Struggling with a garage door that refuses to open or close? Fortunately, many common issues that prevent garage doors from functioning properly can be resolved with some troubleshooting and basic maintenance!
However, before attempting any troubleshooting steps, it's crucial to prioritize safety.
Below find out why your garage door may have trouble opening and closing properly and provide practical solutions while emphasizing important safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.
If you’re still having trouble with your garage door opening and closing, reach out to our Moore, Oklahoma City and Norman garage door repair team, below!
Check the Power Source
Before delving into more complex troubleshooting, start by ensuring that your garage door opener is receiving power. Check that the opener is plugged into a functioning power outlet and that the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped. If the opener is battery-operated, replace the batteries to see if that resolves the issue.
Inspect the Safety Sensors
Safety Precaution:
When working near the safety sensors, exercise caution and avoid placing your fingers or body parts between them. Never attempt to adjust the sensors while the garage door is in motion.
Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors that prevent them from closing if there's an obstruction in the door's path. If your garage door won't close, check to see if anything is blocking the sensors or if they're misaligned. Clean the sensors with a soft cloth and realign them so that they face each other properly. Test the door again to see if it closes properly.
Test the Remote Control and Wall Switch
Safety Precaution:
When testing the remote control or wall switch, stand clear of the garage door's path to avoid accidental injury in case the door suddenly moves. Keep children and pets away from the area during testing.
If the garage door won't open or close using the remote control or wall switch, the problem may lie with these devices. Replace the batteries in the remote control and test it again. If the remote still doesn't work, try reprogramming it to the opener unit. Additionally, check the wiring and connections to the wall switch to ensure they're intact.
Important Safety Precaution for The Following Steps!
Before inspecting the garage door springs, tracks or other mechanical parts ensure the door is disconnected from power to prevent accidental activation. Unplug the opener from the power outlet or switch off the circuit breaker supplying power to the unit.
Examine the Garage Door Tracks
Safety Precaution:
Use caution when inspecting the garage door tracks, as sharp edges or protruding objects could cause cuts or abrasions. Wear protective gloves and eyewear to minimize the risk of injury or contact our garage door repair team here.
Obstructions or misalignments in the garage door tracks can prevent the door from opening or closing smoothly. Inspect the tracks for any debris, such as dirt or leaves, and remove them using a broom or vacuum cleaner. Use a level to check the alignment of the tracks and adjust them if necessary. If the tracks are damaged or bent, contact a professional for repairs. Interested in learning how much it costs to repair your garage door? Review our blog on how much an average repair may cost you.
Check on the Torsion Springs – DO NOT REPAIR YOURSELF
Safety Precaution:
Torsion springs are under high tension and can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Avoid touching or attempting to adjust the springs yourself. Contact a professional garage door technician for spring replacement or repair. Book one of our Moore, Norman, and Oklahoma professional garage door repair technicians here.
Torsion springs are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the garage door, allowing it to open and close smoothly. If a torsion spring is broken or damaged, it can prevent the door from operating properly. Look for signs of wear or damage to the torsion springs and replace them if necessary. This is a job best left to professionals due to the high tension involved.
Already booked your service? Check out our guide on how to Prep for Professional Garage Door Installation or Repair in Oklahoma City.
Review How to Prep For My Garage Door Repair
While troubleshooting your garage door's operation, prioritizing safety is paramount to prevent accidents and injuries. Always disconnect the power source before inspecting the opener, exercise caution around safety sensors, remote controls, and wall switches, and wear appropriate protective gear when examining the tracks. Remember that torsion springs are best handled by professionals due to their high tension. By following these safety guidelines and precautions, you can address common garage door issues safely and effectively. If you're unsure or uncomfortable performing repairs, don't hesitate to seek assistance from one of our qualified garage door repair technicians!
MORE INFORMATION
Visit our contact page, call 405-799-9214, or email info@mooreoverheaddoor.com to schedule a repair. You can also design a garage door specifically for your home on our website. FURTHER READING