Opener problem or door problem?
A powered opener can fail on its own, but it can also struggle because the garage door has a spring, track, cable, balance, or obstruction problem. Diagnosis should separate electrical/control symptoms from mechanical door symptoms.
Common opener symptoms
- Remote or wall control stops working.
- Motor runs but the door does not move.
- Door starts down and reverses.
- Lights flash or sensors appear misaligned.
- Opener hums, chatters, or strains.
Simple checks
Confirm the opener has power, the door is not locked, nothing blocks the photo-eye path, and the sensors have not been knocked out of position. If the door is crooked, extremely heavy, or off track, stop testing and treat it as a mechanical repair issue.
See also remote troubleshooting, sensor repair, and an opener that hums but will not move the door.