My Garage Door Stops When Opening – What to Do Next

Experiencing a sudden halt as your garage door begins to open can be frustrating and inconvenient. If your garage door stops when opening, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause and take appropriate action to resolve the issue promptly. In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we’ll explore common reasons why garage doors stop midway while opening and provide practical solutions to address the problem effectively.

My Garage Door Stops When Opening: Understanding the Issue

Before we delve into troubleshooting steps, let’s examine some common causes why your garage door may stop unexpectedly while opening:

Common Causes of a Garage Door Stopping Midway While Opening

1. Obstructed Tracks: Objects or debris in the garage door tracks can impede the door’s movement, causing it to stop abruptly while opening.
2. Misaligned Sensors: Safety sensors located near the bottom of the door tracks may be misaligned or obstructed, triggering the door to stop as a safety precaution.
3. Broken Springs: Damaged or broken garage door springs can affect the door’s balance and cause it to stop prematurely during opening.
4. Malfunctioning Opener: Issues with the garage door opener, such as motor failure or electrical problems, can cause the door to stop unexpectedly while opening.
5. Lack of Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication on the garage door tracks or rollers can result in friction and resistance, leading to the door stopping midway while opening.

Troubleshooting Steps for a Garage Door That Stops When Opening

Follow these troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve the issue of your garage door stopping unexpectedly while opening:

Step 1: Check for Obstructions

Inspect the garage door tracks for any objects or debris that may be obstructing the door’s movement. Remove any obstructions and ensure that the tracks are clear and free from debris.

Read too: Why Your Liftmaster Garage Door Won’t Stay Closed and How to Fix It? Troubleshooting Tips

Step 2: Align Sensors

Check the alignment of the safety sensors located near the bottom of the garage door tracks. Ensure that the sensors are facing each other and aligned properly. Clean the sensors with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting their operation.

Step 3: Inspect Springs

Examine the garage door springs for signs of damage or wear. Broken or damaged springs should be replaced by a professional garage door technician to ensure safe operation.

Step 4: Test Opener

Test the garage door opener to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Check for any error codes or unusual sounds that may indicate a problem with the opener. If necessary, consult the owner’s manual for troubleshooting tips or contact a professional for assistance.

Step 5: Lubricate Tracks and Rollers

Apply a generous amount of lubricant to the garage door tracks and rollers to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant recommended by the manufacturer for optimal results.

Conclusion

A garage door that stops unexpectedly while opening can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can identify and resolve the problem effectively. By following the tips outlined in this guide and performing regular maintenance on your garage door system, you can ensure smooth and reliable operation for years to come.