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Common Problems With Garage Door Openers and How to Fix Them

Closing Time Garage Doors

The average garage door opens and closes approximately 1,500 times a year. All that wear and tear can lead to all sorts of headaches. In this blog post, the professionals at Closing Time Garage Doors will discuss some common garage door opener problems and how to fix them as well as tips on how to keep your opener running smoothly for as long as possible!

The Garage Door Is Unresponsive to the Remote Control

One of the most common garage door opener problems is an unresponsive remote control. Garage door remotes work by using small radio frequencies to transmit a signal. This transmission signal can only be picked up within so many feet of the garage door. Check to see if you are in or out of range. You may need to get closer to your garage door to get it to function properly.

If your garage door openers remote is not working, check the batteries and try replacing them with new ones. If the batteries are not the issue, you may need to reprogram your remote. No two garage door openers are programmed the same. If you did not keep the manual, you could try locating one online by searching for your particular garage door model.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, there may be an issue with the antenna. Make sure it is not damaged or in the wrong position. If there is an issue with the antenna, it will need to be fixed or replaced.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to replace the remote control. Call a professional garage door repair technician to identify and fix the problem.

Garage Door Opener

The Garage Door Is Opening Slowly

If your garage door is opening slower than normal, there are a few things you can look for. One of the most common problems with garage doors is an issue with the tracks. Check the tracks of the garage door for any type of blockage or debris that needs to be removed or cleaned. Over time, dust and debris build up on tracks, obstructing the door from opening smoothly. If the tracks are severely damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Another possibility is the state of your springs and cables. These are responsible for counterbalancing the weight of the door. If any of them are damaged or loose, this can negatively impact your garage door. If the parts appear to be in good condition, try tightening them. However, be careful as damaged springs or cables may need to be replaced.
If all else fails, you may need to replace the remote control or the opener system itself. You will want to call a garage door technician to avoid making unnecessary, costly purchases or additional damage through DIY methods.

The Garage Door Opens and Closes by Itself

This can be caused by a number of factors, including a loose chain, an incorrectly installed opener, or a faulty remote control. If the chain is loose, tighten it by using the adjustment screws on the opener.

If the problem persists, check to see if the sensors are aligned properly by ensuring they are pointing in the correct direction. The sensors are responsible for detecting obstacles in the door’s path. When not properly aligned, they can cause the door to open or close on its own. Try realigning them to see if your problem stops.

Another possible cause of this common problem with garage doors is a damaged garage door opener. If your opener is damaged, it may send signals to the door that tell it to open or close when it shouldn’t. In this case, you will need to replace your garage door opener system. If you have questions about doing this, please consult your opener manual or call a professional for assistance with garage door troubleshooting.

Noisy Garage Door

The Garage Opener Is Noisy

Another common complaint about garage doors is them making loud and irritating noises. There are several potential causes of this type of problem, but fortunately, it is often possible to fix it yourself.
One reason for an excessively noisy unit is loose hardware. If the opener is attached to the door with screws or other hardware, ensure all the connections are tight and secure. If the bearings on the unit are worn out, they may need to be oiled or replaced altogether.
Unbalanced or dirty tracks can cause noise. To fix an unbalanced door, check to see if the springs need to be adjusted or replaced. If the tracks are dirty, you can use a rag and household cleaning products to wipe them down and remove any buildup of dirt or debris.

Contact the Professionals at Closing Time for Your Garage Door Problems

If you are experiencing common garage door problems (or even a more complicated one!), don’t hesitate to call the garage door experts at Closing Time Garage Doors. Our team can help diagnose the problem and provide repair services as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can get back to using your garage door like normal. Our experts can help you find a solution that fits any budget. Give us a call today!

Want to learn more about troubleshooting your garage door? Here are some related resources:
7 Reasons Why Your Garage Door Won’t Close
​How To Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Garage Door

Closing Time Garage Doors
Serving Woodstock, GA and the surrounding area.
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Barbara Campbell profile picture
Barbara Campbell
August 21, 2025
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They quoted us exactly what we needed for a very reasonable price and did a great job! The new garage doors look great and work well!
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Kurt Brodie profile picture
Kurt Brodie
May 16, 2025
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Paul was awesome. He had fair pricing, clearly knew what he was doing and quickly fixed our broken spring on our garage door. On top of that he made several adjustments to our door and re-lubricated it to ensure proper function for years to come while thoroughly explaining what he did and why it mattered.
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Michael Smith profile picture
Michael Smith
May 13, 2025
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Timely service, fair prices, and excellent quality!
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Mike Farrell profile picture
Mike Farrell
April 24, 2025
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Service was outstanding, on time and thorough. Would recommend. Mike Farrell
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Tina Chester profile picture
Tina Chester
April 24, 2025
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Springs broke on my garage door opener & it was repaired same day ! I was very happy with the price & repair. Highly recommend this company!
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PETER ULLMAN
April 4, 2025
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These guys replaced my Garage Door 6 months ago, did a wonderful job, original opener was adjusted nicely. Last week I had issues with the opener and called Paul. Instead of troubleshooting over the phone, he came out and ended up replacing the opener and the rail. Result is perfect, and was handled within 2 hours of my call. Hard to beat such a response. Thanks Paul
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David Bowman profile picture
David Bowman
March 30, 2025
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Great customer service and very happy with the result and fair pricing. They replaced my garage door lift springs and everything works great now.
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Geoffrey Simmons profile picture
Geoffrey Simmons
March 25, 2025
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I strongly recommend Closing Time Garage Doors to anyone looking for a responsive, honest, garage door professional. Paul communicated well, arrived as expected, executed the maintenance and then educated me on how to properly service the door myself going forward. He then reduced the charge versus what he originally quoted! I appreciate an honest service man. Thanks, Paul! You earned a lifetime customer.
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Doug Patton profile picture
Doug Patton
March 24, 2025
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Quick service and a fair price.
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John Hayman profile picture
John Hayman
March 24, 2025
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Have used Closing Time Garage Doors on several different occasions - they are extremely professional, honest, and efficient. They are also reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.