Troubleshooting – Garage Door Issues & Fixes
Common problems, explained simply. SAVE YOURSELF a service call with these quick checks.
Service Reminders & Alerts
The motor keeps flashing or beeping after opening/closing.
Your motor is likely reminding you it’s due for a service. Most openers count cycles and alert you when it’s time. We recommend servicing your garage door and opener once a year to prevent unexpected failures.
Power Cuts & Manual Operation
I had a power cut and now I can’t open the door.
Use the red manual release cord. For sectional doors, pull down cord to release, lift the door up with two hands. For roller doors, pull until it clicks to disengage.
I pulled the release cord — now the motor just hums or whirs but doesn’t lift.
You’re likely still in manual mode. Pull the cord again while the door is closed to re-engage the motor. The pull direction is back and up.
The door is closed but how do I secure it until power is restored.
Sectional: Insert a screwdriver through a hole in the vertical track above a roller.
Roller: Close the door and pull the cord until it clicks.
Tilt: Use a broom handle or similar object through the power arm to hold the door shut.
Remote & Opener Problems
My remotes' red light flashes but the door doesn’t move.
Replace the battery — this usually indicates a weak or flat battery.
My remote works intermittently.
Battery is likely going flat. Replace it and test again.
My remote doesn’t work at all.
Check if the light comes on. If not, it’s likely a dead battery. If the light flashes but still no movement, try recoding the remote to the motor.
I’ve replaced the battery but it still won’t work.
Try your other remotes. If others work, yours may be at fault. Try recoding using a different button. If none work, your receiver may be faulty.
I’m trying to code in a new remote but can’t press the buttons.
Make sure you’ve removed the plastic programming cover. Sometimes the motor cover shifts and blocks button access — gently adjust it.
My garage door is opening by itself.
Check your remotes for any sticking buttons. Vehicle vibrations can send false signals in some older modals with wired wall buttons. Delete all remote codes from the opener and recode them. If it keeps happening, contact us.
Door Movement Issues
My door opens a bit then stops.
Check the springs above the door. A broken spring will stop it lifting properly. Call us to replace the spring.
The door closes then reopens halfway.
Check alignment blocking the safety sensors. If your springs tension is incorrect the motor thinks it hit something and has reversed. Book a service to check balance and spring tension.
Door slams shut or is hard to lift manually.
Springs may be out of balance and not holding the door weight. Book a service now, leaving too long could damage the opener.
Motor is whirring but the chain isn’t moving.
The internal drive gear may be worn. Same goes if the chain moves in manual mode but not when engaged.
Motor just clicks or buzzes.
This could mean the capacitor is blown or the drive gear is worn out. Either way, it’s time to call us.
My tilt door scrapes on one side when opening.
The bushes and sleeves in the power arms may be worn and need replacing.
Motor only operates the door if I hold the remote button.
The opener is likely in limit set mode. Check the manual or contact us to set it correctly.
Still Stuck?
We’re here to help. If you’re unsure or your issue isn’t listed here, give us a call and we’ll take it from there.
