Why won't my garage door open?

A garage door that won't open always seems to happen when you're in a hurry. Before you fight with it, work through this checklist in order. It moves from the simplest, safest things to rule out toward the ones that need a pro, and it'll help you tell the tech what's going on when you call.

1. Rule out the remote and keypad

Start simple. Try the wall button. If that works but the remote doesn't, it's the remote, not the door. Swap the remote battery, and check the keypad battery if you use one. If nothing on the remote works, the opener may just need its remotes re-programmed.

2. Check that the opener has power

Look for a light on the opener motor. If it's dark, check that the unit is plugged in and test the outlet, since a tripped breaker or GFCI is a common and easy fix. Storms knock these out often at the shore.

3. Look for a broken spring

If the opener runs (you hear the motor) but the door only moves an inch or two, or the motor strains and stops, that's the classic sign of a broken spring. Look at the spring above the door: a gap in the coil means it's snapped. The opener can't lift the door's full weight without the spring, so don't keep trying.

4. Is the door locked or disengaged?

Two easy ones people miss. Some doors have a manual lock that can get bumped into place. And every opener has a red release cord that disconnects the door from the motor for manual use. If someone pulled it, the motor runs but the trolley doesn't grab the door. Re-engaging it is usually a matter of pulling the cord back or running the opener until it clicks in.

5. Is it off the track?

If the door is visibly crooked, jammed in one corner, or a roller has popped out, it's off the track. Don't force it with the opener, since that bends panels. Leave it and call.

When to call a pro

If you've ruled out the remote, power, lock, and release cord, and the door still won't open, or you see a broken spring, a frayed cable, or a door off its track, it's time for a service call. Those are tension-loaded repairs that aren't safe to DIY. Tell whoever you call what you found; it saves time and helps them bring the right parts.

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