Garage Door Troubleshooter: What's Wrong With My Door?
Pick the symptom that matches your door, answer a question or two, and get a plain answer on the likely cause. You'll see the answer first, before any contact buttons.
Step 1
What's happening?
Common Symptoms and Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Door won't open, opener hums | Broken spring |
| Door won't open, no sound | Power, GFCI, or opener |
| Door won't close, reverses up | Misaligned or dirty safety sensors |
| Door closes part way then stops | Bent track, binding roller, or balance |
| Loud bang, door won't lift | Broken spring |
| Loose or hanging cable | Cable off drum or snapped |
| Roller out of track | Door off track |
| Bent track or loose brackets | Track misalignment |
| Opener dead, no lights | Power or opener logic |
| Remotes don't work, wall button does | Remote, keypad, or receiver |
| Grinding or squeaking | Worn rollers or dry hinges |
| Banging when it stops | Loose hardware or balance |
Every door is different. If anything looks bent, loose or under tension, stop using the door and call.
Troubleshooter FAQ
Is the Garage Door Troubleshooter a diagnosis?
No. It gives you a plain, likely cause based on common symptoms so you know what you may be dealing with. Every door is different, so if anything looks bent, loose or under tension, stop using the door and call.
What can I safely check myself?
You can clean and realign the safety sensors, check the opener's power and GFCI, and make sure the wall lock button is not engaged. Fresh remote batteries are fine too. Leave springs, cables, and a door off track to a pro.
What should I never touch?
Do not try to adjust or remove torsion or extension springs, and don't handle loose or hanging cables. Both are under heavy tension. If a door is off track, stop using it rather than forcing it.
Does it cost anything to use the troubleshooter?
No. It is a free tool. You get the likely cause and a link to the matching service before you ever share a phone number.