How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Stay Open

When your garage door opens but won't stay up, it's more than an inconvenience — it's a sign of mechanical failure that shouldn't be ignored. A door that slowly drops or slams shut can lead to property damage or serious injury. In most cases, the problem lies in the spring system, cables, or overall balance of the door.

This article covers why your garage door won't stay open, how to test for problems, and what you can (and shouldn't) try on your own.

Why the Door Won't Stay Open: Key Causes

1. Weak or Broken Springs

Your garage door is heavy, and the springs are what make it feel light. If the torsion or extension springs lose their strength or break, the door won't be able to hold its position and will start to close under its own weight.

Common signs:

• The door drops after lifting
• You heard a loud “snap” earlier
• It feels much heavier than usual when opened manually

Don't try to replace the springs yourself — they're under extreme tension and can be dangerous. Always contact a technician for proper garage door spring repair.

2. Frayed or Loose Cables

Steel lift cables are critical for maintaining balance. When one wears out or slips off the drum, the door may tilt or shut unexpectedly.

What to look for:

• Hanging or loose cables
• The door is crooked or jerky when moving
• Strange popping or scraping noises

A stretched or broken cable puts the entire system at risk. You'll need a cable replacement before safe operation can resume.

3. Off-Balance Spring Tension

Even intact springs can cause problems if their tension isn't set correctly. Too little, and the door sinks. Too much, and it pulls upward on its own.

How to test it:

• Disconnect the opener using the emergency release.
• Manually lift the door to waist height.
• Let go gently.

If it drops — not enough spring tension.
If it rises — tension is too high.
If it stays — the balance is correct.

In most cases, adjusting spring tension is a task for trained professionals with the proper tools.

4. Worn Out Garage Door Opener

Your opener isn't meant to hold the full weight of the door — that's the spring's job. But if the opener's up-force is set too low, or if the internal gear is stripped, it might not hold the door open properly.

Possible symptoms:

• Door won't stay open unless held
• Loud humming without movement
• Door reverses mid-open

Try adjusting the opener's force settings first. If that fails, contact a specialist for opener inspection or replacement.

5. Track or Roller Problems

If the door's movement feels jerky, or if it catches halfway, the issue may be with the rollers or tracks. Misalignment or damaged components may cause drag, preventing the door from staying up.

Watch for:

• Door shifts to one side
• Rollers pop or resist movement
• Screeching or metal-on-metal sounds

Lubrication can help in mild cases, but bent tracks or worn rollers typically require repair or replacement.

What You Can Check Yourself

You can do a few things safely before calling a pro:

• Test the balance: Disconnect the opener, lift the door halfway, and let go.
• Inspect the springs and cables visually (but don't touch them).
• Check for loose hardware: Look at hinges, track bolts, and brackets.
• Examine the tracks for bends, debris, or separation from the wall.
• Lubricate the rollers using silicone spray (never use grease or WD-40).

If the door slams or shifts during any test, stop immediately and contact a technician.

When to Call a Garage Door Technician

Some issues aren't just difficult — they're dangerous. Call a licensed garage door specialist if:

• The springs are visibly damaged or separated
• The door won't stay up at all
• You notice grinding, snapping, or burning smells from the opener
• One side of the door lifts higher than the other
• The door gets stuck halfway and won't respond

Modern technicians offer same day garage door repair and bring all tools and parts needed for emergency garage door service on the spot.

Preventing Future Problems

Garage doors need care to stay safe and functional. A little maintenance goes a long way:

• Lubricate metal parts every 6 months
• Test door balance quarterly
• Clean the tracks and sensor eyes regularly
• Listen for new sounds — often your first warning
• Schedule annual inspections with a professional for spring tension and opener tuning

Need Help in New Jersey?

At Kraus Garage Door, we specialize in garage doors that won't stay open — from spring and cable replacements to full opener upgrades.

We provide:

• 24/7 emergency service
• Fast diagnostics and same-day fixes
• Affordable garage door repair across NJ
• Work backed by licensed technicians
• Smart opener installation and programming

Don't risk injury or further damage.
Call today or book online — we'll keep your garage door where it belongs: safely open when you need it.