Top Reasons a Garage Door Isn’t Functioning

Garage doors are often taken for granted.

Garage doors are often taken for granted. They are used multiple times a day and become an unnoticed part of daily life—until something goes wrong. When a garage door stops working, it can be frustrating and unexpected.

The instinct to fix the issue independently is understandable, especially for those who enjoy DIY projects. However, not all problems can be resolved without professional expertise. Many garage door malfunctions require specialized knowledge and tools, making professional repair services the safest and most efficient option.

Recognizing the most common causes of garage door failure can help determine when it’s time to call a professional.

Misaligned Tracks

A garage door relies on metal tracks to guide its movement. If these tracks become misaligned, the door may not function properly. Bent rails or gaps between the rollers and tracks indicate a significant problem. The weight of the garage door can worsen the issue over time, making repairs more difficult.

Transmitter Malfunction

If a garage door isn’t responding, the transmitter could be the culprit. One common issue is attempting to operate the door from beyond the transmitter’s functional range. Each garage door transmitter has a set operating distance, and if it’s too far away, the door won’t open.

If the transmitter should be within range but still doesn’t work, there may be a technical problem requiring attention.

Obstruction in the Door’s Path

A garage door that begins to close but then reverses direction likely has an obstruction in its path. Everyday objects such as toys, tools, or even small debris like rocks or mud can trigger the door’s safety mechanism. This feature prevents the door from closing on objects, reducing the risk of injury or damage.

Dead Transmitter Batteries

A non-functioning garage door could simply be the result of dead transmitter batteries. Since transmitters need power to operate, checking the batteries should be the first step. This is an easy fix that typically doesn’t require professional assistance.

Broken Springs

If a garage door won’t open and other potential causes—such as dead transmitters or power interruptions—have been ruled out, broken tension springs may be to blame. Springs are the crucial components in lifting the door, and when they fail, the door becomes inoperable.

Replacing garage door springs is complex and potentially dangerous. Handling high-tension components without proper training can result in serious injury. Professional repair is strongly recommended for this issue.

When to Call a Professional

Understanding common garage door problems makes it easier to assess the situation. While some minor issues, such as replacing batteries or clearing obstructions, can be handled without assistance, problems like misaligned tracks and broken springs require expert attention.

Pinnacle Garage Door and Repair provides new garage door installation, custom garage door design, garage door replacement, repairs, openers, track repair, cable repair, spring replacement, and garage door maintenance throughout the Phoenix metro area and Maricopa County. Emergency service is available.