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Safety sensors: the most common reason a door won’t close
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Safety first. Never adjust springs, cables or bottom brackets yourself. They’re under extreme tension. Keep clear of a moving door, and only pull the red emergency release when the door is fully closed.
Step-by-step
What is your door doing?
Symptom 1
The door won’t open at all
Broken spring next to the opener (photo: ZS)
Likely causes
No power to the opener (unplugged, tripped breaker or GFCI outlet)
The lock / vacation button on the wall control is on
A broken torsion spring: look for a gap in the coil above the door
The emergency release was pulled and the opener is disconnected
Try this first
Check that the opener light comes on, and test the outlet with a lamp
Press the wall button, not just the remote
Look (don’t touch) at the spring above the door for a 2–3 inch gap
Stop pressing the button if the opener hums but nothing moves
The most common reason is the safety sensors near the floor. If the beam is blocked, dirty or out of line, the opener reverses the door. Clear and wipe both sensors and line them up until both lights are on and solid.
How do I close my garage door if the sensors aren’t working?
On most openers, press and hold the wall button until the door is fully down. Keep people, pets and cars clear, and let go to stop it.
How do I open my garage door when the power is out?
With the door fully closed, pull the red emergency release cord and lift the door by hand. If it feels extremely heavy, stop: the spring may be broken. Reconnect the opener when the power comes back.
Why does my garage door open a few inches and stop?
That’s usually a broken torsion spring. Stop using the opener and call or text (808) 600-8393.
My remote doesn’t work but the wall button does. What’s wrong?
Usually weak batteries, the lock feature on the wall control, or the remote needs to be reprogrammed with the opener’s learn button.
When should I stop and call a pro?
Any time you see a broken spring, a snapped or loose cable, a crooked or off-track door, or the door feels very heavy. Those parts are under extreme tension.
This guide is general information. Every door and opener is different, so check your opener’s manual, and if in doubt, leave it to a licensed technician.
Still stuck?
Text us a photo or video of what the door is doing.
