Is your garage door not working as it should? Your garage door is one of the hardest-working parts of your home, shed, or workshop. It’s also one of the biggest moving objects on your property, so when something goes wrong, it can be frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes dangerous.
So, can a damaged garage door be repaired? Absolutely! But it’s important to know that while some fixes are simple, other garage door troubleshooting should only ever be handled by a professional.
Below, we’ve broken down the most common garage door problems, how to spot them, and how to fix garage door issues while prioritising safety.
Everyday garage door problems and fixes
The good news is that not every issue is a major hazard. There are many minor, common issues you can successfully fix yourself before resorting to calling the pros to help.
Here’s how to troubleshoot garage door problems and what you can do to solve them:
Why is my garage door not opening?
Possible causes: Power outage, disengaged trolley, or a broken spring.
Troubleshooting tips:
- Confirm power to the opener (check GPO or safety switch).
- Make sure lock mode isn’t enabled on the wall button.
- Pull the manual release cord to see if the door moves freely.
If the door feels too heavy, it’s likely a spring issue, which means it’s time to call a professional.
Why is my garage door not closing?
Possible causes: Dirty or misaligned safety sensors, direct sunlight interference, an obstruction in the track, bent or loose hardware, misadjusted limit settings, or the manual release or lock being engaged.
Common fixes:
- Check that nothing is blocking the track.
- Wipe the photo-eyes with a soft cloth.
- Realign safety sensors so the LED lights are steady.
- If that doesn’t solve it, there may be a wiring or opener issue.
Why does my garage door open after I close it?
Possible causes: If the door reverses when it hits the ground, the force setting or safety sensors may be to blame.
Common fixes:
- Check for obstructions in the door’s path or misaligned sensors.
- Test the auto-reverse function using a soft object (like a block of wood).
- Adjust force settings only if you’re confident; otherwise, call a technician.
Why is my garage motor running, but the door isn’t moving?
Possible causes: Manual release mechanism disengaged, broken or slipping chain/belt, stripped drive gears inside the opener, or a broken spring is making the door too heavy to lift.
Common fixes:
- Check the manual release mechanism (often a red cord or lever on the opener) and re-engage it by pulling and then running the opener until it clicks back into place.
- Inspect the chain or belt for obvious breaks.
- If the motor runs but there’s no drive, or the gears are stripped, it’s time for a professional repair or replacement of the garage door opener.
Stiff or stuck manual locking mechanisms
Possible causes: Rust or dirt in the cylinder, misaligned locking bars, or broken springs in the lock assembly.
Common fixes:
- Spray a graphite or silicone-based lubricant (avoid oil-based sprays, which gum up over time).
- Check the bars are sliding freely.
- If the lock is damaged or jammed beyond repair, replacement is usually the quickest solution.
Remote issues, keypad, or wall switch not working
Common checks and fixes:
- Replace remote batteries.
- Reprogramme the remote control or keypad.
- Check the wall switch for a stuck lock button.
- Inspect visible wiring for damage or loose hardware.
Smart control or Wi-Fi issues
Possible causes: If your garage door opener is app-enabled, it may lose connection.
Common fixes:
- See if other electronic devices have lost power.
- Reconnect the device in the app.
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength in your garage.
- Reset router or opener if needed.
Noisy, jerky, or slow garage doors
Smooth operation means your garage door is functioning properly. Unusual noises and movement are signs your door needs attention. Often, there are practical solutions you can test before resorting to professional help.
Why does my garage roller door squeak, grind or screech?
Causes: These loud, unpleasant noises are usually caused by worn rollers, dry hinges, or gear wear.
Fixes: Use a silicone-based lubricant to lubricate moving parts, including rollers, tracks, and hinges. Avoid WD-40; it’s a cleaner, not a long-term lubricant.
Why is my garage door so slow?
Causes: If your door is sluggish, it could be a weak motor capacitor or stiff hardware.
Fixes: Check for debris buildup, lubricate rollers and hinges, and in colder weather, give the door time to warm up. If speed doesn’t improve, it’s worth a professional look.
Why is my garage door winding up unevenly?
Causes: Uneven spring tension, worn or stretched curtain, misaligned drum or poor installation, and general wear from frequent use can form a cone shape on your roller door’s drum.
Fixes: Minor cases may be corrected with careful re-tensioning, but most often you’ll need a technician to properly reset the door or adjust the drum. In severe cases, replacing the door curtain is the safest option.
Why is my garage door’s movement jerking or shuddering?
Causes: Bent track, loose bolts, or flat-spotted rollers.
Fixes: Lubricate and/or tighten all hardware with a spanner and check that the track is straight.
Is my garage door off its track?
Causes: Impact from something hitting the door, bent or loose track hardware and worn rollers jumping out under strain can make your garage door come off its track, and it may look crooked or jammed halfway with rollers visibly out of the rails.
Fixes: Stop using the opener immediately. Small track misalignments can sometimes be corrected by a confident DIYer by removing the nuts and bolts and repositioning them, but if the rollers are fully out of alignment, call a technician to safely reset the door.
Seasonal and environmental garage door problems
Australia’s climate causes some pretty unique challenges for garage doors.
Door stuck to the floor in winter
Moisture can freeze around the bottom seal, locking the door shut.
Fix: Gently chip away the ice or use warm (not boiling) water. Avoid forcing the opener, which can damage the motor.
Sunlight interference with photo-eyes
Strong morning or afternoon sun can “blind” the sensors.
Fix: Angle sensors slightly, add a small shield, or install sun-filter covers.
Rust and corrosion in coastal areas
Salty air can eat away at metal components.
Fixes:
- Clean and lubricate regularly.
- Upgrade to stainless steel hardware where possible.
Uneven floor or slab movement causing gaps
Over time, concrete can shift, leaving gaps under the door.
Fixes:
- Install an adjustable threshold seal.
- Shim the track to compensate for movement.
Safety-critical garage door issues you shouldn’t ignore
These garage door issues are a red flag for safety. If you notice any of the following, stop using your door immediately and call a professional garage door technician.
Here’s how to diagnose garage door problems, and what they mean:
Broken garage door springs (torsion springs and extension)
Signs to look out for: A loud bang from the garage, a heavy door that won’t lift, or a door stuck half open.
Garage door springs store a huge amount of tension. When they break, that energy is released suddenly, making them one of the most dangerous components to deal with on your own.
How to fix garage roller door springs: Replacing springs on your roller door is not a DIY job. Always call a professional, as improper handling can cause serious injury and further damage.
Snapped or frayed lift cables
Signs to look out for: The door looks uneven when moving, jerks up and down, or, in the worst case, free-falls shut.
Lift cables carry the full weight of your door. A snapback under tension is a major safety hazard, with the potential to whip violently.
How to fix the problem: Do not attempt to replace cables yourself. Arrange urgent professional repair.
Door slams shut or free-falls
Signs to look out for: If your door won’t stay open, slams down, or drops suddenly, it’s usually due to broken springs or failed cables.
This creates a huge injury risk and can damage vehicles or property in seconds.
How to fix the problem: Call a technician immediately.
Burning smell or motor overheating
Signs to look out for: A hot motor, an electrical burning smell, or constant tripping of the garage door opener.
This is often due to a failing capacitor or motor winding, which, if left untreated, can lead to fire and further complications.
How to fix the problem: Unplug the garage door opener from its power source immediately and schedule a repair. Running it further risks permanent motor damage.
Final tips for a safe, reliable garage door
Most problems start small, such as noisy rollers, remote control issues, or sensors that aren’t properly aligned. However, ignoring them can lead to costly failures, weak security, and less-than-optimal functionality. Regular maintenance and inspection go a long way in keeping your garage door safe and reliable.
If problems persist and you can’t fix a broken or faulty garage door, it might be time to consider upgrading or replacing it. At Door Supply, we offer high-quality roller garage doors designed specifically for Australian homes, sheds, and businesses. We’ll help you find the right replacement door, so you can enjoy safe, smooth operation without the hassle.