Garage Door Won't Open? 9 Common Causes & How to Fix Them

A garage door that won't open is equal parts inconvenient and alarming — especially when your car is trapped inside. Before you panic (or pay for a call-out you might not need), work through this checklist. We've ordered it from "easy DIY" to "stop and call a pro."

1. Dead remote or keypad battery

The most common culprit. If the wall button works but the remote doesn't, swap the remote battery and try re-programming it to the opener. Same for a keypad that's gone unresponsive.

2. Opener unplugged or tripped breaker

It happens more than you'd think. Check that the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power — test the breaker for that circuit.

3. The door is in "lock" or vacation mode

Many wall consoles have a lock button that disables remotes. A long-pressed lock button is a classic "it just stopped working" cause.

4. Misaligned safety sensors (door won't close)

If the door opens fine but reverses or won't close — and the opener light blinks — the photo-eye sensors near the floor are misaligned or dirty. Wipe the lenses and adjust them until both indicator LEDs glow solid.

5. Disengaged trolley / pulled emergency release

If the motor runs but the door doesn't move, someone may have pulled the red emergency-release cord. Re-engage the trolley by pulling the cord toward the door and running the opener.

6. Broken torsion spring

If the door is extremely heavy, won't lift manually, or you heard a loud "bang" recently, you likely have a broken spring. Do not keep hitting the opener — you'll burn out the motor. This needs a technician.

7. Snapped lift cable

A frayed or broken cable will make the door hang crooked or jam. Like springs, cables are under high tension — leave these to a pro.

8. Door off the track

If a roller has jumped the track, the door will bind and look misaligned. Forcing it makes the damage (and the bill) worse. See our guide on off-track doors.

9. Worn opener gear or logic board

If the motor hums but nothing moves, an internal gear or the control board may have failed. Repairable, but it's a technician job.

When to stop and call a professional

• The door is far too heavy to lift by hand
• You see a gap in the spring or a hanging cable
• The door is crooked or off its track
• Your car is trapped and you need it now

These involve high-tension parts that can cause serious injury. A licensed tech will diagnose it in minutes and most fixes are same-day.