Problems · Won't close
Garage door won't close
It's usually the two safety sensors near the bottom of the tracks. Try the three checks below, and call if the door still goes back up.
Try this first
Clear the doorway, and anything near the two small sensors 4 to 6 inches off the floor.
Wipe both sensor lenses with a dry cloth.
Look at the sensor lights. Both should glow steady. One that's off or blinking usually means the pair is out of line.
Still going back up?
Then it's usually one of these:
- A sensor knocked out of line by a bin or a car door, or a cut sensor wire
- Low sun shining straight into one sensor
- The opener's close limit or force set wrong
- A bent track that makes the door bind near the floor
Most fixes for this start at $209, and we come to you anywhere in Palo Alto and nearby towns. A part we have to order in can raise the price. Your exact price comes at the door, before we pick up a tool.
Need it shut tonight?
First, look at the spring on the bar above the door. If it's in one piece, keep people and cars clear, pull the red cord on the opener rail with one hand on the door, and lower it slowly by the handle, fingers away from the gaps between panels. If the spring is snapped, or the door starts to drop on its own, let go of it and call us. We take emergency calls.
Questions
Why does it close when I hold the wall button?
Holding the button overrides the sensors, so the door closes even when they can't see each other. That points to the sensors as the problem. Get them fixed rather than holding the button every time.
Is it safe to leave it open overnight?
You don't have to. We take emergency calls, so call us and a door that won't close doesn't have to wait until morning.
How much does a sensor fix cost?
Sensor realignment and most opener fixes start at $209. Your exact price comes at the door, before we pick up a tool.