Common Garage Door Problems (And How to Fix Them Yourself!)
Garage doors are essential for home security and convenience, but they can encounter various issues over time. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify and fix common problems yourself.
Click on problem to jump to section:
Garage Door Won’t Open or Close
Garage Door Makes Noise
Uneven Movement or Jerking
Garage Door Stuck in Halfway Position
Garage Door Reverses Before Closing Completely
Slow Garage Door Response Time/Opener Struggling
Garage Door Remote or Keypad Not Working
Garage Door Won't Open or Close
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Power Source Issue
Ensure the garage door opener is plugged in and that the circuit breaker or fuse hasn’t tripped. Check for any wiring issues and replace or repair any damaged wires.
Remote Control/Keypad Problems
Replace the batteries in your remote control and/or keypad. Ensure you are within range. Try reprogramming the remote/keypad to the opener.
For Liftmaster Opener Models 891LM and 893LM:
For Liftmater Opener Models 890MAX, 893MAX, and 895MAX:
Misaligned Sensors
Ensure that the sensors are properly aligned. Adjust them until the LED lights on both sensors are steady and not flickering.
Garage Door Makes Noise
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Loose Hardware
Make sure all nuts, bolts, and screws are tight on both the garage door itself and the opener.
Worn Rollers
Replace old or worn out rollers. Steel rollers can be noisy, while nylon rollers operate more quietly.
Lack of Lubrication
Apply a lubricant designed for garage doors to the rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs.
Uneven Movement or Jerking
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Misaligned tracks
Properly installed garage door tracks are a very important part of a healthy door. Please contact us at 833-456-7866 to schedule a repair.
Worn Out Rollers Or Pulleys
Lubricate the rollers and pulleys with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth movement. occasionally, rollers and pulleys need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
Garage Door Stuck in Halfway Position
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Obstructed Tracks
Make sure tracks are clear of any obstructions.
Damaged Cables
Inspect cables for any damages and replace as necessary. This can be dangerous, please contact us at 833-456-7866 to schedule a replacement.
Broken Spring
Replace spring. This can be dangerous, please contact us at 833-456-7866 to schedule a replacement.
Garage Door Reverses Before Closing Completely
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Misaligned Sensors
Ensure that the sensors are properly aligned. Adjust them until the LED lights on both sensors are steady and not flickering.
Obstructed Sensor Lenses
Make sure nothing is obstructing the sensors’ line of sight. Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth as dust can also collect on lenses.
Limit Settings
Adjust the limit settings on your garage door opener. These settings control how far the door closes and may need fine-tuning if the door reverses before touching the ground.
Slow Garage Door Response Time/Opener Struggling
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Broken Spring/Cable
Replace Spring/Cable. This can be dangerous, please contact us at 833-456-7866 to schedule a replacement.
Garage Door Remote or Keypad Not Working
Possible Cause:
Solution:
Dead Batteries
Replace remote/keypad batteries.
Programming Issues
Reprogram the remote to the opener.
For Liftmaster Opener Models 891LM and 893LM:
For Liftmater Opener Models 890MAX, 893MAX, and 895MAX:
When to Call a Professional
By understanding these common issues and knowing how to address them, you can keep your garage door in top working condition and avoid unnecessary hassle and expenses. However, some problems, especially those involving springs and cables, require professional intervention due to safety risks. If you’re ever unsure or uncomfortable performing a repair, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Need a FREE repair estimate?
Call us NOW at 833-456-7866 OR submit a form online and we will get back to you as soon as we can!