A door that won't close is the call we get most often in Houston after springs. Half the time the fix takes 30 seconds. Work through these in order.
1. Something is in the sensor beam
The two small sensors near the floor on either side of the door project an invisible beam. A broom, a bike tire, a box or even cobwebs breaking the beam will stop the door from closing and usually make the opener light blink. Clear the path.
2. The sensors are misaligned or dirty
Each sensor has a small LED. Both should be steadily lit — typically one green, one amber. If one is off or flickering, wipe the lens and gently nudge the bracket until the light holds steady. Sensors get knocked by trash cans and lawn equipment all the time.
3. Direct sunlight on a sensor
Late-afternoon sun shining directly into a sensor can overwhelm it. If the door only refuses to close at a certain time of day, that is the cause. A short piece of PVC pipe or a cardboard hood over the sensor usually solves it.
4. The door is in lock or vacation mode
Many wall consoles have a lock button that disables remotes. If the wall button works but the remotes don't, hold the lock button for a few seconds to clear it.
5. Close-limit set wrong
If the door touches the floor and then reverses, the opener thinks it hit an obstruction. The down-limit or close-force adjustment on the motor unit needs to be set. This is a small adjustment, but setting the force too high defeats the safety reversal, so we recommend having it done by a technician.
6. A broken spring or cable
If the door is crooked, hanging on one side, or the opener strains and gives up partway, stop. A broken spring or a snapped cable has removed the counterbalance and the door can fall. Keep clear and call.
7. Opener logic board or motor
If the lights are on but nothing happens, or the unit clicks and hums, the board or motor has failed. On openers over 10 years old, replacement is usually the better value — see our opener repair page.
If you've checked the first four and the door still won't close, call us. Most Houston appointments are same day and the technician arrives with sensors, boards and remotes on the truck.