Something wrong with your door?

1. 1Check the safety sensor lightsTwo small sensors sit about 6 inches above the floor, one on each side of the opening. Both indicator lights should be steady. A blinking or dark light means the beam between them is blocked or the sensors are out of line.
2. 2Clear and clean the sensorsRemove anything between them (boxes, leaves, a garbage can, spider webs) and wipe both lenses with a soft dry cloth.
3. 3Line the sensors upIf a sensor was bumped, gently move its bracket until both lights stay steady. Low sun shining straight into a sensor can also stop the door at certain times of day.
4. 4Check the door’s pathLook for anything on the floor or in the tracks where the door closes — ice, debris, a rolled-up weather seal.
5. 5Hold the wall button downPress and hold the wall button until the door is fully closed. On most openers this overrides the sensors. If the door closes this way, the sensors are the cause.
6. 6Check the wall control isn’t lockedMany wall controls have a Lock or Vacation button that disables remotes. Its light is usually on or blinking when it’s active.

When to stop: If the door hits the floor and goes back up every time, or closes crooked, it needs an adjustment — stop and request service.

1. 1Check power to the openerMake sure the opener is plugged in and the outlet works (try a lamp). Check the breaker and any GFCI outlet that may have tripped.
2. 2Make sure the door’s manual lock is openSome doors have a slide bolt or lock handle on the inside. If it’s engaged, the opener can’t lift the door.
3. 3Check the wall control isn’t lockedA Lock or Vacation mode on the wall control stops remotes from working.
4. 4Check the emergency releaseIf the red release cord was pulled, the opener runs but the door doesn’t move. With the door fully CLOSED, reconnect it as your opener’s manual describes — usually by running the opener until it latches.

When to stop: If the opener hums or strains, the door feels very heavy, or you heard a loud bang — a spring may be broken. Don’t keep trying; request service.

1. 1Replace the batteryA weak battery is the most common cause. Keypads have a battery too.
2. 2Try the wall buttonIf the wall button works, the opener is fine and the problem is the remote or keypad.
3. 3Check the wall control isn’t lockedLock or Vacation mode disables remotes and keypads.
4. 4Program the remote againUse the Learn button on the opener, as your opener’s manual describes. New LED bulbs near the opener can also reduce remote range.

1. 1Lubricate the moving partsUse a garage door lubricant (silicone or lithium spray) on hinges, roller bearings and the springs. Don’t grease the tracks — keep them clean and dry. Nylon rollers don’t need lubricant.
2. 2Wipe the tracksClean dirt and old grease out of the tracks with a cloth.
3. 3Look for loose hinge boltsTighten loose hinge and track bolts. Never touch the bottom brackets or anything attached to the cables.

When to stop: Grinding, popping or a door that shakes after lubricating needs a technician.

1. 1Stop using the doorDon’t run the opener or lift the door by hand. Keep people and cars away from it.
2. 2Unplug the openerSo nobody operates it by accident.
3. 3Take photosBoth sides of the door and the tracks — they help us bring the right parts.

When to stop: This needs a technician. Don’t try to put rollers back or touch the cables.

1. 1Stop using the doorThe opener isn’t built to lift the door’s full weight. Don’t try to open it.
2. 2Unplug the openerSo nobody operates it by accident.
3. 3Take a photo of the springFrom a safe distance — it shows us which spring to bring.

When to stop: Springs must be replaced by a technician. If your car is stuck inside, tell us in the request.

1. 1Check the door closes fullyWatch it close: the bottom seal should press evenly on the floor along the whole width.
2. 2Look at the bottom sealA torn, flattened or missing rubber seal lets in air and water.
3. 3Check the floorAn uneven or sloped slab can leave a gap the seal can’t close. A photo with a level or ruler helps.

1. 1If glass is cracked, stop using the doorKeep people away from it and don’t run the door until we’ve looked at it.
2. 2Take photosA wide photo of the whole door and close-ups of the damage.

1. 1Check power and the disconnectMake sure the operator has power and its disconnect switch is on.
2. 2Reset the stop buttonMany control stations have a red Stop button that latches — twist or pull it out.
3. 3Check manual operation isn’t engagedIf the hand chain or crank is engaged, the motor won’t run.
4. 4Check the photo eyes and bottom edgeClear and clean the sensors, and make sure nothing is pressing on the bottom safety edge.