What to Do When Your Garage Door Keeps Going Back Up

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to close your garage door when you’re in a rush and it keeps popping back open. Not only is this issue inconvenient—it’s unsafe. The last thing you want to do is leave your garage door open when you’re sleeping or away from home. So—what can you do when your garage door keeps going back up? You can learn common reasons it happens and what to do to fix it. The solution may be easier than you think. 

What Causes a Garage Door to Keep Going Back Up

If your garage door won’t close after multiple attempts, one of these common causes may be to blame.

Remote Control Issues

Problems with the garage door opener remote control, such as low batteries, interference, or a malfunctioning remote, can lead to erratic door behavior. More often than not, all you have to do is swap in some new batteries to fix this problem. 

Obstruction Sensors

Most garage door types have safety sensors that detect objects or obstructions in the door's path. If these sensors are misaligned or there's an obstacle, the door will reverse to prevent injury or damage.

If you have overflowing garage storage, especially if your kids use your garage to house most of their outdoor toys, a blocked sensor is likely the culprit.

Misaligned Tracks

Check if the garage door tracks are properly aligned. Misaligned tracks can cause the door to go back up as it may encounter resistance.

Limit Switches

A limit switch plays a starring role in how a garage door opener works. It determines how far the garage door should travel during the opening and closing process. If these switches are incorrectly set, the door may think it has reached the ground and reverse.

Garage Door Springs

Broken or malfunctioning garage door springs can cause irregular movement. If the springs are worn out, they may not provide the necessary tension for smooth operation. This issue requires a professional, so always call a garage door repair specialist near you to help.

How to Repair a Garage Door That Keeps Going Back Up

Let’s take a closer look at how you can get things back up and running properly. In the meantime, it can be a good idea to learn how to close the garage door manually to keep your home safe while you navigate repairs.

Test Remote Control

In the best-case scenario, all you need to do to fix a garage door that keeps going back up is to check the batteries in your remote control and replace them if necessary. Ensure there is no interference from other devices and that the remote is functioning correctly.

Inspect Sensors

Begin your repair attempts by carefully examining the area around your garage door for any obstructions that might be triggering its automatic reversal. You should ensure that the safety sensors, often located near the bottom of the tracks, are clean and correctly aligned. Wipe the sensors with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris, and if necessary, adjust their alignment to make proper communication easier.

If the sensor still isn’t working, you may need to purchase and install new ones. A garage door sensor costs about $160 on average to replace.

Check Tracks

Next, you can shift your focus to the tracks along which the garage door moves. Inspect them thoroughly for any bends or misalignments that may hinder the smooth operation of the door. If you discover any irregularities, use a rubber mallet to gently tap the tracks back into their proper place. You can lubricate your garage door tracks with lithium or silicone garage door lubricant to help it operate more smoothly.

Adjust Limit Switches

Refer to your garage door opener manual to locate the limit switches, which control the open and close positions of the door. Adjust these switches to guarantee that the door closes entirely before activating the reverse mechanism. Properly configuring the limit switches can resolve issues related to incomplete closures.

Examine Springs

An important part of your garage door system is the springs. They play a crucial role in your garage door’s operation. Inspect them for any signs of wear, rust, or damage. Given the potential dangers of handling springs, you must consult an expert if you suspect any issues. You can hire a qualified garage repair pro to assess the condition of the springs and recommend replacement.

Hire a Garage Door Professional

If the issue persists after you’ve done some serious troubleshooting or if you're unsure about any aspect of the garage door repair, you can seek professional help from a qualified garage door technician. Working with garage doors involves safety risks, especially when dealing with springs and electrical components, so outsourcing this task is worth the peace of mind. Garage door repair costs $260 on average, but you pay more or less depending on how severe the issue is.