Garage door won't close or keeps reversing in Franklin, Tennessee
The door starts down, then goes back up, or it stays put while a light blinks. Most often the safety sensors think something is in the way, and you can check that yourself.
Check in this order
Look at both sensor lights
A steady light usually means the sensor sees its partner. A dark or blinking light means it does not. The opener's manual explains the signals.
Clear the beam
A rake, a bag or the edge of a bin can block it. Sun shining straight into a lens can also confuse it.
Wipe the lenses
Use a dry, soft cloth. Dust and spider webs are common blockers.
Look at the aim
A sensor that was knocked sideways stops seeing its partner. If one looks bumped, tell the contractor, because bending the bracket can make it worse.
Watch the door once, from a safe spot
If it comes down and reverses just before it touches the floor, the travel limit may be set wrong. That adjustment is for the contractor.
While you wait for a repair
Acceptable
- Hold the wall button down to close the door, if the opener's manual says it allows this. Watch the door the whole way.
- Close the door by hand with the opener disconnected, but only if the door moves easily and you need to secure the garage.
- Count the blinks. They can identify the fault.
Do not
- Taping or wiring around a sensor so the door will close.
- Raising the force setting. The door will then push harder on whatever is in the way.
If the sensors look fine
A door that scrapes, binds or closes unevenly can trip the reversal because it needs more force than usual. The cause may be a worn roller, a bent track or a weak spring. See rollers and tune-ups and opener repair.
If the fault appears only at certain times of day, tell the contractor. Low sun on a sensor can cause that.
Ready to talk to a contractor?
Call this number and say what the door is doing. The contractor who answers is independent of this site.