It goes down a foot and reverses back up
Garage door closes then reopens
Nine times out of ten this is the safety sensors, not the opener — and it is the cheapest problem on this page. Worth checking yourself before you call anyone.
Call 214-733-2371Safe to use, and worth a two-minute check first
The door reversing means the safety system is working. Look at the two sensors near the floor — most have a small LED. If one is off, flickering, or amber instead of green, nudge it until both are steady, and wipe the lenses. If that fixes it, you don't need us.
Likely causes
What’s probably wrong
- 1
Misaligned safety sensors
The two photo eyes near the floor have to point at each other. A knock from a bike, a bin, or a lawnmower is enough to break the beam and the opener refuses to close.
- 2
Dirty or sun-blinded sensor lens
Cobwebs, dust, or low afternoon sun straight into the lens all read the same as an obstruction.
- 3
Close-force set too low
If the opener meets more resistance than expected it assumes something is under the door and reverses. Often a symptom of a door that needs balancing.
- 4
Obstruction or debris in the door path
Including a build-up of leaves or ice along the bottom seal that you would not notice from inside.
Start here
Not quite it?
These are the other five failures we get called out for most.
- It sounded like a gunshot in the garageLoud bang, now it won't openWhat this means
- The door is hanging crooked or jammed in the openingIt came off the trackWhat this means
- It goes down a foot and reverses back upIt closes, then opens againWhat this means
- One side is higher than the otherIt's hanging crookedWhat this means
- Motor runs, door stays putThe opener hums but nothing movesWhat this means
- Daylight, water, or leaves getting inThere's a gap along the bottomWhat this means
Not on the list? That’s what the phone is for — describe it and we’ll tell you what we think before we come out.
Get started
Get help with a garage door closes then reopens
Tell us what's happening and where, and we'll call you back. If the door is stuck or a car is trapped, phone us — that's always faster.
- Hours
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Shop
- 1912 University Business Dr Suite 403, McKinney, Texas 75071
- Response time
- Same-day service on most repair calls placed before noon
Request service
Four quick questions. We’ll ask the rest when we call.