Garage Door Repair FAQ

Common Garage Door Problems & DIY Fixes

Having trouble with your garage door? Below are the most frequent issues homeowners encounter—along with simple troubleshooting steps you can try before calling in the professionals.

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Common Issues

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get asked about garage door repairs and DIY fixes.

My door immediately reverses after opening.

Potential Cause: Debris or damage on the tracks

Try the following:

Clear any dirt, stones, or pet hair from the tracks.
Use a silicone-based spray to lubricate—avoid oil, which attracts grime.
Manually lift and lower the door to ensure it glides freely.

Help, my garage door won't close.

Potential Cause: Safety sensors misaligned or obstructed

Try the following:

Inspect both sensors at the base of the door tracks.
Clean lenses with a soft cloth.
Loosen mounting brackets, realign sensors so LEDs face each other, then retighten.

My remote and/or keypad isn't responding.

Potential Cause: Weak batteries or lost programming

Try the following:

Replace remote batteries and test.
Refer to your opener’s manual to reprogram the remote or keypad.
Ensure your opener’s “lock” or “vacation” mode isn’t activated.

The opener hums, but doesn't move.

Potential Cause: Worn gears, stripped sprocket, or motor failure

Try the Following:

Disconnect the door from the opener (pull the red emergency release cord) and try opening by hand.
If it moves smoothly, issue is in the opener—check your owner’s manual for gearbox access and inspect for broken teeth.
Replace any damaged parts per manufacturer instructions.

The door stops or stalls halfway.

Potential Cause: Damaged spring or frayed cable

Try the Following:

WARNING: Garage springs and cables are under extreme tension—DIY replacements are dangerous.
You can visually inspect for obvious damage (gaps in torsion springs or loose strands on cables).
If you see wear, call the pros immediately.

My garage door is noisy or squeaky.

Potential Cause: Dry or loose hardware (rollers, hinges, springs).

Try the Following:

Use a socket or wrench to snug any loose nuts and bolts on rollers, hinges, and track brackets.
Spray a silicone-based garage-door lubricant on rollers, hinges, springs, and the top of the tracks.
Run the door up and down several times to work the lubricant in—noise should disappear.

We Serve: Locke, Ithaca, Cortland, Moravia, Central New York, and the Finger Lakes Region

Hear From Our Customers

At Genson Overhead Doors, nothing makes us prouder than a job well done—and happy customers. Read on to see how homeowners across Central New York praise our fast response, expert repairs, and dedication to quality.

When to Call The Pros

If you encounter any of the following, please stop DIY and contact Genson Overhead Doors:

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Broken or Gapped Springs

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Frayed or Snapped Cables

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Loud Grinding or Squealing

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Metal on Metal sounds

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Complete Opener Failure

Questions? Ready to Schedule Your Repair?

For immediate, professional garage door repair—any time, any place—trust Genson Overhead Doors.