Garage Door Won't Close: Common Sensor and Track Checks
When a garage door starts down and reverses, safety sensors, obstructions, or track resistance are common causes.
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Before you startUse only the checks you can perform safely. Disconnect power before homeowner-serviceable cleaning or inspection. Stop when a repair involves gas, exposed wiring, high voltage, a roof, structural components, or anything outside your experience.
Common signs
- Door reverses before touching floor
- Opener lights blink
- Door closes only while button is held
Most likely causes
1. Misaligned safety sensors
Photo eyes must face each other and stay unobstructed.
2. Dirty sensor lens
Dust or cobwebs can interrupt the beam.
3. Track obstruction
Debris or damaged tracks can create resistance.
4. Opener or spring problem
Mechanical problems can overload the opener.
Safe checks to try first
- Remove objects from the doorway and tracks.
- Clean both sensor lenses gently.
- Confirm sensor indicator lights are steady according to the opener manual.
- Do not adjust torsion springs, cables, or high-tension hardware.
When to call a professional
Call a garage-door professional for broken springs, cables, bent tracks, or a door that feels unusually heavy.
Bottom line
Start with the simplest visible cause, change one thing at a time, and avoid repeated resets or disassembly when a safety device keeps tripping. A recurring problem usually deserves a proper diagnosis rather than a temporary workaround.