Garage Door Won’t Open? 7 Common Issues You Can’t Ignore

It’s one of the most frustrating ways to start the day. You’re running late for work or to get the kids to school, you hit the button on your garage door opener, and… nothing. The garage door won’t open, leaving you and your car stuck inside.

A garage door that won’t open is more than just an inconvenience. Sometimes it’s a small issue that just needs a quick door repair, but other times it signals serious problems in your garage door system that require professional service. Ignoring the problem risks further damage, costly replacement, and even your family’s safety and security.

At Unlimited Garage Door Services, we’ve helped homes and businesses across New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, get their doors working again with professional garage door repair. If your garage door won’t open, here are seven common issues you need to know.

7 Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Open

From simple problems to serious malfunctions, here are the common reasons your garage door may stop working.

1. Broken Springs

Your springs do the heavy lifting, making it possible for the door opener to raise your garage door. When one snaps, the opener simply can’t handle the weight. You’ll often hear a loud bang or tear when it happens.

New Mexico’s extreme temperatures make springs wear faster. This is when you need spring experts to step in. Professional garage door spring repair ensures your door is safe to use again. Attempting DIY is never the best decision since springs are under dangerous tension.

2. Frayed or Snapped Cables

Cables, like springs, balance your garage door. Over time, they can rust, fray, or break, leaving your door stuck or crooked. A snapped cable under tension can cause severe property damage or injury.

This is a job for trained expert technicians. Never attempt to fix cables yourself.

3. Misaligned or Bent Metal Tracks

The metal tracks guide your rollers smoothly up and down. If a car bumps them or bolts and screws loosen, the tracks may bend or shift out of alignment. This causes the door to grind, scrape, or jam.

A technician will inspect the tracks, tighten loose hardware, and restore proper installation. When necessary, they’ll perform nylon rollers replacement to replace old metal wheels with smooth nylon rollers, helping the garage door run smooth.

4. Faulty Garage Door Opener

Sometimes the problem lies in the garage door opener itself. Common failures include worn gears, broken sprockets, or a faulty power supply. If the motor hums but the door doesn’t move, internal parts may have failed.

This is when garage door opener service comes in handy. Upgrading to modern garage door opener brands can make openers run smooth, enhance security, and provide quieter, more efficient operation.

5. Dead Remote Batteries or Keypad Issues

Before scheduling door repair, check your remote and keypad batteries. Dead batteries are one of the simplest and most common reasons a garage door won’t open.

If the problem persists, the remote may need reprogramming. Always test the wall button inside the garage to confirm whether the issue is with the remote, the keypad, or the opener itself.

6. Sensor Problems

Photo-eye sensors at the bottom of your garage door tracks prevent the door from closing on objects. But when they’re dirty, misaligned, or blocked, they can also stop the door from opening.

In New Mexico, dirt buildup and direct sun glare often interfere with sensors. A quick wipe or adjustment usually solves it, but if problems continue, a professional technician may need to recalibrate them.

7. Manual Lock Engaged

Many overhead door and double garage door models include a manual slide lock. If accidentally engaged, the garage door won’t budge even if the opener is trying. You may hear the motor straining while the door stays in place.

Checking and disengaging the lock is the first fix. If misalignment is a recurring issue, a technician can make adjustments to prevent future problems.

When to Call a Professional Garage Door Company

Some issues, like dead batteries, are quick DIY fixes. But when it comes to springs, rollers, cables, or track alignment, you should always call a professional. DIY repairs risk severe injury, further damage, and voided warranties.

Signs you need immediate professional help include:

• You hear a loud snap or bang (broken springs).
• The garage door is stuck halfway or tilted.
• You notice loud garage door rollers or grinding noises.
• The garage door opener runs but the door doesn’t move.

At Unlimited Garage Door Services, we bring over 14 years of experience to every job. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Sandia Park, and surrounding service areas.

Our fully stocked service trucks mean we can often complete your installation needs or repairs without delays, and we offer same-week service to get your life back on track quickly. We also provide garage door specials, planned maintenance program options, and an annual plan for long-term care.

If your garage door won’t open, don’t risk your safety. Contact us at (505) 447-9441 or request service through our Garage Door Repair page for a free quote.

Don’t Stay Stuck, Get Expert Help

A garage door that won’t open is stressful, but it’s almost always fixable. Addressing the issue quickly prevents further damage, protects your family, and ensures your garage door system operates safely.

At Unlimited Garage Door Services, we guide you through the entire process, from inspection to installation to replacement. With a foundation built on trust, our company delivers customized solutions, quality products, and top-notch experience. We feel strongly about offering the best value to our customers.

From fixing worn-out weather stripping to installing an insulated double garage door, our team delivers everything doors to enhance home comfort and protect your property.

If your garage door won’t open anywhere in New Mexico, call Unlimited Garage Door Services today at (505) 447-9441 or request service online. From opener problems to nylon rollers replacement replace, our expert technicians will provide reliable repairs and installation services that enhance home value and keep your family safe.