Few things are more frustrating than trying to leave the house and finding out your garage door won’t open. Whether you’re running late or returning home with groceries, a stuck garage door is an inconvenience no homeowner wants. Before you panic or call a technician, we at AAA Action Garage Doors would like to offer are a few common causes and simple steps to check first.
Check the Power Source
It might seem obvious, but power outages or unplugged garage door openers are often the culprit. Ensure the opener is plugged into a working outlet. You can also test the outlet by plugging in another device to confirm it’s receiving power. If your opener is hardwired, check your circuit breaker panel to see if a breaker has tripped.
Inspect the Remote Control & Wall Switch
If your wall switch works but your remote doesn’t, you may simply need to replace the remote’s batteries. Also, double-check that you’re within range and nothing is blocking the signal. If neither the remote nor the wall button works, the issue could be with the opener itself.
Examine the Safety Sensors
Modern garage doors come with photo-eye sensors located near the bottom of the tracks on each side. If these sensors are misaligned or dirty, your door may refuse to open or close as a safety precaution. Check that they are facing each other and clean the lenses with a soft cloth. A blinking sensor light usually indicates a problem.
Look for Manual Lock Engagement
Some garage doors have a manual lock that can be accidentally engaged, preventing the door from opening. Look for a handle or bar across the inside of the door. If the lock is engaged, release it and try operating the door again.
Check the Emergency Release Cord
Pulling the red emergency release cord disconnects the garage door from the opener so you can operate it manually. If this has been pulled (intentionally or accidentally), the opener will run but the door won’t move. To fix this, close the door manually and re-engage the trolley by pulling the cord toward the opener until it clicks back into place.
Inspect the Tracks & Rollers
Debris, rust, or damage on the tracks and rollers can block the door’s movement. Check both sides of the garage door tracks for obstructions and ensure nothing is bent or broken. Do not attempt to fix bent tracks yourself, this should be left to a professional.
Listen for Motor Noises
If your garage door opener hums but nothing happens, it could mean the motor is running but the door is disengaged, the gear is stripped, or the torsion spring is broken. Broken springs are a serious issue and should only be repaired by a trained technician due to the high tension involved.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked these basics and your garage door still won’t open, it’s time to call a professional. Attempting to force the door open or repair components like springs and cables yourself can be dangerous. A trained garage door technician can quickly identify the problem and safely restore your system.
Garage Door Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Regular maintenance and quick attention to unusual behavior can help you avoid getting stuck with a door that won’t budge. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask for help, your safety and convenience are worth it. Call AAA Action Garage Doors when you need your garage door serviced.
