Why Your Garage Door Starts to Close Then Goes Back Up – and How to Fix It

Is your garage door acting up? You’re not alone. One of the most common issues homeowners in The Woodlands, Texas experience is when the garage door starts to close, then goes back up unexpectedly. It can be frustrating and a bit confusing, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing it.

Let’s walk through the most common reasons why your garage door keeps going back up and how you can troubleshoot or fix the problem effectively.

Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Keeps Going Back Up

There are several factors that can prevent the door from closing properly. Some are simple fixes, while others may require a more in-depth repair or even professional help.

Blocked or Misaligned Garage Door Sensor

The garage door sensor is one of the most critical safety features. Located near the bottom of the door on either side, these sensors emit an invisible beam that detects obstacles in the path of the closing door.

When something is obstructing that beam – even dirt or debris – the garage door will reverse as a safety measure.

What to look for:

• Dirty sensor lenses
• A blinking light that indicates sensors are misaligned
• Objects like leaves or tools are blocking the beam

If the sensors are aligned but the door won’t close, try cleaning the lenses and making sure there’s nothing nearby to trigger the safety mechanism.

Obstruction in the Door Tracks

Something as simple as a small object stuck in the garage door tracks can cause the door to close part of the way down and then reverse.

Signs of trouble:

• The door stops or changes direction mid-way
• Unusual grinding or scraping noises
• A visible bend or damage in the tracks

Inspect the tracks for anything that might block the rollers. Remove any obstructions and check whether the tracks are properly aligned. Misaligned tracks can also lead to ongoing issues with your garage.

Worn Rollers or Roller Misalignment

The roller helps the garage door move smoothly along the rails. Over time, they can wear out or fall out of alignment.

A damaged or misaligned roller may cause the door to close unevenly, triggering it to reverse.

What to do:

• Inspect the rollers for wear or damage
• Listen for grinding or squeaking sounds
• Call for professional garage door repair if rollers need to be replaced

Malfunctioning Limit Switch Settings

The limit switch determines how far the garage door opener should move the door before it stops.

If these settings are off or set too low, your opener might think the bottom of the door has hit an obstacle – causing the door to reverse.

You may need to reprogram your limit switch settings if:

• Your garage door opens and closes at incorrect points
• The door moves down partially and then reverses
• The garage door opener flashes during or after operation

Adjusting the limit switch depends on your opener’s make and model. For LiftMaster and similar brands, this often involves turning adjustment screws on the motor housing. If you’re not sure how, check the manufacturer’s manual or seek professional help.

How to Troubleshoot When Your Garage Door Starts to Close Then Goes Back Up

Not all problems require major repairs. Here’s how to troubleshoot before calling in the pros:

Step 1: Inspect the Tracks and Rollers

• Check for dirt, obstructions, and damage
• Look for any signs of misalignment or worn components
• Make sure tracks are level and roller wheels are intact

Step 2: Test the Garage Door Sensor

• Wipe the lenses clean
• Ensure each sensor is aligned at the same height
• Watch for any blinking lights indicating an error

Step 3: Examine the Limit Switch Settings

• Access the garage door opener panel
• Locate and adjust the limit switch as needed
• Test the door to see if it now closes all the way

If the issue persists, the logic board or motherboard in your garage door opener may be malfunctioning. When the logic board fails, it can misinterpret signals – causing your door to reverse unexpectedly.

When to Call Professional Help

If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your garage door still won’t close, it’s probably time to call in professionals like 2Quick Garage Door.

You might be dealing with:

• A faulty logic board
• Broken sensors that need to be replaced
• Misaligned tracks beyond DIY repair
• Worn springs are unable to handle the weight of the door

Garage door springs typically last around 5 years. If the springs are worn or broken, the door may struggle to close smoothly and may even remain open for safety.

We recommend reaching out for professional garage door repair services when:

• You suspect a malfunction in electrical components
• The garage door starts to close, then reverses every time
• You can’t get your limit switch settings to hold
• You’re not comfortable working with garage door hardware

Remember, working with garage doors involves tension-loaded parts. It’s best to seek professional help to avoid injury or further damage.

Prevent the Door From Closing Issues with Regular Maintenance

Routine garage door maintenance can go a long way in avoiding problems like frequent reversing.

Simple tips:

• Keep the door tracks clean and properly aligned
• Make sure all parts are lubricated and not worn out
• Test the sensors regularly to ensure they’re working
• Check your opener and limit switch functionality

Having a garage door company inspect your system annually can help resolve the issue before it escalates.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Repairs Persist

If your garage door goes partway down and then reverses, don’t ignore the signs. It could be something as small as an obstruction – or a more serious malfunction with the opener, sensor, or logic board.

By understanding the common causes and knowing how to inspect and troubleshoot, you can address the issue efficiently. But when in doubt, contact a professional to help fix the problem for good.

Having trouble with your garage door in The Woodlands, Texas? Don’t wait until it stops completely. Find a trusted door company that offers reliable service for garage door repairs – and get that door to close properly once and for all.