How to Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open

Few things derail your day faster than a malfunctioning garage door.

Maybe you’re rushing to work, hustling the kids off to school, or heading out for errands, only to find yourself stuck in your garage, opener in hand, with no idea what’s gone wrong. 

Garage doors are complex systems with many moving parts, and a variety of issues—big and small—can cause them to stop working. Fortunately, many of these are simple to fix.  

In this guide, the technicians at Thompson Garage Doors in Reno will walk you through the most common causes of garage door issues. You’ll find clear, actionable steps for troubleshooting minor problems on your own, plus advice on when it’s time to call in a professional for emergency garage door service. We’ll also share practical maintenance tips to help you avoid these hassles in the first place.

Table Of Content

Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open
When to Call an Emergency Garage Door Service
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors
Contact Thompson for Emergency Garage Door Services

Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open

If you’re wondering why your garage door won’t open, check for the following signs:

Power Supply Issues 

Garage doors rely on electricity. If the power supply is interrupted, the door won’t move. It could be as simple as a disconnected plug or a tripped circuit breaker. 

Inspect the breaker panel to see if the garage door opener is plugged in. If necessary, reset the circuit breaker. If nothing happens, try testing the opener in a different outlet to rule out electrical problems.

Remote Control or Keypad Problems 

A dead battery in your remote or keypad can leave you with a stuck garage door. First, replace the batteries and test again. If that doesn’t work, try reprogramming the remote or resetting the keypad. Follow your garage door opener manual for step-by-step instructions. 

Misaligned Garage Door Sensors 

Garage doors have safety sensors near the base of the tracks to prevent accidents. When these sensors are misaligned or blocked, the door won’t close. 

Check that the sensors are pointing at each other and clean any dirt or debris on the lenses. A flashing light on the garage door opener may indicate a sensor issue. 

Broken Springs or Cables 

Springs and cables are what lift and close your garage door. If a torsion spring breaks, you’ll likely hear a loud bang, and the door won’t move. Broken cables might leave the door hanging unevenly.  

These parts are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if handled incorrectly. DIY repairs are not recommended—always call a professional garage door technician to replace springs or cables safely. 

Blockages in the Tracks or Rollers 

Your garage door uses a clear, smooth track to move up and down. Debris, like dirt, small rocks, or household items, can get stuck in the garage door tracks and cause a jam. 

Inspect the tracks for any visible obstructions and clear them out with a clean cloth or a soft brush. For stubborn debris, use a mild solvent. For smoother operation, you can also apply a silicone-based lubricant to the garage door tracks, rollers, and hinges. Avoid using heavy grease, as it can attract more dirt and create buildup.

Worn-Out Garage Door Opener 

Like any mechanical system, garage door openers have a limited lifespan. Over time, motors can burn out, and the internal components of the opener can wear down. If your opener struggles to lift the door, makes grinding or whining noises, or operates inconsistently, the opener may be failing.

Examine the drive system for visible wear or damage. Tighten any loose parts if needed. If the opener is old (typically 10-15 years or more), it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than repair it.  Sometimes, a simple reset on your LiftMaster garage door opener programming can solve the problem. Locate the Learn button on your opener, press and hold it for a few seconds, and then test the door. In case the problem persists, you may have to call for garage door repair in Reno.

When to Call an Emergency Garage Door Service

While it’s tempting to search “how to repair a garage door” and handle the problem yourself, some pressing issues are best left to professionals. 

Broken Springs or Cables 

A snapped garage door spring or cable is one of the most urgent problems you can encounter. As mentioned, attempting to repair or replace them on your own is dangerous. If you hear a loud bang or notice the door hanging unevenly, call a garage door technician as soon as possible. 

Doors Won’t Stay Open or Close Properly 

A garage door that won’t stay open or struggles to close evenly is a sign of serious mechanical trouble.  

Resist the urge to force the door’s movement, as this can worsen the damage and increase repair costs. Instead, reach out to a garage door professional who can diagnose the issue and make necessary amends. 

Loud Noises or Grinding Sounds 

Unusual grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds are your garage door’s way of alerting you to a problem. The sounds could mean anything from insufficient lubrication to failing hardware. A service technician can pinpoint the source of the noise and fix it. 

Stuck Garage Door 

If your Reno garage door refuses to budge after multiple troubleshooting attempts, call for emergency repairs without delay. Waiting too long could compromise your home’s security.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Garage Doors

While you can’t completely avoid garage door problems, you can lower the chances of them happening by staying on top of proactive maintenance.

Regular Inspections 

Make it a habit to give your garage door a once-over every month. 

• Inspect the garage door springs, cables, rollers, and tracks for signs of damage or excessive wear. 
• Ensure the tracks are straight and the door moves without jerking or sticking. 
• Tighten any screws, bolts, or brackets that may have come loose over time. 

Keep Tracks and Rollers Clean 

Dirt and debris can cause the tracks and rollers to jam. Wipe them down regularly and use a garage-door-specific lubricant to minimize friction. 

Test Safety Features Periodically   

Safety features like sensors and auto-reverse mechanisms protect you and your family. Test these features regularly to make sure they’re working. Place a small object, like a roll of paper towels, in the door’s path to see if it reverses when it detects an obstacle. 

Professional Maintenance Services 

Along with DIY maintenance, schedule a professional tune-up every year to keep your systems in perfect working order. Professionals can catch and resolve problems an untrained eye may miss.

Contact Thompson for Emergency Garage Door Services

This wraps up our guide on the many reasons why a garage door may not open—and how to fix them. Remember, DIY garage door repair is only feasible for minor problems. In any other scenario, you’re better off passing the job off to someone who knows what they’re doing—like the expert technicians at Thompson Garage Doors. 

At Thompson, we know garage door problems never happen at a good time—and that’s why we’re always ready to jump into action. Day or night, rain or shine, our experts are just a call away. Contact us today.