You press the button to close your garage door. It starts to move down. Then suddenly, it stops and opens again. This can be confusing and frustrating. But the good news is, your garage door is doing what it was designed to do. Most of the time, this behavior is a safety feature.
Garage doors have built-in sensors and systems to prevent accidents. If something seems off, your door may reverse direction. It’s meant to protect your home, your car, and your family. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. A door that won’t close could point to a problem that needs attention.
Several different issues can cause your door to reverse while closing. Some are simple and easy to fix on your own. Others may need a professional to repair. Either way, acting early can help prevent bigger issues and save you money in the long run.
Why Your Garage Door Reverses Midway
Let’s start with the most common reasons your garage door may stop and reverse. These problems happen more often than you think. Knowing them can help you check your system and figure out the next steps.
One of the most frequent causes is sensor misalignment. Every modern garage door has safety sensors at the bottom. These sensors send signals to each other across the doorway. If something blocks the path, or if the sensors are dirty or not facing each other, the door won’t close.
Another common issue is spring or cable trouble. If a spring breaks or a cable comes loose, the door may become too heavy for the opener. The system senses the extra weight and reverses to avoid strain. Learn more about broken springs and rollers and cables if you think this may be the problem.
Lastly, tracking problems can also cause this issue. If there is something stuck on the track or the track is bent, the door might jam partway. The opener will try to close it, fail, then reverse.
Now that you know the common causes, we’ll guide you through some easy things you can check at home. This might help you solve the problem before calling a professional.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
You don’t always need a technician right away. There are a few simple things you can check on your own. These basic steps are safe and may fix the issue without needing repairs.
Clean and Align the Safety Sensors
First, take a look at the sensors at the bottom of your garage door. These small devices face each other and create an invisible beam. If anything blocks this beam, the door will reverse. Even a cobweb or speck of dust can cause trouble.
Use a soft cloth to wipe both lenses. Make sure they are clean and free of debris. Next, check the alignment. Each sensor should face directly toward the other. If they are tilted or bumped out of place, gently adjust them. Once the sensors are clean and aligned, try closing the door again. If the door still acts up, the problem may lie elsewhere.
You can also learn more general troubleshooting tips in our noisy door guide, which covers common sensor issues.
Look for Obvious Track Blockage or Bends
Next, inspect the tracks on both sides of your garage door. These metal rails guide the door as it opens and closes. If something blocks the path—like leaves, tools, or small objects—the door may stop and reverse.
Even a slight bend in the track can cause problems. A tight spot or dent may make the door stick or slow down. If you see anything in the way, clear it carefully. Never use force to bend the track back into shape. For replacement parts, visit our parts and accessories page.
Test Door Balance
Lastly, check the balance of your garage door. Pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the opener. Then lift the door by hand. It should move smoothly and stay open halfway. If the door feels heavy or slams shut, the spring may be broken or worn.
An unbalanced door is dangerous and should not be used. It puts stress on your opener and increases the risk of failure. If you notice balance problems, contact our team for expert garage door repairs.
Next, we’ll explain when it’s time to call a professional to keep your home safe and your door working right.
When to Call a Professional
If your garage door still refuses to close after basic checks, it’s time to call a technician. Some problems are hidden and need a trained eye. Fixing the issue early can prevent more serious damage later.
You’ve Checked the Basics and It’s Still Happening
You cleaned the sensors, checked the tracks, and tested the door balance. But the door still reverses. At this point, a deeper issue is likely. The sensors may have wiring problems. The opener settings could be off. Or the door may have mechanical trouble that’s not visible.
A professional can inspect the entire system. They use the right tools to test parts you can’t access easily. If needed, they can adjust or replace the opener, sensors, or track. Our team at CA Garage Doors provides full garage door opener services to get everything working again.
Your Springs or Opener May Be Failing
Broken springs are another common reason a door won’t close. If the spring can’t support the door’s weight, the opener will stop and reverse. It does this to avoid damage or injury. Springs wear out over time. Once broken, they must be replaced right away.
Trying to open a garage door with a broken spring is dangerous. It can cause the opener to fail or lead to sudden door drops. Visit our broken springs page to learn more about how to spot and handle spring issues.
Likewise, a failing opener can also trigger reversals. The motor may not have enough power. Or the settings may be too sensitive. If you notice signs like humming, grinding, or stopping mid-cycle, it’s time to schedule service. Our garage door openers experts can repair or replace the unit as needed.
Let the Experts Fix the Frustration
When your garage door won’t close, it’s not just annoying—it’s a safety risk. Whether it’s sensors, springs, or the opener, the problem needs fast attention.
CA Garage Doors helps San Luis Obispo homeowners find and fix the issue with care. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection. Let’s get your door working safely and smoothly again.
