It goes down a foot and reverses back up
Garage door closes then reopens
Nine times out of ten this is the safety sensors, not the opener — and it is the cheapest problem on this page. Worth checking yourself before you call anyone.
Call 214-733-2371Safe to use, and worth a two-minute check first
The door reversing means the safety system is working. Look at the two sensors near the floor — most have a small LED. If one is off, flickering, or amber instead of green, nudge it until both are steady, and wipe the lenses. If that fixes it, you don't need us.
Likely causes
What’s probably wrong
- 1
Misaligned safety sensors
The two photo eyes near the floor have to point at each other. A knock from a bike, a bin, or a lawnmower is enough to break the beam and the opener refuses to close.
- 2
Dirty or sun-blinded sensor lens
Cobwebs, dust, or low afternoon sun straight into the lens all read the same as an obstruction.
- 3
Close-force set too low
If the opener meets more resistance than expected it assumes something is under the door and reverses. Often a symptom of a door that needs balancing.
- 4
Obstruction or debris in the door path
Including a build-up of leaves or ice along the bottom seal that you would not notice from inside.
Start here
Not quite it?
These are the other five failures we get called out for most.
- Loud bang, now it won't openIt sounded like a gunshot in the garageWhat this means
- It came off the trackJammed in the opening, rollers out of the trackWhat this means
- It closes, then opens againIt goes down a foot and reverses back upWhat this means
- The cables are looseSlack cable, or one side has droppedWhat this means
- The opener hums but nothing movesMotor runs, door stays putWhat this means
- There's a gap along the bottomDaylight, water, or leaves getting inWhat this means
Not on the list? Call (214) 733-2371 and describe what it’s doing — we’ll tell you what we think before we come out.
Get started
Get help with a garage door closes then reopens
Tell us what's happening and where, and we'll call you back. If the door is stuck or a car is trapped, phone us — that's always faster.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Shop
- 1912 University Business Dr Suite 403, McKinney, Texas 75071
- Response time
- Same-day service on most repair calls
Request service
Four quick questions. We’ll ask the rest when we call.