How to Fix a Garage Door That Wont Close

How to Fix a Garage Door That Wont Close

Emergency Quick Check (Do This First – 2 Minutes)

Before you start troubleshooting, answer these 3 questions:

Question 1: Does your garage door START to close, then reverse back up?
→ 90% chance it’s sensors (Jump to sensor fix)

Question 2: Does the door stop halfway and won’t move at all?
→ Likely broken springs (See spring symptoms) ⚠️ Don’t DIY this

Question 3: Does the remote work but the wall button doesn’t (or vice versa)?
→ Electrical/opener issue (Opener troubleshooting)

Need immediate help? Call: (973) 929-7888 (9 AM – 6 PM, Sun-Fri)

Diagnostic Decision Tree

┌─ Door closes 6-12 inches then reverses
│  └─ Check sensors (see below) ✓ DIY Safe
│
┌─ Door won't move at all / makes grinding noise
│  └─ Springs or cables ⚠️ Call professional
│
┌─ Door closes but reverses immediately
│  └─ Force settings OR track obstruction
│
└─ Door works sometimes / intermittent
   └─ Remote/connectivity issue

Part 1: Most Common Issue – Misaligned Safety Sensors (70% of cases)

From my 18 years fixing garage doors across Parsippany, Morristown, and Florham Park, sensor misalignment causes the majority of “won’t close” calls. Here’s why it happens:

  • Vibration over time (especially in homes near busy roads)
  • Bumped by cars, bikes, or lawn equipment
  • Settling foundation (common in NJ older homes)
  • Dirt/spider webs on lenses (yes, really)

The 5-Minute Sensor Fix

Step 1: Check the Lights

Look at BOTH sensors (small boxes on each side of door, ~6 inches from ground):

Sensor Light Status What It Means Next Action
Both solid green/amber Aligned correctly Problem is elsewhere
One solid, one blinking Misalignment Adjust (see below)
Both off No power Check wiring
One completely dark Dead sensor Needs replacement

Step 2: The “Paper Test”

Before adjusting, try this:

  1. Place a piece of white paper behind each sensor
  2. Look for the red beam reflection
  3. If you can’t see it clearly, they’re misaligned

Step 3: Quick Adjustment

Tools needed: None (hand-adjust) or small wrench if tight

1. Loosen the wing nut on the misaligned sensor
2. Move it SLIGHTLY up/down/left/right
3. Watch for both lights to go solid
4. Tighten when aligned
5. Test: close door with remote

Advanced Sensor Issues

Problem: Sensors aligned but door still won’t close

Possible causes:

  • Dirty lenses: Clean with microfiber cloth and glass cleaner
  • Sunlight interference: Common 4-7 PM in summer. Install sensor hood or adjust angle
  • Damaged wiring: Look for chewed wires (rodents) or loose connections
  • Failed sensor unit: After 10-15 years, sensors wear out

Real Case from Last Week:
Mrs. Rodriguez in Chatham called with “broken sensors”. Turned out her holiday decorations shifted one sensor by 2mm. Fixed in under 5 minutes. This happens more than you’d think!

Related reading:

Part 2: Second Most Common – Obstruction on Tracks (15% of cases)

What Blocks Your Door 

In my experience, I’ve found:

  • Pebbles/stones tracked in from driveway
  • Ice buildup (NJ winters are brutal – see winterization guide)
  • Built-up grease/dirt
  • Bent track from car bumps
  • Loose roller

Track Inspection Protocol

Visual Check (2 minutes):

  1. Open door fully MANUALLY (pull red emergency release)
  2. Look down BOTH tracks from top to bottom
  3. Check for:
    • Gaps between roller and track
    • Visible debris
    • Bent sections
    • Rust or corrosion

Physical Check:

  1. Run your finger along the inside of each track
  2. Feel for rough spots, bumps, or sharp edges
  3. Check roller wheels – do they spin freely?

DIY Track Cleaning

You’ll need:

  • Old towel
  • Degreaser (Simple Green works)
  • Silicone-based lubricant (NOT WD-40!)
  • Small brush

Process:

  1. Clean tracks with degreaser
  2. Wipe dry completely
  3. Apply silicone spray to track interior
  4. Manually open/close door 2-3 times to distribute
  5. Wipe excess

Don’t attempt if:

Pro maintenance tip:
Do this every 3 months. Schedule it with oil changes so you remember. Customers who follow this schedule have 80% fewer emergency calls. Get full maintenance checklist

Part 3: Broken Springs/Cables – PROFESSIONAL REPAIR ONLY

How to Identify Spring/Cable Failure

Critical Warning Signs:

Symptom What’s Broken Danger Level
Door feels VERY heavy when lifting manually Torsion spring 🔴 Extreme
Gap in spring coil (visible break) Torsion spring 🔴 Extreme
Cable hanging loose on one side Lift cable 🔴 High
Door tilts/crooked when opening Cable or spring 🟡 Medium
Loud BANG sound, then door won’t work Spring snapped 🔴 Extreme

Why This Is NOT a DIY Job

I’ve seen three homeowners injured attempting spring replacement in my career (and I only cover Morris County). Here’s why:

Torsion springs store 200-400 lbs of tension.

  • If it releases wrong = broken bones, lacerations, or worse
  • Special tools required ($200+ you’ll use once)
  • Wrong spring = door crashes down later

Average cost:

  • Spring replacement: $200-$350 (get current pricing)
  • Emergency room visit: $2,500+
  • Time off work recovering: Priceless

Story from 2023:
A gentleman in East Hanover watched a YouTube video and tried to replace his spring. The winding bar slipped, breaking two fingers. His insurance covered medical but not the $800 in additional garage door damage he caused. We completed the job properly for $275.

Related guides:

For spring/cable issues: Schedule same-day repair or call (973) 929-7888 (most Morris County calls: 2-4 hour response)

Part 4: Garage Door Opener Problems

Symptoms of Opener Malfunction

Remote works, wall button doesn’t:

  • Check wall button wiring (loose connection at opener)
  • Battery in button (some models have them)
  • Short circuit from moisture

Wall button works, remote doesn’t:

  • Replace remote battery (CR2032 most common)
  • Reprogram remote (see LiftMaster guide if you have that brand)
  • Remote damaged/wet

Neither works:

  • Check circuit breaker
  • Unplug opener, wait 30 seconds, plug back in
  • Check if opener light comes on (motor getting power?)

Force and Limit Settings (Intermediate DIY)

When door closes then immediately reverses:

Your opener has “force” settings that determine how hard it pushes. If set too low, it thinks there’s an obstruction.

Adjustment (most common opener types):

  1. Locate adjustment screws on opener motor
    • Usually marked “UP” and “DOWN” or “FORCE”
  2. Turn “DOWN/CLOSE FORCE” screw clockwise ¼ turn
  3. Test door close
  4. Repeat until door closes completely
  5. Don’t exceed 3 full turns (that’s a sign of bigger issue)

📱 Smart Opener Issues:

If you have Wi-Fi enabled opener (see smart opener guide):

  • Reconnect to Wi-Fi network
  • Update app firmware
  • Check if router is too far from garage

When to call for opener service:

  • Grinding/scraping noises (could be gear wear)
  • Opener is 15+ years old (motor lifespan)
  • Burning smell (STOP using immediately)

Professional opener repair/replacement | Opener installation if replacement needed

Part 5: Less Common Issues

5.1 Weather-Related Problems

NJ winters are tough on garage doors. I see these seasonally:

Frozen to ground:

Summer expansion:

5.2 Power Issues

Checklist:

  • ✓ Is outlet working? (plug in phone charger to test)
  • ✓ Check circuit breaker panel
  • ✓ Look for GFCI outlet near garage (may have tripped)
  • ✓ Check for unplugged cord (sounds obvious but happens!)

5.3 Panel Damage

If a panel is dented/damaged:

Your Diagnostic Checklist

Quick Reference:

□ Step 1: Check sensor lights (5 min)
□ Step 2: Inspect tracks for obstruction (5 min)  
□ Step 3: Test with remote AND wall button (2 min)
□ Step 4: Listen for unusual sounds (3 min)
□ Step 5: Visual spring/cable inspection (2 min - DON'T TOUCH)
□ Step 6: Check power/breaker (2 min)

If ALL checks pass but door still won't close:
→ Call professional (likely internal opener issue)

Service Areas We Cover (30-40 minute response time)

Same-day emergency service available in:

Whippany | Parsippany | Morristown | Florham Park | East Hanover | Madison | Chatham | Summit | Livingston | Millburn | West Orange | Denville | Montville

View all service areas (Morris County & surrounding towns)

Cost Guide: What to Expect

Issue DIY Cost Professional Cost Our Recommendation
Sensor alignment $0 $75-125 DIY first, then call
Sensor replacement $50-80 $150-200 Professional (wiring)
Track cleaning/lube $15 $95-150 DIY (easy)
Spring replacement N/A (too dangerous) $200-400 Always professional
Opener repair Varies $150-300 Professional unless simple
Full tune-up – $129 Worth it 1x/year

Example of prices

Get free estimate | Email: Service@krausgarage.com (response within 1 hour) | View current specials

Preventive Maintenance ventable. Here’s what I tell every customer:

Monthly (5 minutes):

  • Clean sensor lenses
  • Visual inspection of tracks
  • Test auto-reverse safety feature (how to test properly)

Quarterly (15 minutes):

  • Lubricate tracks, rollers, hinges (lubrication guide)
  • Check weather seals for cracks
  • Tighten any loose bolts (track brackets, hinges)

Annually (Professional):

  • Full safety inspection
  • Spring tension check
  • Opener force calibration

Schedule annual maintenance – Customers save avg. $400/year in avoided emergency repairs

Or try our Maintenance Subscription Program:

  • 2 annual tune-ups
  • Priority emergency service
  • 15% off repairs
  • Starting at $149/year

❓ FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I bypass the safety sensors temporarily?

A: No. Never. This violates safety codes and creates liability. Sensors prevent injuries/deaths (especially to children and pets). If sensors are broken, get them replaced before using door.

Q: My garage door closes fine in the morning but not in the evening. Why?

A: 90% chance it’s sunlight interference with sensors (4-7 PM when sun is low). Solutions:

  1. Install sensor hood/shield
  2. Adjust sensor angle slightly
  3. Shade the sensor area (plants, awning)

This is extremely common in West-facing garages. Full sensor guide here.

Q: How do I know if my garage door opener is bad?

Warning signs:

  • Loud grinding noise (gear wear)
  • Intermittent operation (circuit board failing)
  • Won’t respond to any remote/button (motor failure)
  • Lights flash error codes (decode LiftMaster codes here)
  • Age 15+ years (average lifespan: 10-15 years)

Opener diagnostic service – We’ll tell you repair vs. replace honestly.

Q: Is it normal for my garage door to shake when closing?

A: No. Shaking indicates:

  • Loose hardware (tighten bolts)
  • Worn rollers (replacement guide)
  • Track misalignment
  • Damaged panels

Don’t ignore this – it worsens quickly. Read about early warning signs.

Q: Should I repair or replace my 20-year-old door?

Decision matrix:

Repair if:

  • Door functions well otherwise
  • Cosmetically acceptable
  • Repair cost < $300
  • Good insulation (R-value 12+)

Replace if:

  • Multiple issues (springs, panels, opener)
  • Poor insulation (heating/cooling loss)
  • Repair cost > $500
  • You want modern features (smart opener, quiet operation)

Full replacement guide | View replacement options | See before/after galleries

Q: What’s the difference between torsion and extension springs?

Quick answer:

  • Torsion (most common): Single spring above door, safer, lasts longer (15k cycles)
  • Extension: Springs on sides, older style, cheaper, noisier (10k cycles)

Detailed spring type guide | Spring replacement service

When to Call Kraus Garage Doors

Call us immediately if:

  • Springs or cables are broken/damaged
  • Door fell/crashed
  • Someone was injured
  • Opener is sparking/smoking
  • Door is stuck open and won’t secure

Call for estimate if:

  • DIY fixes didn’t work
  • You’re not comfortable with tools
  • Problem keeps recurring
  • Door is 15+ years old

Why Morris County Homeowners Choose Us:

✓ Average 2-3 hour response time (30-40 min to nearby towns)
✓ Upfront pricing (no surprise charges)
✓ 18+ years local experience (we know NJ homes)
✓ All repairs warrantied (parts + labor)
✓ A+ BBB rating | Read customer reviews

Office Location:
Kraus Garage Door, Inc
1 Apollo Dr UNIT H
Whippany, NJ 07981

Business Hours:
Sunday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed

Contact:
📞 Phone: (973) 929-7888
📧 Email: Service@krausgarage.com (1-hour response time)
🌐 Schedule service online
🆘 24/7 Emergency repair

Related Resources

DIY Guides:

Professional Services:

If You Need a New Door:

Final Checklist: Did This Guide Help?

Before you close this page:

□ I identified my specific problem
□ I tried the appropriate DIY fix
□ I know when to call a professional
□ I bookmarked this page for future reference

Still stuck? Call us at (973) 929-7888 or email Service@krausgarage.com

Serving: Whippany, Parsippany, Morristown, Florham Park, East Hanover, Livingston, Chatham, Millburn, Madison, Denville, Montville, West Orange, Short Hills, Summit, and all of Morris County, New Jersey.

Contact Us | About | Blog | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *