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Why won't my garage door close?
Openers built to the federal safety standard check their safety sensor on every close. If the sensor beam is blocked, or the opener detects a fault in the sensor or its wiring, the standard says an open door must not close more than 1 foot below the top. (source: eCFR)
So a door that goes up but will not come down, or reverses right away, is often the opener doing its job.
Safe checks an owner can do
- Look for anything in the door's path or between the two sensors near the floor, such as boxes, bins, leaves or snow.
- CPSC says an electric eye sensor should be mounted 4 to 6 inches above the floor. If one has been bumped, see your opener's manual for how to line it up.
- Read your opener's manual for what its lights or beeps mean. Models differ.
(source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
When to stop and call a technician
- The sensors look clear and lined up and the door still will not close.
- The door fails the monthly reverse test.
- A spring or cable looks broken or the door hangs crooked.
Keep the sensors connected. CPSC urges owners to repair or replace any opener that does not reverse. (source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
On this site: Why won't my garage door close? · What to do if a garage door spring breaks · How to test your garage door's safety reverse · How to tell if a garage door is out of balance · Is my old garage door opener safe? · Utah rules for garage door work: licensing and exemptions · How to check a Utah garage door contractor's license · Before you hire a garage door company in Utah · Garage door repair cost in Utah · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- eCFR (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission rule): 16 CFR 1211.8, Secondary entrapment protection requirements (checked October 29, 2026)
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Publication 523: Non-Reversing Automatic Garage Door Openers Are a Hazard (PDF) (checked October 29, 2026)
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