What Should I Do If My Garage Door Won’t Open?

What Should I Do If My Garage Door Won’t Open?

There’s nothing more frustrating than pressing your garage door remote and… nothing happens. Whether you’re rushing to work or coming home after a long day, a garage door that won’t open can cause serious inconvenience and even safety risks.
Let’s walk through the most common causes and what you can do to fix them safely.

1. Check the Power Source

Before assuming the worst, make sure your garage door opener is receiving power.

• Check if the outlet is working by plugging in another device.

• If there’s a power outage, try pulling the emergency release cord to open the door manually.

✅ Pro Tip: Always have a backup power source or surge protector for your garage door opener.

2. Inspect the Remote and Keypad

Sometimes the problem is simple — dead batteries or a signal issue.

• Replace the batteries in your remote.

• Reprogram your remote or keypad according to the manufacturer’s guide.

✅ Quick Fix: Make sure there’s no interference from LED lights or other wireless devices.

3. Look for Broken Springs or Cables

If your garage door feels unusually heavy or doesn’t move at all, it might have a broken spring.
This is one of the most common and dangerous issues with garage doors.
Do not try to fix it yourself — springs are under high tension and can cause serious injury.

⚠️ Call a professional garage door technician immediately.

4. Check the Garage Door Tracks

If your door is stuck or crooked, inspect the tracks.

• Look for debris, dirt, or obstructions.

• Ensure the rollers are properly aligned and not bent.

✅ Pro Tip: Clean and lubricate your tracks regularly to avoid friction and wear.

5. Examine the Garage Door Sensors

If your door starts closing but reverses suddenly, it’s likely a sensor alignment issue.

• Make sure both photo-eye sensors are clean and aligned.

• Wipe off dust or cobwebs that may be blocking the beam.

✅ Quick Fix: Both sensor lights should glow steadily when aligned correctly.

6. Test the Garage Door Opener Motor

If you hear the motor running but the door doesn’t move, the drive gear or chain might be worn out.
You’ll need a professional to inspect or replace these parts.

✅ Pro Tip: Schedule a maintenance check every 6–12 months to keep your opener in top shape.

7. Call a Professional Garage Door Repair Service

If you’ve checked everything and your door still won’t open, it’s time to call the experts.
A licensed technician can safely diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, or structural issues that DIY fixes can’t handle.

Final Thoughts

A garage door that won’t open can be caused by anything from a dead remote battery to a broken spring. The key is knowing what to check first and when to call a professional.
Regular maintenance and quick attention to small issues can help prevent bigger (and more expensive) problems in the future.

💡 Why Choose Our Garage Door Repair Experts?

• 24/7 emergency garage door repair

• Licensed and insured technicians

• Fast, affordable, and reliable service

• Locally trusted in Richardson, Plano, and nearby Texas areas

👉 Need Help Now?
Call our expert team today to schedule your same-day garage door service!