Imagine this: you are already running late for your mate’s birthday bash, and you find that your garage door is stuck.
Frustrating, right?
Well, you are in a bind, whether it is stuck midway or won’t open at all. Your car is trapped inside for as long as it takes for you to call for garage door repair.
We know what you are thinking: if only I knew how to fix a stuck garage door.
Yes, more often than not, it’s a job best left to a professional. But there are a few things you can check and possibly fix yourself.
So, let’s find out how to fix a stuck garage door.
Check the Power Supply
First things first, check if your garage door opener is plugged in. We know how obvious this sounds. But sometimes, the issue is as simple as a lost/broken plug or a tripped safety switch.
So first, check if the opener is plugged into a working outlet. If the outlet isn’t working, try plugging it into a different one. If the garage door is still stuck, check the circuit breaker. Be sure the safety switches are on and working. Usually, this will fix your garage door.
1. Check Your Remote
Modern garage doors come with a remote. If the power is fine, you might want to check the remote. Most likely, you will need to change the flat batteries. But before replacing those, check the remote antenna. It should not be bent or broken.
Try opening it after replacing the batteries. If this doesn’t open the stuck garage door, try reprogramming the remote. Follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual. This should fix a garage door.
2. Unlock the Garage Door
Like the power supply, another simple explanation for a stuck garage door is the manual lock. Many garage doors come with manual locks for additional safety. Sometimes, this lock can accidentally engage and prevent the door from opening. Look for a metal bar or a knob in the middle of the door. Check if it’s unlocked. It’s the quickest way to fix a garage door.
3. Clean and Adjust the Sensors
Automated garage doors have safety sensors. These protect your family and furry friends from getting trapped in the door. However, when they malfunction, you end up with a garage door stuck midway.
Typically, sensors malfunction when they gather dirt or lose their alignment. Cleaning and adjusting them can fix the garage door. But first, turn off the power supply to your garage door.
Next, use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe the sensor lenses. Make sure the sensors are aligned correctly. They should face each other without any objects between them. Properly functioning sensors are vital for your garage door.
4. Check Lubrication
Garage doors have a lot of moving parts, just like your car. That means regular lubrication is necessary to keep it running smoothly. If the garage door is stuck, try lubricating the springs, hinges, rollers, rails, and axles.
You can use a silicone or lithium spray specifically designed for garage doors. Apply a light coat and wipe away any excess lubricant. However, don’t lubricate the tracks. Doing this will fix your garage door.
5. Inspect the Tracks
The garage door moves along the tracks when it opens and closes. These tracks need to be in excellent condition for the door to work seamlessly. If the garage door doesn’t budge, check the tracks for bends, bumps, or gaps.
If you are up for it, you can try bending the tracks back into their original position with a pair of pliers. However, do this only if the tracks are slightly bent. If not, it’s time to call in a professional garage door service provider.
6. Check the Limit Settings
Limit settings prevent your garage door from slamming into the ground or closing in on people. However, incorrect limit settings can cause the door to close and then reopen immediately or not close fully. This could be the reason behind a stuck door.
You can adjust these settings to fix your garage door. Use the screws on the garage door motor unit to reset the limit switches. You can refer to the owner’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the limit settings for your door model.
7. Replace Worn-Out Parts
Over time, parts of your garage door, such as rollers, hinges, tracks, and springs, can wear out. Broken or worn-out parts can cause the door to get stuck. To fix your garage door, first, inspect these parts for wear and tear.
Call a garage door repair expert to check and replace these parts if they look damaged. A professional will make sure the replacements are compatible with your door model.
8. Fix Broken or Loose Cables
Another common issue is broken or loose cables. Broken or loose cables will cause your garage door to hang evenly or go off-track. Check the door for frayed or dangling cables. However, don’t try to fix this issue yourself.
But don’t try to fix your garage door in this case. These cables are under high tension, and not knowing your way around them can lead to serious injuries. Instead, trust a local garage door repair expert like Filip’s Garage Doors to handle this issue.
9. Reset the Opener Motor
Sometimes, the issue is with the opener motor. In many cases, the motor is unplugged. It can happen, as moving items in and out of the garage may cause the cord to snag. Make sure it’s plugged in.
In some cases, there might be a communication issue between your motor opener and the remote. Unplug the motor opener, wait a minute, and plug it back in. This will reset the opener’s internal memory and get the door moving.
If this doesn’t fix your garage door, you will need to call an expert. They will check the motor for mechanical failure and recommend a fix or replacement.
Call Your Trusted Garage Door Repair Expert
Regular inspection and maintenance are the best ways to keep your garage door working smoothly. If it gets stuck or makes unusual sounds, have a look at its moving parts. One of these steps can help you find what’s wrong with your door and possibly fix it yourself.
However, knowing how to fix a stuck garage door also means recognizing when it’s time to call a professional. So, if you feel out of depth, call your trusted local garage door expert immediately.
At Filip’s Garage Doors, no job is too big or small for us. Whatever your garage door issue is, we are here to help you fix it. Call 08 8555 4269 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a visit.
