Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open (And What to Do About It)

Why Your Garage Door Won’t Open (And What to Do About It)

A non-functional garage door can ruin your day. Whether you’re late for work, trying to secure your home, or simply running errands, a stuck or unresponsive garage door is more than just an inconvenience. It can also be a safety risk.

If your garage door won’t open, don’t panic. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes, what you can troubleshoot yourself, and when it’s time to call a professional.

How Garage Doors Work: The Basics

Understanding the basics of how your garage door operates will help you better diagnose the issue. Most garage doors use a system of springs, cables, rollers, and an opener (either chain, belt, or screw-driven). The opener controls movement, but the springs and cables do most of the heavy lifting.

If one component fails, the entire system can stop functioning properly.

Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open

1. Power Source Issues

This might sound obvious, but it’s often the root of the problem. Garage door openers require power to function. A tripped breaker or a disconnected plug can render your system inactive.

What to check:

• Is the opener plugged into a working outlet?
  
  
• Has a fuse blown or breaker tripped in your electrical panel?
  
  
• If you have a backup battery system, is it charged?
  
  

What to do:
Reset the breaker or test the outlet with another device. If power is not the issue, move on to mechanical problems.

2. Broken Torsion or Extension Springs

Garage door springs counterbalance the weight of the door. If a spring breaks, your door may not open at all — or may open only partway and then slam shut.

Signs of a broken spring:

• Loud bang or snapping sound
  
  
• Door appears crooked or uneven
  
  
• Door opens a few inches then stops
  
  
• Cables appear loose or unspooled
  
  

What to do:
Do not attempt to fix springs yourself. They’re under high tension and can cause serious injury. Contact a professional garage door technician immediately.

3. Disrupted Remote or Wall Control

Sometimes the problem lies with your remote or wall-mounted opener control. Batteries may be dead, or the signal may be disrupted.

What to check:

• Try using the wall button instead of the remote
  
  
• Replace remote batteries
  
  
• Check for interference from nearby wireless devices
  
  
• Inspect wiring behind the wall panel if possible
  
  

What to do:
Reset the opener and reprogram the remote if needed. If none of the controls work, the issue is likely with the opener or wiring.

4. Blocked or Misaligned Safety Sensors

Garage doors manufactured after 1993 come with photo-eye sensors that prevent the door from closing if something is in the path. If these sensors are misaligned or dirty, they can stop your door from functioning properly.

Symptoms of misalignment:

• Door won’t close fully or reverses immediately
  
  
• Flashing lights on the opener
  
  
• Clicking sound but no movement
  
  

What to do:
Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth and check that the beams are aligned. If they are blinking, try gently adjusting them until the lights turn solid.

5. Damaged or Obstructed Tracks

If your garage door is stuck or making loud grinding noises, the problem could be the tracks. Debris, dents, or misalignment can prevent smooth operation.

What to check:

• Inspect for bends or gaps in the metal tracks
  
  
• Look for items obstructing the path
  
  
• Make sure rollers are staying within the track
  
  

What to do:
Clean the tracks and call a technician if you notice any visible damage. Attempting to realign tracks yourself may worsen the issue.

6. Locked Manual Release or Door

Some garage doors have a manual lock bar or emergency release. If engaged, the door will not open automatically.

What to check:

• Look for a lock bar or handle near the middle of the door
  
  
• Check if the red emergency release cord has been pulled
  
  

What to do:
Ensure the door is unlocked and reset the manual release according to your opener’s instructions.

When to Call a Professional Garage Door Technician

While some issues like replacing remote batteries or cleaning sensors are easy to handle on your own, others require professional tools and expertise. Call a certified technician if:

• You suspect a spring or cable has broken
  
  
• Your door is off its track
  
  
• The motor hums but the door doesn’t move
  
  
• You’ve tried troubleshooting but the issue persists
  
  

At Pacific Overhead Garage Doors, we offer same-day repair service throughout Diamond Bar, Anaheim, Irvine, Malibu, and the Greater Los Angeles area. We’ll quickly diagnose the issue and provide a free, no-obligation estimate.

Safety First: What Not to Do

• Do not attempt to replace torsion springs on your own
  
  
• Avoid using the opener repeatedly if the door is jammed
  
  
• Never remove bolts or screws from the tracks unless trained
  
  
• Keep children and pets away from a malfunctioning door
  
  

Garage doors are heavy and under tension. DIY mistakes can result in serious injuries.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance can help you avoid sudden garage door failures. Here’s what you can do to keep your system running smoothly:

• Lubricate springs, rollers, and hinges every six months
  
  
• Test the balance of the door by disconnecting the opener and lifting manually
  
  
• Clean the safety sensors regularly
  
  
• Inspect cables and springs for visible wear
  
  
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups
  
  

We offer maintenance packages for homeowners in all service areas. Ask about our discounted service plans during your next visit.

Real Customer Story: Garage Door Stuck in Santa Ana

In March 2025, a customer in Santa Ana called us when her garage door wouldn’t open and her vehicle was trapped inside. After a quick inspection, we found a broken torsion spring and frayed cables. The replacement was completed in under two hours, and we also installed a new remote keypad system at her request. She was back on the road the same afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common reason a garage door won’t open?

The most common issue is a broken spring or power loss to the opener. These are typically easy to diagnose with a quick inspection.

Can I manually open my garage door?

Yes, most garage doors have a manual release cord. However, if the springs or cables are broken, the door may be too heavy to lift safely.

How much does garage door repair cost?

Repair costs range from one hundred to five hundred dollars depending on the issue. We provide free estimates before starting any work.

Is it dangerous to try to fix a garage door myself?

Yes, especially when it comes to springs, cables, or the opener motor. Always call a trained technician for complex repairs.

Do you offer emergency service?

Yes. Pacific Overhead Garage Doors provides emergency garage door repair across our full 23-mile service radius.

Call Pacific Overhead Garage Doors for Fast, Reliable Repair

If your garage door won’t open, don’t wait. Contact the trusted professionals at Pacific Overhead Garage Doors for fast, affordable service.

Call (909) 629-1523 or email pacificoverheaddoors@hotmail.com to schedule your free inspection. We serve Anaheim, Santa Ana, Malibu, Irvine, Diamond Bar, and all nearby communities.