Your garage door may be of the highest quality, but you may still experience problems opening and closing it from time to time. Whether you have a manual garage door that won’t open or an electric garage door not responding, there are several reasons why it may not be functioning properly. This guide will cover the most common issues and provide solutions to help you with garage door troubleshooting.
Common Garage Door Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Garage door won’t open or close | Release mechanism jammed | Check for obstructions and clear them |
| Manual garage door won’t open from outside | Lock engaged or obstruction in track | Ensure the door is unlocked and clear debris |
| Stiff movement or strange noises | Track obstruction or dirt buildup | Clean and lubricate the tracks |
| Garage door opener not working | No power supply | Check if plugged in and power is working |
| Garage door remote not working | Dead battery or deprogramming | Replace battery or reprogram remote |
| Tracks misaligned | Bent or warped tracks | Realign or seek professional repair |
| Garage door stuck in cold weather | Extreme cold or moisture buildup | De-ice tracks and lubricate rollers |
Troubleshooting Manual Garage Doors
A manual garage door that won’t open often points to issues with the release mechanism, track obstructions, or a broken torsion spring. If your door is difficult to lift or feels heavier than usual, the torsion spring may be damaged and require professional attention. Tracks should also be checked for dirt, debris, or warping that could be obstructing movement. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating rollers and hinges, can prevent many of these common problems. If your manual garage door won’t open from outside, you might also find this comprehensive troubleshooting guide from Family Handyman useful.
Another common issue occurs when the manual garage door won’t open from outside. This can happen if the locking mechanism is engaged. Before troubleshooting further, ensure the door is completely unlocked. If the issue persists, check for any obstructions within the track or rollers that could be preventing the door from moving smoothly. Keeping the tracks clean and aligned can significantly reduce the risk of future issues.
Troubleshooting Electric Garage Doors
If your electric garage door is not responding, the first step is to check the power supply. Ensure that the garage door opener is plugged into a working outlet and test the circuit breaker. If another device works in the same outlet, but the garage door opener isn’t working, you may need to reset the system or check for electrical faults. If your garage door still won't close properly, you can follow This Old House’s guide to troubleshoot this issue further.
Electric garage doors rely on torsion springs and cables, just like manual doors. If the garage door is stuck or moving unevenly, a broken spring or cable may be the cause. These parts are under high tension and should only be repaired by a professional garage door repair service. From up-and-over garage doors to roller shutter garage doors, consider Abacus Doors for the repair of both.
Another frequent issue is when a garage door remote isn’t working. If replacing the battery doesn’t help, try reprogramming the remote according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the problem continues, test whether the wall-mounted control panel operates the door. If it does, the remote may need replacing.
Many garage door troubleshooting cases involve garage door safety sensors. These sensors prevent the door from closing if they detect an obstacle. If your door closes partway and then reopens, dirty or misaligned sensors could be to blame. Cleaning the sensor lenses and ensuring they are properly aligned often resolves the issue.
In winter, a garage door stuck due to cold weather is a common complaint. Ice or moisture buildup in the tracks can prevent smooth operation. Applying garage door lubricant to the rollers and using a de-icing spray in extreme temperatures can help keep the door functioning properly.
When to Call a Professional
If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and your garage door is still not working properly, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Issues such as broken torsion springs, motor failure, or significant track misalignment require expert intervention.
At Abacus Garage Doors, we provide fast and reliable garage door repair services for both manual and electric doors. Whether you're dealing with a garage door that won’t open, a faulty opener, or a stuck garage door in cold weather, our experienced technicians can diagnose and fix the issue efficiently.