# Garage Door Won’t Close? 10 Common Causes and How to Fix Them
A garage door that won’t close is a common frustration, and a security risk. Fortunately, many issues are simple to fix. This guide covers the top 10 reasons your garage door might be stuck and how to solve them.
## Safety First: A Word of Caution
Before troubleshooting, prioritize safety. Garage doors are heavy and under high tension. Spring repair is especially dangerous and best left to professionals. When in doubt, call for [garage door repair](/garage-door-repair/).
## 10 Common Causes and How to Fix Them
Here are some of the most frequent culprits behind a stubborn garage door:
### 1. Blocked or Misaligned Safety Sensors
Your garage door’s photo-eye sensors are a key safety feature. Located at the bottom of the tracks, they prevent the door from closing on obstacles. If this beam is interrupted, the door reverses. It’s the first thing to check when your **garage door won’t close**.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Check for Obstructions:** Look for anything that might be blocking the sensors, such as a box, a broom, or even a spiderweb. Clear any obstructions and try closing the door again.
* **Clean the Sensor Lenses:** The lenses on the sensors can get dirty, which can interfere with the beam. Wipe them clean with a soft, dry cloth.
* **Realign the Sensors:** The sensors can easily get knocked out of alignment. Look at the indicator lights on the sensors. If one of the lights is blinking, it means they’re not aligned. Gently adjust the sensors until both lights are solid, indicating a proper connection.
### 2. Obstructions in the Door’s Path
It might seem obvious, but always check for obstructions. A toy, a tool, or debris can block the door’s path.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Clear the Path:** Do a quick visual inspection of the door’s path and remove any objects that might be in the way.
### 3. Problems with the Tracks
Bent or misaligned tracks can cause your garage door to bind and stick. Inspect them for damage.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Inspect the Tracks:** Look for any visible signs of damage, such as bends or gaps. You can use a level to check if the tracks are properly aligned.
* **Clean the Tracks:** Use a cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the tracks.
* **Call a Professional:** If the tracks are significantly damaged, it’s best to call a professional for repair or replacement. Attempting to fix bent tracks yourself can be difficult and may cause further damage.
### 4. Broken or Worn-Out Springs
Broken springs are a common and dangerous problem. They are under extreme tension and do the heavy lifting. If a spring is broken, the door will be too heavy to move. Never attempt to fix this yourself.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Do Not Attempt to Repair:** If you suspect a broken spring, do not try to operate the door. Call a professional for [garage door spring replacement](/garage-door-spring-replacement/) immediately.
### 5. Issues with the Garage Door Opener
The issue could be your garage door opener. Check for incorrect settings, remote problems, or internal component issues.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Check the Opener Settings:** Make sure the opener is plugged in and receiving power. Check the settings to ensure it’s not in
‘vacation’ mode, which would prevent it from operating.
* **Check the Remote:** If the wall switch works but the remote doesn’t, the remote may be the issue. Try replacing the batteries. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reprogram the remote or get a new one.
* **Call for Opener Service:** If you’ve tried the above steps and the opener still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional for [garage door opener service](/garage-door-opener-service/).
### 6. Damaged Rollers
Damaged or worn-out rollers can stop the door from moving smoothly in its tracks.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Inspect the Rollers:** Visually inspect the rollers for any signs of damage. If you see any that are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
* **Professional Replacement:** Replacing rollers can be a complex task, so it’s recommended to have a professional handle it.
### 7. Broken or Frayed Cables
Frayed or broken lifting cables are a serious issue. They work with the springs to lift the door, and if one breaks, the door will be unbalanced.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Do Not Touch:** Like broken springs, broken cables are a serious safety hazard. Do not attempt to move the door or touch the cables. Call a professional immediately.
### 8. Incorrect Travel Limit Settings
Incorrect travel limit settings can cause the door to stop short or reverse after hitting the floor. These settings on your opener control the door’s closing distance.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Adjust the Settings:** You can usually adjust the travel limit settings on the opener motor. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a professional can help.
### 9. Manual Lock Engaged
Check the manual lock. If it’s engaged, the opener won’t work.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Disengage the Lock:** Check to see if the manual lock is engaged. If it is, simply disengage it.
### 10. Power Outage
A power outage will prevent your opener from working. You’ll need to operate the door manually.
**How to Fix It:**
* **Use the Manual Release:** Your garage door has a manual release cord (usually a red rope hanging from the opener) that allows you to open and close the door by hand. Pull the cord to disengage the opener, and then you can lift the door manually.
## When to Call a Professional
While some fixes are easy, issues with springs, cables, or tracks require an expert. If you live in [New Braunfels](/garage-door-service-new-braunfels/), [Schertz](/garage-door-service-schertz/), or [Boerne](/garage-door-service-boerne/), professional help is nearby.
## Your Local Garage Door Experts
At Texas Pros Garage Doors, our technicians can diagnose and solve any garage door problem. From simple repairs to a [new garage door installation](/new-garage-door-installation/), we have you covered. See our [FAQ](/faq/) for more information.
**Call Texas Pros Garage Doors at (210) 960-8720 for professional garage door service in San Antonio and surrounding areas.**
### Serving San Antonio and surrounding communities
We are proud to serve not only San Antonio but also the surrounding communities, including New Braunfels, Schertz, Boerne, Helotes, Cibolo, La Vernia, Selma, Leon Valley, Live Oak, Universal City, Alamo Heights, and Seguin.
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