Why Your Garage Door Opener Runs, But the Door Won't Open—And How to Fix It...

Is your garage door opener running, but the door refuses to budge? You’re not alone.

This frustrating issue is more common than you might think and could point to several underlying problems.

Is your garage door opener running, but the door refuses to budge? You’re not alone. This frustrating issue is more common than you might think and could point to several underlying problems.

In this post, we’ll explore the most likely causes, how to prevent them, and what you can do to get your garage door working smoothly again.

At Garage Door Repairs, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing garage door issues quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to your day with minimal hassle.

Common Reasons Why Your Garage Door Opener Runs but the Door Won’t Open

Stripped Gear Teeth in the Opener

A common culprit is a worn-out plastic gear inside the garage door opener. These gears can strip over time, especially when the opener is overworked. This often happens when garage door springs lose tension or break.

Without the springs providing proper balance, the opener ends up doing all the heavy lifting, which puts undue strain on its internal mechanisms.

Disconnected or Broken Drive Belt/Chain

If the drive belt or chain in your opener has snapped or become disconnected, the opener will run but fail to move the door. Over time, these components can wear out or slip out of alignment due to lack of maintenance or excessive stress.

Misaligned or Damaged Garage Door Tracks

Misaligned tracks can cause the door to jam and prevent it from opening, even if the opener is working. In severe cases, bent tracks can stop the rollers from moving altogether.

Faulty Limit Settings

If the opener’s limit settings are not correctly adjusted, the opener may not realise the door hasn’t opened fully. This can cause it to stop prematurely or run without actually lifting the door.

Broken or Worn-Out Springs

Garage door springs are designed to counterbalance the weight of the door, making it easy for the opener to do its job. If these springs lose tension or snap, the opener may not be able to lift the door at all.

How to Prevent These Issues

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your garage door opener running smoothly.

Here’s what you can do:

• Inspect the Springs Regularly - Ensure your garage door springs are in good condition and properly tensioned. This reduces the strain on your opener.
  
• Check the Tracks and Rollers - Look for signs of wear, misalignment, or debris that could obstruct the door’s movement.
• Lubricate Moving Parts - Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the opener’s chain or belt, rollers, and tracks to reduce friction.
• Test the Balance of Your Door - Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door. If it doesn’t stay open or feels heavy, the springs may need adjustment or replacement.
• Schedule Professional Maintenance - A garage door professional can perform a thorough inspection, fine-tune the system, and identify potential problems before they become serious.

What to Do If Your Garage Door Won’t Open

If your garage door opener runs but the door doesn’t move, it’s time to call the experts at Garage Door Repairs. Our experienced technicians will:

• Diagnose the issue quickly and accurately
• Perform any necessary repairs or replacements, such as fixing broken springs, realigning tracks, or replacing worn gears
• Ensure your garage door is balanced and operating smoothly
• Provide maintenance tips to extend the life of your opener and door system
• Don’t Ignore the Signs—Get It Fixed Today!

A malfunctioning garage door opener is more than just an inconvenience; it can lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. Whether it’s a stripped gear, broken spring, or misaligned track, the experts at Garage Door Repairs are here to help.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or repair.

With regular maintenance and expert care, your garage door system can deliver reliable performance for many years to come.

Don’t wait—schedule your service with Garage Door Repairs now!