Try These Fixes Before Calling a Pro!
Few things are more frustrating than a garage door that won’t close—especially when you’re in a hurry. Before you panic or call for garage door repair in Jacksonville, you can perform several simple checks yourself.
✔ The six most common reasons garage doors refuse to close
✔ Step-by-step troubleshooting for each issue
✔ When it’s time to call a professional
✔ Jacksonville-specific factors that affect garage doors
Let’s get your door working properly again—no tools are required for most fixes!
6 Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Close (And How to Fix Them)
1. Misaligned or Dirty Safety Sensors
Symptoms:
- The door reverses immediately after touching the floor
- No lights on sensors (or one is blinking)
How to Fix:
- Locate the sensors (small boxes near the floor on both sides)
- Clean the lenses with a soft cloth
- Check alignment – Both sensors must face each other directly
- Test the Door – If it still doesn’t close, try bypassing the sensors temporarily (not recommended long-term)
Pro Tip: Jacksonville’s humidity can cause sensor condensation—wipe them down monthly.
2. Obstructions in the Tracks
Symptoms:
- The door starts closing but stops suddenly
- Grinding or scraping noises
How to Fix:
- Inspect the tracks for leaves, dirt, or debris
- Remove any obstructions (wear gloves)
- Check for dents or bends – If found, call a Jacksonville garage door repair pro
3. Broken or Loose Springs
Symptoms:
- The door is hefty to lift manually
- Loud “bang” noise before the door stopped working
What to Do:
- Do NOT attempt DIY spring repair (highly dangerous)
- Call a professional immediately
4. Limit Switch Needs Adjustment
Symptoms:
- The door closes partway, then reverses
- No other obvious issues
How to Fix:
- Locate the limit adjustment screws on your opener
- Turn the “close” screw slightly clockwise
- Test the door after each minor adjustment
5. Disconnected Emergency Release Cord
Symptoms:
- The door won’t respond to any commands
- The emergency release handle is hanging down
How to Fix:
- Pull the door down manually
- Push the emergency release handle back toward the opener until it clicks
- Try operating the door normally
6. Power or Remote Issues
Symptoms:
- The door doesn’t respond to the wall button or remote
- The opener lights are off
How to Fix:
✅ Check the power outlet
✅ Replace remote batteries
✅ Reset the opener (unplug for 30 seconds)
Jacksonville-Specific Factors That Affect Garage Doors
Humidity & Salt Air Problems
- Causes rust in tracks and rollers
- Leads to sticky door operation
Prevention Tip: Apply silicone lubricant monthly
Frequent Storms
- Power surges can damage openers
- High winds may knock doors off-track
Preparation Tip: Install a battery backup for your opener
When to Call a Professional in Jacksonville
While many issues are DIY-fixable, call LNU Garage Door FL immediately if:
✔ Springs are broken (never DIY this!)
✔ Tracks are bent
✔ Cables are frayed or loose
Final Wording: Don’t Let a Stuck Door Ruin Your Day
Most garage doors that won’t close have simple fixes. Start with sensor checks and track inspections before assuming the worst.
Still Having Trouble?
🚗 Our Jacksonville technicians can help 24/7! emergency service.