Garage Door Opens Then Reverses
Why does my garage door start to open and then go back down?
What is actually causing it
Most likely first, based on what our crews find on the call.
01Up-force setting too low for the door's real weight
As springs age they lift less, the door effectively gains weight, and the opener reads normal drag as an obstruction and backs off. Raising the force is the wrong answer; rebalancing the door is the right one.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
02Up-travel limit set short
The opener reaches what it believes is fully open before the door is, senses continued resistance and reverses. A limit reset takes minutes for a technician and is easy to get wrong from a ladder.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
03Door binding in the tracks
Dry rollers, a tight track or a bent section create a stiff spot part way up. The opener hits it, calls it an obstruction and reverses at the same height every time — the repeatability is the tell.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
04One spring of a pair has broken
Half the counterbalance is gone, so the door is roughly twice the weight the opener expects. It will often lift a foot or two and then give up. Do not keep cycling it.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
05Safety reversal test being triggered by a real obstruction
Check that nothing is stacked against the door on the inside and that the tracks are clear before assuming an electronic fault.
Safe to check yourself, with the door closed and the opener unplugged.
06Failing travel or RPM sensor module
The opener counts revolutions to know where the door is. When the counter stutters, the unit believes it has stalled and reverses. Part replacement.
Do not attempt this yourself. It is under spring or cable load and it injures people every year — this one is a licensed-technician job.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my garage door start to open and then go back down?
Is this safe for me to fix myself?
How much will the repair cost?
Are you licensed?
Describe the noise. We will tell you what broke.
Most calls are diagnosed in under two minutes, with a price range before anyone drives out.
CA-GARAGEDOOR California — California contractor licence CSLB #1098234. Licensed, bonded and insured. 1-year parts & labor.