Garage Door Won't Close All the Way?
Katy TX Troubleshooting Guide

1 Misaligned Safety Sensors (Most Common!)

Problem: Safety sensors (photo eyes) on either side of your garage door opening must be perfectly aligned. If they're even slightly misaligned, the door will reverse when closing or won't close at all. Katy's humidity and temperature changes can cause mounting brackets to shift over time.

DIY Fix Steps:

1. Check LED lights: Both sensors should show solid lights (usually green/red). Blinking = misalignment.
2. Clean lenses: Use a soft cloth to remove dirt, spider webs, or moisture. Katy's humidity can fog lenses.
3. Verify height: Both sensors should be at exactly the same height, typically 4-6 inches from the floor.
4. Adjust angle: Gently adjust sensor angles until both LED lights become solid (not blinking).
5. Tighten brackets: Ensure sensor brackets are firmly secured to prevent future movement.
6. Test: Try closing the door. If it still reverses, sensors may be faulty and need replacement.

2 Close Limit Switch Needs Adjustment

Problem: The close limit switch tells your opener when the door has fully closed. If it's set incorrectly, the door might stop 1-3 inches from the ground. This is especially common after spring replacements or when the opener settings are accidentally changed.

How to Adjust:

1. Locate adjustment screws: Find the "Down" or "Close Limit" screw on your garage door opener (usually on the side panel).
2. Small adjustments only: Turn the screw clockwise in ¼-turn increments to increase close distance.
3. Test after each adjustment: Close the door and check if it reaches the floor completely.
4. Don't overadjust: If the door presses too hard against the floor, it can damage the bottom seal or trigger the force setting.

3 Force/Sensitivity Settings Too High

Problem: Garage door openers have built-in force sensors. If the force setting is too sensitive, the door thinks it's hitting an obstruction (even when it's not) and reverses. This is a safety feature but can be overly sensitive.

Adjustment Process:

1. Find the "Force" adjustment dial on your opener (sometimes labeled "Down Force").
2. Turn clockwise slightly to increase force (make it less sensitive).
3. Test by placing a 2x4 board flat on the floor under the door - it should reverse when hitting it.
4. If the door doesn't reverse when hitting the obstruction, you've adjusted too much (safety hazard!).

4 Debris or Damage in Tracks

Problem: Even small debris (rocks, leaves, dirt) in the tracks can prevent the door from closing fully. Bent or damaged tracks from vehicle impacts are also common. Katy's oak trees shed leaves year-round, which can accumulate in tracks.

Inspection & Cleaning:

• Visually inspect both tracks for debris, dents, or rust.
• Remove any leaves, dirt, or objects with a damp cloth.
• Check for bent tracks (use a level - tracks should be perfectly vertical).
• Lubricate tracks with silicone-based lubricant (not WD-40!).

5 Worn or Damaged Rollers

Problem: Garage door rollers wear out over time (typically 10,000-20,000 cycles). Worn rollers cause the door to bind, making it difficult or impossible to close fully. You might hear grinding, squeaking, or see the door move unevenly.

Signs of Worn Rollers:

• Loud grinding or squeaking noises during operation
• Visible cracks or chunks missing from roller wheels
• Door moves jerkily or hesitates while closing
• Rollers wobble in the track
• Nylon rollers show wear grooves or flat spots

Roller Replacement Cost in Katy: $150-$250 for all rollers (10-12 rollers total). Upgrade to nylon rollers for quieter operation (highly recommended in Katy neighborhoods!).

6 Broken or Imbalanced Springs/Cables

Problem: Torsion springs provide most of the lifting power for your garage door. If one spring breaks or cables become uneven, the door won't close properly - it may close crooked, get stuck, or put excessive strain on the opener motor.

Emergency Signs - Call Immediately:

• Door closes crooked (one side lower than the other)
• Loud bang when door is in motion (spring breaking)
• Gap in torsion spring above the door
• Cables hanging loose on either side
• Door extremely heavy to lift manually

7 Wall Button or Remote Malfunction

Problem: Sometimes the issue isn't mechanical - it's electrical. If your remote works but the wall button doesn't (or vice versa), you may have wiring issues, a faulty button, or need to reprogram your remote.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Replace remote battery (most common fix!)
2. Check wall button wiring - look for loose or corroded connections.
3. Test with different button/remote to isolate the problem.
4. Reprogram remote - follow manufacturer instructions (usually hold "Learn" button on opener).
5. Check for lock mode - some openers have a vacation lock button that disables remotes.

8 Garage Door Opener Motor Failure

Problem: If your opener motor is failing, you might hear grinding noises, burning smells, or the motor runs but the door doesn't move. Opener lifespans average 10-15 years - if yours is older, motor gear failure is common.

Signs You Need Opener Replacement:

• Grinding or humming noise without door movement
• Burning smell from the opener unit
• Opener is 15+ years old
• Frequent need to reprogram remotes
• Door operates inconsistently (works sometimes, not others)

Modern Opener Upgrade Benefits: Battery backup (crucial during Katy storms!), smartphone control (MyQ), quieter belt drive systems, enhanced security with rolling codes, and longer warranties.

All prices include parts, labor, and 5-year warranty on parts. Emergency service available 24/7 (additional $75 after-hours fee).