Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility 5 Reasons Your Garage Door Isn't Working
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5 Reasons Your Garage Door Isn't Working

Although you may not think about it often, your garage door is a critical part of your home. Not only does it provide security for your vehicle and belongings, but it also keeps out the elements and helps to keep your home warm or cool, depending on the season. If you're having problems with your garage door, here are five potential reasons why.

5 Reasons Your Garage Door Isn't Working

1. Transmitter Batteries Malfunction

There are a number of reasons that the transmitter batteries of a garage door may malfunction. One common reason is that the batteries may be old and need to be replaced. Another possibility is that the batteries may be loose in their connection, or there may be corrosion on the terminals. If the batteries are not firmly seated in their compartments, they may lose contact and stop working. It's also possible that something is interfering with the signal between the remote and the opener, such as another electronic device nearby.


The transmitter batteries may be faulty if your garage door isn't working. To fix this, replace the batteries in the transmitter. If that doesn't work, you may need to reprogram the transmitter.


2. Misaligned Photo-eye

If your garage door isn't working, one of the first things you should check is the photo-eye sensor. This sensor helps to prevent the door from closing if there is an obstruction in the way. If the photo-eye sensor is misaligned, it can cause the door to malfunction. It will not be able to see if there is something in the way of the garage door and it will not close.


Here are some steps you can take to fix a misaligned photo-eye sensor:


  • Check the photo-eye sensor to see if it is dirty or blocked. If so, clean or remove the obstruction.

  • Adjust the sensitivity of the photo-eye sensor.

  • Realign the photo-eye sensor by moving it up or down, left or right until it is in the correct position.

  • If the photo-eye sensor is still not working properly, you may need to replace it.

3. Springs

The springs are one of the most important parts of your garage door, and if they're not working correctly, it can cause a lot of problems. There are a few different reasons why your springs may not be working properly. A good example is that they've simply worn out. Over time, the springs will weaken and eventually break, causing your door to stop working. If you suspect that your springs are beginning to wear out, it's important to call a professional for help. Trying to replace them yourself can be dangerous, and you could end up injuring yourself or making the problem worse.


Another reason your garage door springs may not be working is that they're not properly lubricated. The springs need to be lubricated periodically in order to work correctly, and if they're not, it can cause all sorts of problems. If you notice that your door is making noise or isn't working as smoothly as it used to, it's a good idea to check the springs and see if they need to be lubricated.


Faulty garage door springs could also be caused by an issue with the tracks. If the tracks are bent or damaged in any way, it can cause the door to come off of them, which will obviously prevent the door from working correctly. Again, this is something that should be checked by a professional to ensure that it's repaired properly.


Improper installation can also cause the springs to become loose, which can eventually lead to them breaking. If your garage door springs are faulty, it is important to have them fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your door.


4. Dirty Tracks

If your garage door stops working because of a dirty track, there are a few things you can do to clean it. First, check the track for any dirt or debris that may be causing the problem. If you find any, use a vacuum cleaner to remove them. Next, use a mild soap and water solution to clean the track. Finally, dry the track with a clean cloth. If these steps do not solve the problem, you may need to call a professional garage door repair service.


The tracks need to be clear so that the door can move smoothly. If the tracks are dirty or blocked, the door may get stuck or not open and close correctly.


5. Broken Cables

The most common reason for a garage door not working is faulty cables. If your garage door isn’t working, check to see if the cables are frayed or broken.


If they are, you will need to replace them. You can do this yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.


To replace the cables yourself, first, disconnect the power to your garage door opener. Then, remove the springs from the tracks so that you can access the cables. Once you have access to the cables, simply remove the old ones and replace them with new ones. Be sure to connect the new cables to the spring hooks in the same order as the old ones. Finally, reattach the springs and reconnect the power to your garage door opener.


If you hire a professional to replace the cables, they will likely do it in much the same way. However, they may also inspect the tracks, springs, and other parts of your garage door to ensure that they are in good working order.


If you have a faulty garage door, it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. A faulty garage door can be dangerous, as it can fall and injure someone. It can also damage your car if it falls on it. If you are not sure how to fix your garage door, or if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, call us today and we will be happy to help!

Do You Need a Garage Door Repair Team You Can Trust?


Garage door spring snapped? Garage door stuck? We know how frustrating that experience can be.  Bay Area Doors has been helping customers solve their garage door problems for over 20 years! We have seen it all, and fixed it all! We are pros at Garage Door Installation, Garage Door Repair, Roller repair, Opener repair, and Track replacement. If you have one of these problems, now you know who to call.  Over the years we have helped thousands of SF Bay Area residents and have tons of five star reviews on Google, Yelp, Nextdoor and more.  Whatever the problem, Bay Area Doors is the one to call for garage door repair throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today!

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