Check the simple stuff first: the opener is plugged in, the breaker hasn't tripped, the remote battery isn't dead, and the manual slide lock isn't engaged. If the opener strains or the door lifts a few inches and stops, stop trying: that's the signature of a broken spring, and forcing it damages the opener.
Garage door won't open? Start here
Seven causes explain almost every stuck door. Work down this list before you call anyone, including us.
The 60-second checks
- Power: is the opener's light on? Check the outlet and breaker. GFCI outlets in garages trip in humid weather.
- Lock mode: wall consoles have a lock button that disables remotes. Hold it a few seconds to toggle.
- Remote battery: if the wall button works but the remote doesn't, it's the coin cell.
- Slide lock: if someone engaged the manual lock bar, the opener fights a locked door.
Door moves a few inches, then stops
That's the opener hitting its force limit against a door that suddenly weighs ten times what it should. The usual cause is a broken spring: look for a visible gap in the coil above the door, and think back to whether you heard a bang. Leave the door down and don't run the opener again.
Motor runs but nothing moves
Either the trolley was disconnected (someone pulled the red cord; pull it again toward the door to re-engage, then run a full cycle) or the drive gear is stripped, which you can hear as spinning without engagement. A stripped gear is a standard opener repair.
Door is crooked or visibly jammed
A crooked door means a cable let go or the door is off its track. Don't cycle the opener to "see if it clears": every attempt makes the re-track harder. Keep cars and kids clear and call.
What's safe to DIY
Everything in the 60-second list is safe to try, plus re-engaging the trolley and replacing remote batteries. Springs, cables, drums and anything attached to them are not: they're under load even when the door is down. Our DIY vs. pro guide draws the full line.
FAQ
Common questions
Why won't my garage door open but the opener runs?
Either the trolley is disconnected from the door (pull the red release cord toward the door to re-engage) or the opener's drive gear is stripped. If re-engaging doesn't fix it, the gear needs replacement.
How do I open my garage door manually?
With the door DOWN, pull the red emergency release cord, then lift the door by hand. If the door is very heavy to lift, a spring is broken; stop and leave it closed. Never pull the release with the door up.
Why does my door open a few inches and stop?
Almost always a broken spring. The opener senses the extra weight and gives up to protect itself. Look for a gap in the spring coil above the door.
Will running the opener damage anything if the door is stuck?
It can. Openers aren't built to lift an unbalanced door; repeated attempts strip gears, bend the top panel, and can pull the door off track. Two tries maximum, then stop.
Ready to get it fixed?
Call now or book online. Same-day appointments available across the Raleigh area.