Garage door opener not working? 10 things to check
Updated October 2026
When the opener stops working, the door itself is often fine. Most opener problems come down to power, the remote, the safety sensors or a setting that drifted. Work through these checks in order. They start with the quickest fixes.
Before you start
If the opener hums but the door only moves a few inches, or you heard a bang, the problem is likely a broken spring, not the opener. Stop pressing the button and read our guide to broken garage door springs.
1. Replace the remote battery
If the wall button works and the remote doesn't, start here. Most remotes use a small coin battery.
2. Turn off the lock or vacation mode
Many wall panels have a lock button that blocks remotes and keypads. A blinking light on the panel is often the clue. Your opener manual explains how to turn it off.
3. Check the power
Make sure the opener is plugged in, test the outlet with a lamp, and reset any tripped breaker or GFCI outlet in the garage.
4. Look at the safety sensors
If the door starts to close and reverses, check the two sensors near the floor. Clear anything in the way, wipe the lenses, and adjust them until both lights are steady.
5. Reconnect the trolley
If the motor runs and the chain or belt moves but the door doesn't, the emergency release may have been pulled. Running the opener once usually lets the trolley click back in.
6. Reset the travel limits
If the door stops short of the floor, or reverses right after it touches down, the up and down limits may need adjusting. Newer openers have buttons for this. Older ones use adjustment screws. The manual shows how.
7. Check the force setting
An opener that stops partway or reverses for no clear reason may have its force set too low, especially in cold weather. Make small adjustments only, and test that the door still reverses when it meets an object, like a roll of paper towels on the floor.
8. Reprogram the remote
After a power outage or a battery change, some remotes need to be re-paired using the learn button on the opener.
9. Listen to the motor
Grinding with no movement can mean a stripped gear inside the opener. Clicking with no movement can point to a bad capacitor or circuit board. Both are repairs for a technician.
10. Check the age
Openers don't last forever. If yours is old, noisy and lacks modern safety features, a technician may suggest replacing it instead of repairing it. Ask for prices on both before you decide.
When to call for repair
Call a local garage door company if none of these checks help, if you see damaged parts, or if the door won't open and your car is stuck inside. If you need the car right away, see what to do when the garage door won't open.
Find local garage door repair near you, including companies that offer 24/7 garage door service.