5 Common Garage Door Opener Problems and When to Call a Professional
Few things are more frustrating than pressing your garage door remote and... nothing happens. A garage door opener that isn't working properly can be inconvenient, noisy, or even a safety risk. If you're a homeowner in Southeast Michigan searching for answers, you're not alone—garage door opener issues are one of the most common service calls we get at Altech Doors.
Before you panic or try to force anything, let's walk through five common problems, what might be causing them, and when it's time to call in a professional.
1. The Garage Door Opener Isn't Responding
Symptoms: You press the wall button or remote, and nothing happens. No movement. No sound.
Possible Causes:
- Dead remote batteries
- Power source unplugged or disrupted
- Tripped circuit breaker
- Faulty logic board in the opener
What You Can Try:
- Check the outlet and reset any tripped breakers
- Replace the remote batteries
- Test the wall-mounted control panel
When to Call a Pro:
If you've ruled out power issues and the opener still doesn't respond, the problem may be electrical or internal. Don't attempt to dismantle the unit—garage door opener repair requires proper tools and knowledge to avoid injury or further damage.
2. The Door Won't Close All the Way (or Reverses)
Symptoms: The garage door starts to close, then suddenly stops and reverses. Or it refuses to close all the way.
Possible Causes:
- Misaligned or dirty safety sensors
- Obstruction in the door's path
- Damaged tracks or rollers
- Sensitivity settings need adjusting
What You Can Try:
- Check the photo-eye sensors near the base of the tracks—wipe them clean and ensure they're aligned
- Look for anything blocking the door's path
- Test the wall button (hold it down to override the sensor and see if the door closes)
When to Call a Pro:
If the door still won't close or continues to reverse, it could be a wiring issue or a problem with the opener's logic board. These are best left to trained technicians to ensure safe, code-compliant garage door opener repair.
3. Loud Grinding or Screeching Sounds
Symptoms: The opener works, but it makes disturbing noises—grinding, rattling, or screeching.
Possible Causes:
- Loose hardware or mounting brackets
- Worn gear or sprocket inside the opener
- Dry rollers or track needing lubrication
What You Can Try:
- Inspect for loose bolts or vibration
- Apply a silicone-based garage door lubricant to rollers and hinges (never WD-40!)
- Check for any visible signs of wear
When to Call a Pro:
Internal opener components like gears and belts can wear out over time, especially in Michigan's fluctuating temperatures. If the noise persists, a technician can safely disassemble and replace parts as needed.
4. The Remote or Keypad Isn't Working
Symptoms: The wall button works, but the remote or keypad doesn't respond.
Possible Causes:
- Dead batteries
- Remote or keypad needs to be reprogrammed
- Interference from other electronics
- Signal range issue
What You Can Try:
- Replace the batteries
- Reprogram the remote or keypad according to the opener manual
- Move closer to the opener and try again
When to Call a Pro:
If reprogramming doesn't work or you suspect interference, we can help diagnose the issue and ensure your garage door opener is working reliably and securely.
5. The Opener Motor Runs But the Door Doesn't Move
Symptoms: You hear the motor running, but the door stays put.
Possible Causes:
- Disengaged emergency release
- Broken drive belt or chain
- Stripped gear
What You Can Try:
- Make sure the emergency release cord wasn't pulled accidentally
- Try re-engaging the trolley mechanism to reconnect the opener with the door
When to Call a Pro:
If the motor is spinning freely but the door won't budge, there's likely internal damage. Continuing to run the opener in this state can cause more harm. Let an expert assess and fix the issue safely.
Don't Let a Broken Opener Ruin Your Day
From annoying glitches to full-blown mechanical failures, garage door opener problems are best addressed before they leave you stuck—especially in the cold months here in Michigan.
At Altech Doors, we specialize in garage door opener troubleshooting and repair throughout Michigan, serving homeowners across Metro Detroit. Whether you need a quick fix or a full replacement, our licensed technicians are just a call away.
Need Help Fast?
Contact Altech Doors for professional garage door opener repair. We'll get your door back in motion—quietly, smoothly, and reliably.
