The motor stores where the door should stop when closed. If that setting drifts, the door may think it has hit an obstruction and go back up. Your motor's manual will explain how to reset limits, or we can do it at a service.
4. The door is out of balance
As springs lose tension, the door gets heavier and the motor has to work harder. Many motors detect the extra effort as an obstruction and reverse. Pull the manual release and lift the door to about halfway: a balanced door stays there. If it drops or shoots up, the springs need adjusting.
5. A roller or the curtain is binding in the track
Worn rollers, bent tracks or a dented roller door curtain can catch as the door moves. You may hear scraping, or see the door jerk at the same point each time.
6. Remote or wall button problems
If the door works from the wall button but not the remote, try a new battery in the remote first. If neither works, check the motor has power and that the lock or vacation mode isn't switched on.
7. A broken spring or cable
If you heard a loud bang, the door looks crooked or a cable is hanging loose, stop using the door. Don't try to lift it or keep pressing the remote. This needs a technician.
When to call us
Call Toro Garage Doors on (02) 9072 1395 if the checks above don't fix it, if the door is crooked or noisy, or if a spring or cable is involved. We're based on Anzac Parade in Matraville and cover the Eastern Suburbs and South Sydney.