What To Do If Your Garage Door Starts To Close Then Stops

If your garage door starts to close then stops, you need to get to the bottom of this potential security concern and identify the problem — it could be an issue with the springs, tracks, wiring, logic board, or even the sensors.

In this article, you will learn about several troubleshooting steps you can handle on your own and when it is simply better to call in professional help for manual garage door repairs.

Table of Contents:

• Step One - Troubleshoot the Garage Door Opener
• Step Two - Check the Sensors
• Step Three - Ensure Garage Springs Aren’t Broken
• Step Four - Get a New Logic Board
• Step Five - Inspect the Limit Switch
• Step Six - Test the Garage Door Track
• Benefits of Enlisting Professional Help vs. DIY Fixes
• Trust Precision Garage Door Service for Garage Door Repairs
• Garage Door Keeps Going Back Up FAQ

Step One - Troubleshoot the Garage Door Opener

If you notice issues with your garage door stopping before it reaches the bottom, your opener may display a message through a series of flashes. Learning to decode the number of flashes can tell you what may be wrong with your garage door.

• One flash: Open, broken, or disconnected safety sensor wire
• Two flashes: Shorted or reversed sensor wire
• Three flashes: Shorted door control or wire
• Four flashes: Misaligned safety sensors
• Five flashes: Overheated motor or RPM issue
• Six flashes: Motor circuit failure

Dealing with electrical wiring can be dangerous. Contact a garage door professional for help if your garage door opener flashes correspond with a wiring issue.

Step Two - Check the Sensors

One of the most common reasons behind your garage door not closing all the way is the safety sensors. If someone were to stand in the doorway of your garage while the system was active, the sensors would help prevent the door from shutting to prevent injury.

If the sensors malfunction, they could incorrectly activate safety mechanisms, causing the door to start to close before stopping. They could also be the reason your garage door keeps going back up. Not all safety sensor malfunctions are the same, however.

Your sensors may have dirt or debris blocking them, causing them to register shadows that trigger the safety mechanisms. Cleaning often remedies this problem.

If the problem persists, try re-aligning the sensors:

1. Turn off the power source to the garage door sensors.
2. Loosen the screws in the sensor mounting brackets so they can be moved.
3. Connect each sensor with a taut string.
4. Use a level under the string to check if the sensors are level. Adjust until level.
5. Tighten bracket screws.
6. Turn the power back on and test.

Pro tip: A garage door professional can help align your garage door sensors safely and ensure you don’t potentially void your garage door warranty with DIY work.

Step Three - Ensure Garage Springs Aren’t Broken

The springs on your garage door are designed to counter the heavy weight of the door. When your door closes, the springs wind, creating more tension that allows the door to reach the bottom. When it’s time to open your garage door, the springs unwind, providing the force needed to lift the heavy door. Some of the energy used to close the door can then be repurposed for opening it again.

Because the springs play such a large role in how well your door can open or shut, they’re often the culprit when your garage door won’t close all the way and goes back up. If the springs are worn down from age or broken, they can prevent your door from closing or opening all the way, as there's not enough tension or force to maneuver your garage door. Signs your springs need to be replaced include:

• Unusual noises
• Resistance when manually opening or closing the door
• Uneven or unbalanced door movement
• Visible damage like cracks, rust, gaps, or discoloration
• Sagging
• Unexpected slamming when closing

Garage door springs are under a large amount of tension at all times, posing safety risks. If you notice any of these signs, reach out to a Precision Garage Door Service® professional to address the issue.

Step Four - Check the Logic Board

Your logic board is the mediator between your garage remote and the opener. Your remote sends a signal to the door opener to open or close, and the logic board is responsible for relaying this signal.

If your logic board is malfunctioning, your remote and opener may not work as efficiently, causing issues such as your garage door not moving at all or your garage door opening after closing. In this case, the best solution is to replace your logic board.

A service professional can identify if this is the problem before replacing the board, saving time and resources if there is a different reason for your garage door malfunction.

Step Five - Inspect the Limit Switch

Like a logic board, a limit switch works alongside your opener to operate your garage door. The limit switch is a mechanical switch that controls when the motor in the opener starts and stops and monitors when your garage door reaches its maximum opening or closing position.

If your garage starts to close before stopping, it may be because your limit switch isn’t adjusted to the height of your garage opening. In this case, it may be registering the bottom of the doorway as higher up than it truly is, leaving a gap.

A malfunctioning limit switch can also cause problems with opening. Have you ever activated your opener just to see that your garage door only opens a foot or so? This can be the result of issues with the limit switch.

While adjustment should be left to a professional, you can perform a basic visual inspection. You can find the limit switch in one of two places:

1. Two knobs on the top and bottom of the opener rail
2. Screws or dials near the motor unit of the garage door opener

Then look for any obvious signs of damage, such as broken wires, loose connections, or physical damage to the switches. Contact a professional for replacement or adjustment.

Step Six - Test the Garage Door Track

One of the most common problems is debris in the track. Dust, dirt, or leaves can build up in the tracks of your garage door over time. Since the main purpose of the track is to carefully guide the garage door open and shut, this can prevent an easy close.

To clean the tracks:

1. Clear out any debris with a vacuum.
2. Wipe down the tracks with a clean cloth.
3. Use garage door lubricant on tracks, making sure to wipe away any excess.

If the problem persists, you may have a more complex garage door track issue like misalignment. Visually inspect the tracks to see if they’re parallel to each other. If they’re misaligned, this can cause the door to get stuck.

A professional can level your garage door to ensure that there’s no more weight on one side of the tracks than the other and that the door can close smoothly.

Garage doors weigh hundreds of pounds, and falling garage doors can cause serious injuries and damage. Reach out to a professional for help leveling your door or adjusting tracks.

Benefits of Enlisting Professional Help vs. DIY Fixes

When it comes to fixing a garage door, a DIY solution can be tempting. However, repairing a garage door can be dangerous, especially when it comes to issues such as broken torsion and extension springs. Garage door repairs can also be complex since they involve electrical components.

It’s best to consult a professional for appropriate repairs and maintenance, as professionals can:

• Accurately identify why the garage door is malfunctioning
• Perform efficient repairs that address the root problem
• Avoid risk of further damaged property
• Avoid risk of wasted time or money if the initial DIY solution doesn’t work

Trust Precision Garage Door Service for Garage Door Repairs

Whether you’re navigating issues with your garage door or need garage door opener repair, Precision Garage Door Service is dedicated to providing high-quality services you can rely on. Guided by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, our team of professionals provides various services, from garage door conversions to repairs and replacements.

If your garage door won’t close all the way and goes back up, schedule an appointment today.

---

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Precision Garage Door Service location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Garage Door Keeps Going Back Up FAQ

As a garage door service, repair, and installation leader renowned for integrity and dependability, all independently owned and operated Precision Garage Door Service locations are committed to safety, quality workmanship, and your satisfaction. This commitment includes using our expertise and years of experience to answer your garage door-related questions.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about garage doors starting to close and then stopping.

Why does my garage door start up and then stop?

If your garage door starts and then stops, it's likely due to one of several issues: broken or worn springs, blocked or misaligned sensors, wiring or power issues, unlubricated or misaligned tracks, or issues with the garage door opener. Because it could be an electrical issue or a malfunction with the springs, it’s best to contact a garage door professional to identify and resolve the problem.

Why does my garage door start to close and then stop and blink?

If your garage door starts to close and then stops with blinking, it’s likely a problem with your sensors. Sensors are in place to prevent injuries, stopping the garage door from closing on people or other objects. If they are misaligned, blocked by debris, or otherwise not working, you may encounter this problem. Contact a professional to address garage door sensor issues.

Why does my garage door almost close and then stop?

If your garage door almost closes completely before stopping, it could be an issue with your sensors or the tracks preventing the door from closing further. Your sensors may need to be cleaned or realigned. You may also need to schedule a tune-up to clean and relubricate your garage door tracks.

In more complex cases, this can also be caused by your garage door springs. If the springs are worn or broken, they’re not able to provide the correct amount of tension. This can prevent the door from reaching the bottom completely.