Why Does My Garage Door Reverse When It Tries to Close?
If your garage door starts down then bounces back up, here are the 4 most common causes and the fix for each — most are free.
Why does my garage door reverse before closing?
A door that reverses on its way down is the opener doing its job — federal law (UL 325) requires openers to reverse if they detect anything in the door's path. The question is what's tricking it.
Cause #1: Misaligned safety sensors. The two photo-eye sensors at the bottom of the tracks must point directly at each other with both LEDs solid. Bumped sensors are the #1 cause we see in Angier, NC garages.
Cause #2: Dirty or wet sensor lenses. Wipe both lenses with a dry microfiber cloth. After heavy rain or pollen season in NC, this fixes it half the time.
Cause #3: Force adjustment too sensitive. Every opener has a small dial labeled "close force" — increase it slightly. Cause #4: Roller binding in the track from rust or debris, common on doors over 10 years old.
Key takeaways
- Federal law requires reversal — the question is why
- #1 cause: misaligned photo-eye sensors
- Wipe lenses after pollen season
- Increase "close force" if sensors check out
Need a real garage door tech in Angier, NC?
Same-day service across Angier, Lillington, Fuquay-Varina and all of Harnett County.
Email office@angiergaragedoorrepair.com