Why Your Garage Door Won't Close
A garage door that starts to close and then immediately reverses back open is one of the most common automated garage door issues. In almost all cases, this is triggered by the safety reversal system, which is designed to protect people, pets, and vehicles from being crushed by the descending door.
At Jim's Garage Doors Perth, we diagnose and resolve closure faults quickly. Whether it is a simple matter of safety sensor misalignment, dirty lenses, bent tracks, or out-of-calibration force limits, our local Perth technicians carry the necessary diagnostic tools to resolve the issue on the spot.
Common Causes of a Garage Door That Won't Close
Here are the primary reasons your automated garage door refuses to shut fully:
- Safety Sensor Obstruction: Infrared photo-eyes mounted near the floor project an invisible beam across the opening. If this beam is blocked by a broom, box, leaf, or even cobwebs, the motor will reverse. Wiping the lenses with a cloth and aligning them so their indicator lights glow solid often resolves the issue.
- Track Obstructions: Small stones, dirt build-up, or bent tracks can cause resistance. When the rollers hit a tight spot, the motor detects a physical obstacle and reverses for safety. Wiping the tracks clean can resolve minor friction.
- Travel Limit Calibration Drift: The opener's control board has limit settings that tell the motor where the floor is. If these limits drift, the door can hit the floor too hard, mistake it for an obstacle, and bounce back open. A technician can recalibrate the travel limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the opener light flash when the door reverses?
Flashing lights on the motor casing (typically 10 flashes on Merlin or Chamberlain units) indicate a safety sensor fault. The motor is notifying you that the infrared beam was interrupted or the sensors are misaligned. Adjust the sensors until the indicator lights remain solid green or amber, and try closing the door again.
How can I close my door temporarily if the sensors are broken?
For most modern openers, you can override a sensor fault and force the door to close by pressing and continuously holding down the wall button inside your garage. You must hold it until the door is completely closed. If you release it before the door reaches the floor, it will reverse back open. Remotes will not work during a sensor override. Use this for temporary security only, and contact us to replace the sensors.
Garage Door Reversing in Perth?
Don't leave your home unsecured overnight. Jim's Garage Doors Perth provides rapid service to inspect sensors, limits, and tracks, ensuring your door shuts securely.
Call Now: 131 546 Book a Repair