When you hit the button to open your garage, you expect the door to start moving smoothly. But sometimes, the motor hums along like it’s working, but the door doesn’t move. For many homeowners in Bakersfield, California, this issue is frustratingly common. Figure out why your garage door motor is running but the door won’t budge.
Reasons Why Your Garage Door Isn’t Moving
Here are some possible reasons your garage door refuses to move and how to troubleshoot each one.
Disconnected Garage Door Opener
The disconnect switch (usually a red pull cord or lever) allows you to manually operate the door in case of power failure. However, it can sometimes be accidentally triggered. If this happens, the motor may still run, but the door won’t move.
Issues With the Garage Door Tracks
Garage door tracks guide the rollers for smooth operation. If the tracks are misaligned or damaged, the door may jam or refuse to move, even if the motor is running.
Misaligned or Dirty Sensors
Garage doors are equipped with safety sensors near the bottom of the tracks to prevent the door from closing on objects or people. If these sensors are misaligned or dirty, they may cause issues with the door moving up or down.
Faulty Garage Door Remote
The remote itself could be causing the issue. If the door operates with one method but not the other, you may need to replace or reprogram the remote.
Broken Springs or Cables
Garage doors rely on torsion and extension springs to lift and lower. These springs bear the door’s weight and allow the motor to move it up and down. Garage door cables work in tandem with the springs. Over time, springs and cables can wear out, fray and eventually break. The motor may still run, but it can’t lift the door.
Troubleshooting Your Garage Door Not Moving
You’ve done the research and you think you know why your garage door isn’t moving, but the motor is running. So, what’s next?
Look for the pull cord or lever near the motor that allows the door to be operated manually. Pull the cord or flip the lever back to reconnect the door to the motor. If this was the problem, the door should begin operating normally again.
If it’s not operating normally, you can try troubleshooting these other issues (if they’re present in your situation). Or, give Kern Door Company a call for a quick, hassle-free fix.
- Garage door track troubleshooting can be a bit tricky for homeowners. First, check the tracks on both sides of the garage door. If they appear misaligned, a gentle tap with a rubber mallet may get them back in place. Be cautious, though — too much force can damage the tracks further. If debris has collected in the tracks, clean them out and see if that helps.
- Misaligned or dirty sensors can be easily fixed. Ensure the sensors face each other and are free from dust and dirt. Gently cleaning them with a soft cloth may resolve the problem.
- For garage door remotes or openers that act finicky, try replacing the batteries or testing the wall-mounted control button to see if the door responds.
- If you notice signs of a broken spring or cable, you’ll need a professional to handle the repair. In fact, you should avoid touching or adjusting broken springs or cables yourself — they’re under high tension and can be highly dangerous to work with.
Next Steps if Troubleshooting Doesn’t Work
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and your garage door still won’t budge, check out these additional resources for help:
What to Do if Your Garage Door Remote is Broken
How to Open a Garage Door Manually
How to Program a Garage Door Opener
If these resources don’t solve the issue, it may be time to contact a garage door repair technician, like the team at Kern Door Company. A trained professional has the knowledge, skills and tools to make the necessary repairs safely.
Find a Reliable Garage Door Technician in Bakersfield, CA
If you’re ready to call in an expert, consider Kern Door Company for the job. We’ve served the Bakersfield area since 1986 and can handle garage door repairs of all sizes.
We’re committed to safety, integrity and excellence, ensuring you always get reliable, professional service. Don’t let a stubborn garage door disrupt your day — reach out to us, and we’ll fix it right the first time.
Schedule prompt, reliable garage door repair in Bakersfield today.
