Garage Door Going Up? Quick Fixes Inside!

The issue of a garage door exhibiting unusual behavior, specifically, a garage door goes up after closing, often stems from problems within the door opener's safety system. Understanding the role of the limit switch is crucial, as its proper calibration dictates the door's travel distance. Addressing this requires a systematic approach, often involving tools available at your local hardware store, to ensure your garage door operates safely and reliably.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Mike Klimek , from the video titled Garage Door Opener Stops and Reverses .

Garage Door Going Up? Quick Fixes Inside!

If your garage door decides to reopen immediately after closing – a frustrating situation we'll refer to as your "garage door goes up after closing" issue – don't panic. It's a common problem with several potential, relatively easy fixes you can try yourself before calling a professional. This guide will walk you through the likely culprits and how to address them.

Understanding the Safety Features

Modern garage doors are designed with safety as a top priority. They incorporate sensors that detect obstructions in the door's path. When these sensors are triggered, the door automatically reverses to prevent injury or damage. This is often the reason why your garage door goes up after closing.

Troubleshooting the Photo Eyes

The most frequent cause of your garage door going up after closing is a problem with the photo eyes (also known as safety sensors). These are small sensors located near the floor on either side of the garage door opening.

Checking Alignment

• The Most Common Issue: Misalignment is the most common reason for photo eye malfunction. The sensors need to be precisely aligned to "see" each other. Even a slight bump or vibration can knock them out of alignment.

  • Inspection: Visually inspect the photo eyes. Are they pointing directly at each other? Look for any obstructions.
  • Adjustment: Gently adjust the sensors until they are aligned. Most models have a small LED light that will glow steadily when the sensors are properly aligned.
• Obstructions: Ensure nothing is blocking the beam between the sensors. This includes:
  • Dust and debris
  • Cobwebs
  • Items stored too close to the sensors
  • Even sunlight shining directly into the sensor

Cleaning the Lenses

• Dust and Dirt: Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the lenses of the photo eyes, interfering with their ability to function properly.
• Cleaning Procedure:
  1. Turn off the garage door opener at the circuit breaker.
  2. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the lenses. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
  3. Turn the power back on and test the door.

Checking the Wiring

• Loose Connections: Inspect the wiring connected to the photo eyes. Look for loose connections, frayed wires, or damage.
• Troubleshooting:
  1. Turn off the power to the garage door opener.
  2. Carefully examine the wiring connections at both the sensor and the opener unit.
  3. If you find any loose connections, tighten them securely. If you find damaged wires, they may need to be replaced. Important: if you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, consult a qualified electrician.

Examining the Limit Switches

The limit switches tell the opener how far to open or close. If they are set incorrectly, they can cause the garage door goes up after closing.

Identifying Limit Switches

• Location: Limit switches are typically located on the garage door opener motor unit itself. The exact location may vary depending on the model. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.
• Adjustment Screws: You'll generally find adjustment screws labeled "Up" and "Down."

Adjusting the Down Limit

• The Process: Adjusting the down limit tells the motor how far the door should close before stopping.
  1. Locate the "Down" limit adjustment screw.
  2. Use a screwdriver to turn the screw. Small increments are key. Usually, turning it clockwise makes the door close further.
  3. After each adjustment, test the door to see if it closes completely without reversing.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the door closes properly.
• Cautions: Be careful not to overtighten the down limit, as this could damage the door or the opener.

Assessing Obstructions in the Door's Path

Sometimes, the problem isn't the opener itself but something blocking the door.

Physical Obstructions

• Common Culprits: These can be anything from a stray tool to a misplaced garbage can.
• Inspection: Visually inspect the entire path of the garage door as it closes. Remove any obstructions you find.

Track Issues

• Bent or Damaged Tracks: Dents, bends, or damage to the tracks can prevent the door from moving smoothly and trigger the safety mechanism.
• Roller Problems: Worn or damaged rollers can also cause friction and trigger the safety sensors.
  • Inspection: Inspect the tracks and rollers for any signs of damage.
  • Solutions: Straighten bent tracks if possible, replace damaged rollers, and lubricate the tracks and rollers with garage door lubricant.
  • Note: If the track damage is extensive, consult a professional.

Resetting the Garage Door Opener

Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve the problem.

How to Reset

• Unplug the Opener: Unplug the garage door opener from the power outlet.
• Wait: Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Plug it Back In: Plug the opener back in and test the door. This can sometimes clear any temporary errors or glitches.

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