Few things are more frustrating than being in a hurry, pulling out of your driveway, and watching your garage door start to close—only to reverse back up at the last second. Even worse, your garage door opener might be clicking persistently, or the logic board might be blinking to alert you to an issue.

Before you panic, know that this is a common problem with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Here’s how you can diagnose and repair an overhead door that won’t close all the way.

Step 1: Check the Garage Door Sensors

The most common culprit behind a garage door reversing mid-close is an issue with the safety sensors. These small devices are located near the base of your garage door tracks and serve as a crucial safety feature. If something blocks the sensors, or if they aren’t aligned properly, the door will reverse as a precaution to prevent injury or damage.

How to Fix an Overhead Door’s Sensors

• Look for Obstructions – First, check that nothing is blocking the sensors. Even small objects, overgrown branches, or an item slightly out of place in your garage can interfere with the sensor’s beam.
• Clean the Sensors – Dirt, dust, and cobwebs can accumulate on the sensor lenses over time, making them overly sensitive. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe them clean. Avoid using harsh cleaners that could damage the lens.
• Check for Loose Sensors – If your garage door sensors have become loose from repeated vibrations, they may no longer be properly aligned. Lightly wiggle the sensors and their brackets. If they move too freely, tighten the screws to keep them in place.
• Inspect the Wiring – Sometimes, the wires connecting the sensors to the power source can become loose or disconnected, especially if you’ve recently cleaned or moved items around in your garage. Check for any loose or damaged wiring and reconnect if necessary.

If your garage door still won’t close after these fixes, the issue may lie elsewhere.

Step 2: Check for Gear Problems

If your garage door opener is still preventing the door from closing, a faulty gear system might be to blame. The plastic gears inside your garage door opener can warp or wear down over time, especially after years of exposure to temperature changes and daily use.

Signs of a Worn-Out Gear

• The door stops at a certain point and won’t close fully.
• You hear a grinding or clicking noise coming from the opener.
• The door moves unevenly or hesitates before reversing.

Fixing Gear Issues Can Be Difficult

Replacing garage door opener gears can be a DIY job if you’re comfortable with mechanical repairs. However, since this requires disassembling the opener and replacing specific internal parts, many homeowners will prefer to call a garage door repair technician. If you suspect gear problems, an expert can inspect and replace the gears quickly to restore smooth operation.

Call a Garage Door Repair Professional When It Gets Too Complicated

If you’ve checked the sensors and gears, and your garage door still won’t close, the problem could be related to:

• Track Misalignment – If the tracks are bent or out of alignment, the garage door may not close properly.
• Spring or Cable Issues – Worn-out garage door springs or frayed cables can interfere with closing.
• Logic Board Malfunction – The garage door opener’s circuit board may be faulty, requiring replacement.

In these cases, it’s best to contact a professional overhead door repair service to diagnose and fix the issue safely.

Reliable Garage Door Repair When You Need It

At SACS Garage Door Repair in Sacramento, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing all types of garage door problems. Whether it’s a sensor issue, a gear replacement, or a track alignment problem, our expert team is available 24/7 to restore your garage door’s functionality.

Call us for fast and professional service. We’ll inspect your system, identify the issue, and get your garage door working smoothly again.