What to Do When Your Garage Door Won’t Open or Close Properly

Ever walked out the door, coffee in hand, and ready to start the day, only to find that the garage door won’t budge? Of course, it will make anyone go crazy, especially if you have a long day ahead. 

Well, there are several reasons why your garage door won’t open or close. One of the major reasons? The scorching summer of Sacramento. It does mess with your garage door’s hardware. Apart from that, there can be motor, spring, and many other issues that won’t let your door function normally. 

Though it can throw you off routine, and not to mention compromise security, you can always get your door to work properly, with a bit of knowledge on what to do, and when! 

So, this blog talks about certain major issues that may lead to a malfunctioning garage door and what you can do to fix it! If DIY repairs won’t work, you can always count on a professional garage door repair in Sacramento. 

Get Your Garage Door Working Again – Call Us Today!

What To Do If Your Garage Door Won’t Open Or Close?

If your garage door is not opening or closing as it should, there may be a lot of things that can be wrong with the door. Here are some of the issues why the door may not be functioning properly, and what you can do about it!

• Photo Eye Is Misaligned

The photo eye sensors on your garage door make sure that nothing (your cat or your car) is in the way. But if they’re not aligned, your garage door might suddenly act up and refuse to close no matter what! 

How Can You Fix It?

• First, check for any dirt or spiderwebs (yes, they love setting up their home here). Wipe the lens gently with a soft microfiber cloth. 
• Next, make sure the sensors are facing each other (they should have tiny indicator lights). If one is off, they’re not in sync. 
• Adjust the safety sensors or brackets by hand to ensure there is a clear line of sight between each. 

If they still don’t work, it could be a wiring issue. The wiring system can be a bit complex, so it is advisable to call an emergency garage door service Sacramento before the problem drives you crazy. 

• Garage Door Remote Or Keypad May Not Be Working

Stuck outside the house with a remote in hand, and completely feeling hopeless, as the door won’t move at all? That might be a remote or keypad problem, which may be caused by battery, signal issues, or reprogramming. 

How Can You Fix It?

• Replace the batteries in the remote. 
• Check the lock button on the wall-mounted control panel. Accidentally pressed? Door stays shut!
• Reprogram the remote or keypad (you can refer to the opener’s manual).

If nothing helps, consider calling in an emergency garage door repair, as these issues should be addressed immediately, obviously for security purposes. Also, it makes sure that you’re not stuck when it’s raining outside. 

• Garage Door Rollers Not Functioning

Rollers are one of the main reasons why your garage door may not operate. If they are old, rusty, or just worn out due to excessive use over the years, your garage door may sound like a thunderstorm when moving. Worse, it may refuse to close or open! 

How Can You Fix It?

• Inspect the rollers for cracks, rust, or grime buildup. 
• Lubricate them with garage-door-specific lubricant (do not use WD-40)

If your garage door is wobbling, dragging, or moving unevenly, it could be a sign that the rollers need replacing. However, roller replacement can be tricky and requires the right tools and experience. To avoid unnecessary effort or potential damage, it’s best to leave the job to a professional garage door technician in Sacramento. This way, you save both time and hassle. 

• Garage Door Opener Motor Is Unplugged

This one’s more embarrassing and surprisingly common. You’re pressing the buttons, yelling at the garage, calling tech support, trying to change the remote battery, and whatnot! But, in the end, you realize it’s just your motor is unplugged. Cue facepalm! 

How Can You Fix It?

• Check the power outlet. 
• If it’s plugged but not working, test the outlet with another device to rule out a power issue.
• Inspect the cord for wear or chew marks (mice and rats can be nasty).
• If there’s power but it does not work at all, that’s your hint to call a garage door service in Sacramento. 

Sometimes, even if the garage door cord is perfectly plugged in, the circuit breaker, fuse, or GFCI outlet that powers the garage door may have tripped or burned out. 

Note: Mark the plug and outlet as “GARAGE MOTORS” to prevent unplugging during cleaning or rearranging garage tools. 

• Problem With Torsion Or Extension Spring

Your garage door is heavy, and the springs help lift it every day (2-3 times daily). If one snaps, suddenly your door feels like it’s made of concrete. It may not open or close at any cost. Though this is annoying, consider the safety factor and call a garage door replacement Sacramento. 

How Can You Fix It? 

Well, you can’t! But here’s what you CAN ACTUALLY do!

Don’t risk it — contact a professional to repair your garage door.

Don’t try to DIY this, as springs are under major tension, and if they snap, you could face serious injuries. So, always seek help from a pro to fix it. 

Garage Door Is Off Track

See your garage door sitting at a weird angle? Or is it squealing? Chances are it’s off track! This usually happens from wear or an accidental bump with your car. 

How Can You Fix It?

• Stop using the door immediately. This helps avoid further damage. 
• Inspect the tracks for dents, obstructions, or broken rollers. 
• Try to gently nudge the door back into place, only if it is possible and you’re confident!
• If the track is visibly bent or the door is jammed, don’t wait to call an emergency garage door repair in Sacramento. 

Note: Keep the garage area clear of heavy items near the door to avoid accidental bumps or track misalignment during parking. 

Manual Lock Is Engaged

Wait – your garage door opener’s working, but the door won’t move at all? Before you panic, take a look at the manual lock. You might have accidentally engaged it, or maybe a curious little kid got all “helpful.” It happens frequently. Don’t worry!

How Can You Fix It?

• Locate the metal lock handle on the inside of the door. It usually slides horizontally. 
• Make sure it’s in the fully unlocked position and not engaged with the track.
• If you hear clicking or grinding but no movement, your opener may be fighting a locked door. 

Did everything, still stuck? Maybe an expert in garage doors Sacramento can help! 

Pro Tip? Call A Professional!

If you are unsure of the problem or if you think you might not be able to pull the DIY thing, avoid engaging with the garage door at all! Call in a professional, they’ll help you with whatever you need and resolve any issues that might arise!

Takeaway

Your garage door is just a machine, and it requires attention and upkeep. But, after a long use, it may start showing some distress, which may lead to a non-functional garage door. But don’t worry. There are several easy solutions to your problems. 

However, if things start getting a bit complicated, you can always rely on a garage door replacement Sacramento. They’ll know whether to change the door or a few parts of it, depending on the issue. 

Need Emergency Garage Door Repair Sacramento? Don’t Hesitate To Call Eudy Door Co.!

Eudy Door Co. is the best garage door company in Elk Grove and Sacramento. With over 40 years of experience, we have offered 100% customer satisfaction, making us the most trusted choice in the region. We handle all your garage door issues, be it torsion spring, rollers, tracks, or something as minor as “keypad not working.”

In addition to being the best company for garage door repair Sacramento, we also offer custom garage door products to make sure your home’s exterior looks the best in the neighborhood. 

Call us at 916-387-8664 for free estimates!