Before you call anyone, check these things. Half the time, it’s something you can fix in two minutes.
1. It’s unplugged or the breaker tripped
Sounds obvious. It’s still the most common reason. Check the outlet and your breaker panel first.
2. The remote battery died
Try the wall switch instead. If that works, it’s the remote, not the opener.
3. The door is manually locked
Some doors have a manual lock bar that engages if the power goes out or someone locked it by hand. Check for this before assuming the opener is broken.
4. Broken spring
If the opener runs but the door doesn’t move, or barely moves, a broken spring is the likely cause. Don’t force it. A broken spring means the door is too heavy for the opener alone to lift, and it can drop unexpectedly.
5. Misaligned safety sensors
Look for two small sensors near the bottom of the tracks on each side. If the light on either one isn’t solid, they’re misaligned or blocked, and the opener won’t function as a safety measure.
6. Broken cable
A snapped or frayed cable often shows up alongside a broken spring. If the door hangs crooked, this is likely part of the problem.
7. Opener motor failure
If the motor doesn’t run at all, and it’s not a power issue, the motor itself may have failed. This usually means repair or replacement.
What not to do
Don’t force the door open by hand if you suspect a broken spring or cable. That’s how people get hurt. If the door won’t budge and you can’t identify a simple fix, it’s worth calling someone who can look at it same-day.