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Garage door opener · Repair Copilot

Garage door won't close

A garage door that won't close is usually the safety sensors — a blocked or misaligned photo-eye near the floor makes the opener reverse on purpose. That part is a safe five-minute fix. But the springs and cables under tension are dangerous, so show SightLine the door and a friendly handyman persona keeps you well clear of them.

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Steps to fix garage door won't close

  1. Look at the two small sensors near the floor on each side of the door — a blinking light means they're misaligned or blocked.
  2. Wipe the sensor lenses clean and clear anything (a trash can, a leaf pile, a cobweb) breaking the beam between them.
  3. Gently nudge one sensor until both show a steady (not blinking) light, meaning they're aligned and see each other.
  4. Check the track for a bent rail or an object in the door's path, and make sure the manual lock isn't engaged.
  5. DANGER — NEVER touch the TORSION SPRING across the top of the door or the lift cables: they hold enormous tension and can maim you. Don't adjust, loosen, or "fix" them.
  6. If the sensors are clean and aligned but it still won't close, or anything involves the springs, cables, or drums, call a garage-door pro.

Safety first: if a step calls for gas, a main water or sewer line, a service panel or main breaker, or a sealed refrigerant system, stop and call a licensed pro — Repair Copilot will tell you when you're there.