Garage Door Won't Open? What to Check First

A garage door that will not open is stressful, especially when the car is inside and you are already running late. Some causes are simple to fix yourself. Others mean the door should not be touched. Here is what to check, in order.

1. The remote

Try the wall button inside the garage. If that works, the problem is the remote. Replace the battery and try again. Remember that remote batteries are often button batteries, which are dangerous if swallowed, so keep them away from children.

2. The power

Check that the motor has power. Is the light on the unit working? Has a safety switch tripped? After a storm, a power cut may have reset the opener.

3. The lock

Some doors have a manual lock that stops the motor from opening them. Make sure it has not been engaged.

4. The safety beams

If the door opens but will not close, look at the infrared beams near the bottom of the opening. They may be blocked, dirty or knocked out of line. A light on each beam usually shows whether they can see each other.

5. Listen to the motor

If you hear the motor running but the door does not move, the opener may be disengaged or a gear may have failed. If you hear a click or hum and nothing else, the door may be too heavy for the motor.

When to stop

Stop and call for help if:

• You heard a loud bang from the garage, which often means a broken spring
• The door is hanging crooked or a cable is loose
• The door is off its tracks or out of its guides
• The door is very heavy when you try to lift it with the manual release

Forcing a door in any of these situations can make it fall or cause more damage. Our garage door repairs page explains the common faults.

Getting it fixed

Tell us your suburb and what the door is doing. If the car is trapped, say so and we will mark it as urgent.