Garage doors are remarkably durable these days, but some, especially older models, remain susceptible to problems. One morning, your electric garage door doesn’t respond to the remote. Or it starts making an awful grinding noise. Or it stops halfway through opening and won’t budge.
Some problems you can fix yourself in minutes. Others require professional attention.
Here’s how to tell the difference and troubleshoot garage door issues before calling for help.
When the Remote Doesn’t Work
You have zero functionality using the remote. First and most obvious, is the battery dead?
Second, is the remote damaged? If you’ve dropped it, sat on it, or left it in a damp area, the circuitry inside may be damaged.
Try the wall-mounted button inside your garage. If that works but the remote doesn’t, you’ve found your problem.
If Battery Replacement Doesn’t Help
On rare occasions, remotes lose their programming. This occurs if the system has been disconnected from power or if there has been interference. Most modern systems have a simple reprogramming process.
If multiple remotes stop working simultaneously, the issue is more likely with the receiver than with the remotes. That usually means calling a professional.
Door Stops Halfway
A garage door that opens partially then stops, or closes partway and reverses, is trying to tell you something, such as:
Safety Sensor Issues
Electric garage doors have safety sensors that prevent the door from closing if an object is in the way. These sensors are mounted near the bottom of the door opening on either side and operate by maintaining a clear line of sight between them.
Check if anything’s blocking the sensors – cobwebs, dirt, or objects leaning against them.
Give them a clean with a soft cloth. If the sensor lights aren’t on or aren’t aligned properly, that’s your issue.
Track Obstructions
Something might be caught in the tracks that guide the door up and down. Look for debris, small stones, or anything else that shouldn’t be there. Clear any obstructions and see if that resolves the issue.
Limit Setting Wrong
If your door is stopping at the wrong point – not quite fully open or not quite fully closed – the limit settings might be off. These tell the motor when to stop.
Some systems allow homeowners to adjust; others don’t. Check your manual before attempting this yourself.
Noisy Operation
Some noise is normal when an electric garage door operates, but excessive grinding, scraping, or squealing isn’t!
Lubrication Usually Helps
Most garage door noise comes from moving parts that are dry:
- Rollers: These run in the side tracks and can squeak when they’re not lubricated
- Hinges: Between door sections on sectional doors, these benefit from occasional lubrication
- Springs: The torsion spring above the door should be lubricated periodically
Use proper garage door lubricant – not WD-40, which is too thin and attracts dust. A silicone-based spray lubricant works well. Follow the manual for proper guidance.
When Noise Means Trouble
If lubrication doesn’t help, or if you hear metal-on-metal grinding, something may be damaged or misaligned.
Springs under tension, bent tracks, or worn rollers all make concerning noises and all require professional attention.
Door Won’t Open at All
After troubleshooting remote problems, check the power supply first. Has a fuse blown? Is the motor unit plugged in properly? Check for loose or hanging cables.
If power is fine, try the manual release. Most electric garage doors have an emergency release that lets you operate them manually. If the door opens manually but not electrically, the problem is with the motor or control system.
If the door won’t budge even manually, something is physically jamming it – broken springs, damaged tracks, or a more serious mechanical failure. Don’t force it. Call a professional.
Slow Operation
A garage door that’s moving more slowly than usual often indicates the motor is struggling or something’s creating resistance.
Springs lose tension over time, making the door heavier for the motor to lift. Tracks can become misaligned slightly, increasing friction. Or there could be dust and dirt gumming up the motor itself.
Slow operation often precedes complete failure, so it’s worth addressing before you’re left with a door that won’t open at all.
What Not to DIY
Some garage door repairs are not sensible for most homeowners to attempt:
- Spring replacement: Torsion springs are under enormous tension and can cause serious injury if they snap during replacement
- Cable repairs: Like springs, cables are under tension and require specialist tools and knowledge
- Major track adjustments: Bent or misaligned tracks need careful realignment for safe operation
- Motor replacement: While not dangerous, doing it wrong means an expensive motor might not work properly
If you’re uncertain whether something is safe to attempt yourself, err on the side of caution and call a professional.
When to Call Skandoor
We manufacture and install garage doors throughout Hampshire and the south, and we also handle repairs and maintenance.
If you’ve tried the simple fixes and your electric garage door is still causing issues, we can diagnose and resolve the problem.
We also offer superb roller, side-hinged, and sectional garage doors that are manufactured here in the UK, with durable high-end components and best-in-industry warranties.
Contact us if your garage door isn’t behaving as it should. We’ll talk you through what’s happening and arrange a visit if needed.
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