How to Fix a Garage Door That Won't Open

Most garage doors fail to open due to power issues, broken springs, or track obstructions that can be diagnosed and often fixed with basic tools and safety precautions.

1. Rule Out Power Problems First. Start with the obvious culprits. Make sure the garage door opener is plugged in and the outlet has power by testing it with another device. Check your home's circuit breaker to see if the garage door circuit has tripped. If you have a remote, try opening the door with the wall button instead to rule out battery or signal issues.
2. Clear the Path. Look along both vertical tracks for any objects, debris, or damage that might block the door's movement. Check that all rollers are properly seated in the tracks and none have come loose or broken off. Clear away any accumulated dirt, leaves, or ice that could prevent smooth operation.
3. Spot Broken Springs. Look up at the springs mounted above the door. A broken torsion spring will have a visible gap where it snapped, while extension springs may hang loosely if damaged. Check the cables running from the bottom corners of the door to the pulleys for fraying or breaks. Never attempt to repair springs yourself as they're under extreme tension.
4. Align the Safety Eyes. Check the photoelectric sensors mounted on either side of the door opening about six inches from the ground. Make sure they're aligned with each other and clean off any dirt or spider webs. The LED lights on the sensors should be solid, not blinking. If they're misaligned, gently adjust them until both lights are steady.
5. Feel the Door's Weight. Pull the emergency release cord hanging from the opener track to disconnect the motor. Try lifting the door manually. If it won't budge or feels extremely heavy, the springs are likely broken. If it opens easily but won't stay up, the springs need adjustment. A properly balanced door should stay in place when lifted halfway.
6. Check the Motor's Grip. If the motor runs but the door doesn't move, check the drive chain or belt for breaks or excessive slack. Look for stripped gears inside the motor housing, which will appear as small plastic or metal pieces scattered below the unit. Listen for unusual grinding or clicking sounds when the opener activates.
7. Turn It Off and On. Unplug the garage door opener for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This resets the internal electronics and can resolve glitches. After reconnecting power, you may need to reprogram your remotes and reset the travel limits according to your opener's manual.