Automatic garage door openers are one of those everyday items that are so smooth and convenient, we don’t even think about them. Then, one day, a problem arises, and suddenly, your garage door won’t close, leaving the insides exposed to passersbys.

Or worse, it won’t open, and you can’t get your vehicle out of it.

Often times, it’s a simple fix. But occasionally, the problem is more severe. If you’re suffering from garage door problems, here are the most common causes and what to do about it.

The Photo Eyes are Blocked, Broken, or Misaligned

On almost every automatic home garage door, there are two little objects near the ground called photo-eyes. These send an invisible laser between each other to detect if something is in the way of garage door.

If your door is open, and your photo eyes aren’t connecting, the door won’t close. This is the most common reason for a garage door not closing. When you push the button to close the door, and it briefly goes into motion, only to return to the starting position, check the photo eyes.

Make sure nothing is in the way and that they haven’t gotten bent out of shape. Additionally, they should have some sort of indicator light on them letting you know they’re working. If you don’t see a light, something is amiss.

The Springs or Cables Have Broken

Usually, you’re going to know about this one when it happens. Garage springs carry a lot of weight and tension. If they break, it will sound like someone just shot a gun off in your garage. The same is true for cables, to a certain degree.

If you see/hear that your springs or cables are broken, call a professional. These parts can be dangerous to replace on your own.

Dead Batteries in Your Opener

Pushing the button on your opener with no response from your door? Before you panic, check the button inside your garage. If that works, then you probably just need to quickly replace the battery.

Power Outage / Blown Fuse

Chances are, you’re going to notice this one because some lights won’t be on as well. If you’re getting no reaction from your opener at all, it could definitely be a power outage.

What to Do if It Won’t Open or Close

If your garage door won’t open or close automatically, don’t worry, it has a manual release as well. First, you’ll need to grab a ladder. If  your vehicle is parked directly beneath the opener, you may need to climb up on that instead. Just be careful.

Once you’re under your opener, look for a red cord or rope that’s attached to a lever mechanism. Pulling that should release it from the automatic system, allowing you to move it manually.

Depending on the issue, the manual release may not be enough to get your door moving. Either way, you should contact a professional to get your door working properly again.

Don’t be too prideful or worried that it’s a simple fix. Garage doors carry a lot of weight and tension in their system. It’s much better to call someone out for an easy correction than risk injuring yourself.

Should you end up needing a new garage door opener for your Ohio residence, we’ve got you covered. Springfield Overhead Door provides a wide selection of garage door services to meet your needs. Contact us today!