A garage door that won’t close all the way is more than just annoying it’s a security risk, a safety hazard, and a disruption to your entire routine. You hit the close button, hear the opener running, the door starts moving, and then suddenly… it reverses, stops halfway, or won’t move at all. Fortunately, most causes of this problem are easy to diagnose and fix, and you usually don’t need a full door replacement.
In this complete troubleshooting guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons a garage door won’t close fully, how to fix them, and when you should call a professional.
1. Misaligned Safety Sensors (The #1 Cause)
Garage doors are equipped with photo-eye sensors, located near the bottom of the tracks. Their job is to detect obstacles and prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects. If these sensors aren’t working correctly, your garage door may stop and reverse—even if there’s nothing in the way.
Signs your sensors are the problem:
- The door starts closing but reverses immediately
- Blinking lights on one or both sensors
- The opener flashes its lights
- The door only closes when you hold down the wall button
How to fix it:
- Check for obstructions:
Something as small as a leaf or cobweb can interfere with the beam. - Clean the sensors:
Use a soft cloth to wipe dirt, dust, or condensation off the lens. - Realign the sensors:
- Loosen the wingnut holding each sensor.
- Adjust until both sensors face each other directly.
- Tighten the wingnut again.
- Make sure both LED lights are solid (not blinking).
- Inspect the wiring:
- Look for loose, chewed, or damaged wires.
- Ensure the wires are firmly connected to the opener.
If cleaning and realignment don’t fix the issue, the sensor itself may be malfunctioning and might need replacement.
2. Something Is Blocking the Door’s Path
Garage doors are extremely sensitive when it comes to obstructions. Even a small object on the floor can trigger the safety system.
Possible obstructions include:
- Toys
- Tools
- Rocks
- Leaves
- Ice buildup
- Debris caught in the tracks
How to fix it:
- Inspect the entire area under the door.
- Clear out anything that might interfere with closing.
- Run the door again to see if it reaches the floor.
This is one of the simplest fixes—and often overlooked.
3. Dirty or Damaged Tracks
When the tracks that guide your garage door become dirty, bent, or blocked, the door may stop partway and reverse to prevent further damage.
Signs your tracks are the issue:
- Grinding or scraping noises
- Jerky or uneven movement
- Door stalls at specific spots
How to fix it:
- Clean the tracks:
Use a dry cloth to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
Avoid heavy grease—it collects dirt. - Inspect for dents or bends:
Use a rubber mallet to carefully tap small dents back into shape. - Check for gaps or misalignment:
If the track is pulling away from the wall or uneven, it may require professional adjustment.
Clean tracks = smoother, quieter, and trouble-free operation.
4. Problems With the Remote or Wall Switch
Sometimes the issue isn’t mechanical—it’s communication-related.
Check your remote:
- Replace the battery
- Make sure you’re within range
- Ensure the antenna on the opener motor is hanging down freely
- Reprogram the remote if necessary
Check your wall switch:
- Loose wiring can cause the door to stop mid-way
- Test the switch by holding it down:
- If the door closes only when held, the sensor system is the issue
If both the remote and the wall switch fail, the opener’s logic board might be the problem.
5. Limit Settings Are Incorrect
Garage door openers have limit settings that control how far the door travels. If these are set incorrectly, the opener may think the ground is an obstruction and stop before touching it.
Signs the limit settings need adjustment:
- Door closes halfway, then reverses
- Door hits the ground, then pops back up
- Door stops inches above the ground
How to fix it:
- Find the limit adjustment screws on your opener (usually labeled “up” and “down”).
- Turn the down adjustment screw in small increments.
- Test the door after each adjustment.
If you’re unsure, check your opener’s manual—each brand has slightly different steps.
6. Broken or Worn Garage Door Springs
If your door feels heavy, moves unevenly, or stops before closing, the springs may be failing. Springs do most of the lifting, so when they wear out, the opener struggles to move the door.
Signs of spring problems:
- A visible gap in the torsion spring
- Loud popping noise when it broke
- Door slams shut or closes too fast
- Door gets stuck halfway
Important:
Do NOT attempt to fix springs yourself. They are extremely dangerous under tension. Always call a professional.
7. Damaged Cables or Rollers
The door won’t close properly if the cables or rollers are worn, frayed, or broken.
How to diagnose:
- Look along both sides of the door for frayed cables
- Inspect rollers for cracks, flat spots, or rust
- Check if the door wobbles as it moves
Damaged rollers or cables can stop the door mid-way or cause the opener to reverse.
How to fix it:
These parts should be replaced by a trained technician due to the risk involved.
8. The Garage Door Opener Is Failing
Over time, garage door openers wear out. A failing motor, stripped gear, or overheating issue can prevent the door from closing fully.
Symptoms include:
- Opener hums but doesn’t move
- Door moves then stops
- Rattling or grinding noise from the opener unit
- Opener lights flash repeatedly
If your opener is over 10–15 years old, replacement may be more cost-effective than repair.
9. The Door Is Off-Balance
A garage door that’s off-balance may close unevenly, get stuck halfway, or stop to prevent damage to the opener.
How to test door balance:
- Pull the red emergency release cord.
- Lift the door halfway.
- If the door falls or rises on its own, it’s unbalanced.
Unbalanced doors require professional adjustment.
When to Call a Professional
You should call a garage door technician if:
- The sensors are aligned but the door still won’t close
- Springs or cables are damaged
- The opener makes grinding or clicking sounds
- The door is off-track or crooked
- You’ve tried the fixes and nothing works
Professionals have the tools and experience to diagnose and fix problems quickly and safely.
Conclusion
When your garage door won’t close all the way, it’s usually caused by something simple like:
- Misaligned sensors
- Dusty tracks
- Poor limit settings
- A weak remote signal
Fortunately, most of these issues can be fixed in just a few minutes.
Regular maintenance cleaning tracks, lubricating moving parts, checking sensors—can prevent future problems and keep your door running smoothly.