Garage Door Won't Close: 7 Quick Fixes You Can Try

Fix #1: Photo-Eye Sensor Alignment

The safety sensors at the bottom of the door frame are the number one reason doors won't close. They sit about 6 inches above the floor on both sides. Here's the fix:

1. 1. Check for obstructions: leaves, spider webs, ice
2. 2. Verify both sensors show solid LED lights, not blinking
3. 3. Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth
4. 4. Realign sensors if the lights are off: they need a clear line of sight to each other

Fix #2: Track Alignment

Misaligned vertical or horizontal tracks stop the door from rolling smoothly. Check these:

• Use a level on the vertical track sections
• Look for bent or dented track sections
• Verify track mounting brackets are tight against the wall
• Clear any ice or debris packed into the track

Fix #3: Opener Force Adjustment

The force adjustment controls how hard the opener pushes or pulls the door. If it's set too sensitive, the opener reads normal resistance as an obstruction and reverses.

Find the force adjustment screws on the opener unit. Turn clockwise to increase closing force if the door reverses mid-close. Adjust only a quarter turn at a time and test after each adjustment. If the force adjustment doesn't resolve it, work through our opener troubleshooting guide for a full diagnostic checklist.

Related Services

• Opener Repair Service
• Emergency Door Repair

Related Resources

If you resolved the immediate issue but want to prevent future problems, our monthly maintenance checklist takes five minutes and catches the most common door problems before they strand you in the driveway. For doors that still won't close after working through these fixes, use our photo estimate tool: send a few photos and get a diagnosis within one business day.