What's wrong with my garage door?
Tap the problem you're seeing. You'll get the most likely cause, what's safe to try yourself, and when to call a technician.
I heard a loud bang and the door won't open
Stop using the door. This needs a technician.
- Likely cause
- A broken torsion spring. Springs usually snap with a sound like a gunshot.
- What to do now
- Leave the door closed. Unplug the opener so it doesn't strain. Don't try to lift the door, it's now extremely heavy.
It opens a few inches, then stops
Stop using the door. This needs a technician.
- Likely cause
- Usually a broken or weak spring, so the opener senses the door is too heavy and stops.
- What to do now
- Stop using the opener. Check above the door for a gap in the spring.
It closes, then goes right back up
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- The safety sensors near the floor are blocked, dirty or misaligned, or the opener's force setting needs adjusting.
- What to do now
- Wipe both sensor lenses and make sure their lights are steady. Remove anything in the doorway.
The opener hums but the door doesn't move
Stop using the door. This needs a technician.
- Likely cause
- Often a broken spring. It can also be a stripped gear inside the opener.
- What to do now
- Stop pressing the button, the motor can burn out. Look for a broken spring above the door.
The remote or keypad stopped working
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- A dead battery, the lock button on the wall panel, or the remote needs reprogramming.
- What to do now
- Replace the remote battery and check that the lock button on the wall panel is off.
The door is crooked or off its track
Stop using the door. This needs a technician.
- Likely cause
- A broken cable or a roller that has left the track, often after the door hit something.
- What to do now
- Don't use the door. Unplug the opener and keep people and cars away from it.
A cable is hanging loose
Stop using the door. This needs a technician.
- Likely cause
- A snapped or unwound lift cable. This usually happens alongside a spring problem.
- What to do now
- Don't touch the cable or the spring. Keep the door closed and call a technician.
It's loud, squeaky or grinding
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- Dry or worn rollers, hinges and bearings, or loose hardware.
- What to do now
- Lubricate rollers, hinges and springs with garage door lubricant. If the noise stays, book a tune-up.
It feels heavy when I lift it by hand
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- Springs are losing tension and the door is out of balance.
- What to do now
- Avoid using the opener heavily until it's checked, it's doing the springs' work.
Cold air or water gets under the door
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- A worn bottom seal or weather stripping, or the door isn't closing evenly.
- What to do now
- Check the rubber seal at the bottom of the door for cracks or gaps.
A panel is dented or cracked
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- Impact damage. Bent sections can strain the opener and rollers.
- What to do now
- If the door still runs smoothly it's usually safe to use carefully until repaired.
It works, but it's old and ugly
Usually safe to check yourself first.
- Likely cause
- Time for an upgrade. A new insulated door improves curb appeal and keeps the garage warmer.
- What to do now
- Try styles and colors in our 3D door designer.
Still not sure?
Call and describe what you see. We'll tell you honestly if it needs a technician.