Garage door attempts to close, then reopens?
Don’t ignore it—this common issue could signal sensor problems, worn hardware, or incorrect opener settings. Let’s troubleshoot the causes and help you get it working again—safely and reliably.
When your garage door starts acting up, it can be more than just annoying—it may point to a serious safety concern. One of the most frustrating problems homeowners encounter is when the door begins to close, touches the ground, and then unexpectedly reverses.
While it may seem mysterious, this behavior is actually part of your garage door opener’s built-in safety system. It’s designed to prevent injury or damage—but when it’s triggered unnecessarily, it can indicate anything from sensor misalignment to worn-out parts or incorrect opener settings.
Understanding why your garage door reverses before hitting the ground—and knowing how to fix it—can help protect your home, your family, and your garage door system. Let’s explore the most common causes, what to check, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Related Posts:
- Resetting Your Garage Door Opener
- Garage Door Misalignment Matters
- Why is My Garage Door Opening By Itself?
Your Garage Door Safety Sensors (Photo Eyes)
Those two little blinking eyes near the bottom of your garage door frame? They’re photo-eye sensors, and they play a major role in your door’s safety system. If these sensors detect anything in the door’s path—or if they’re misaligned—they’ll signal the opener to stop and reverse.
Symptoms of Sensor Problems:
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Garage door reverses immediately after hitting the ground.
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One sensor light is dim or completely off.
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Sensors blink instead of staying solid.
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Door only closes when holding the wall-mounted button.
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Door closes during the day but not at night (sunlight interference).
Quick Fixes You Can Try:
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Wipe both sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
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Make sure the sensors are aimed directly at each other.
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Check for loose or bent sensor brackets.
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Remove any objects or debris in the sensor beam path.
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Inspect wires for damage or disconnection.
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Test by placing an object in the beam—the door should reverse.
If your garage door only closes when you hold the wall button, this is often a sign that your sensors are being bypassed. That’s not a long-term solution—it’s a safety concern.
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Look for Obstructions at the Threshold or Ground Level
The threshold—the point where the garage door seals against the ground—is a surprisingly sensitive area. Even a minor obstruction can cause the door to reverse, especially if the bottom seal or concrete is uneven.
What to Look For:
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Leaves, dirt, or debris at the base of the door.
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Water pooling after rain.
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Rolled-up or damaged weatherstripping.
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Uneven or cracked concrete at the threshold.
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Ice or snow buildup in winter months.
Quick Fixes:
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Sweep and dry the threshold.
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Inspect and realign the bottom seal.
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Remove any debris or buildup.
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Clean sensors again while you’re there.
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Retest the door’s closing behavior.
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Incorrect Travel or Force Settings
When your garage door reverses before hitting the ground, the cause may be your opener’s travel limits or force settings. These tell the opener how far to move the door and how much resistance is acceptable before reversing.
Signs You May Have Improper Settings:
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Door reverses as it hits the floor.
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Door stops short of the ground or bounces.
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Door doesn’t reverse when hitting an actual object.
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Door slams or strains when closing.
Adjustment Tips:
- View your owners manual on your garage door opener before making any adjustments.
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Inspect for Worn-Out Springs, Rollers, or Hardware
When your garage door starts to reverse just as it reaches the ground, the problem might not be electrical—it could be mechanical. Worn components like springs or rollers may cause friction or imbalance that the opener interprets as a blockage.
Look for These Symptoms:
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Door shakes, jerks, or slams as it closes.
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Grinding or squealing sounds.
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Door is slow or uneven.
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Rust, cracks, or gaps in the springs.
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Rollers jump or drag during operation.
What to Try:
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Use a garage door lubricant (not WD-40) on hinges and rollers.
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Do not force a door that’s binding or jerking.
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If you see rust, broken cables, or bent tracks—stop and call a pro.
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Troubleshoot Remote or Keypad Problems
Not every garage door problem is mechanical. If the wall switch works perfectly but the remote causes erratic behavior, you may be dealing with signal interference or remote failure.
Warning Signs:
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Door reverses inconsistently when using remote.
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Door closes fine with the wall button.
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Delay between pressing remote and door response.
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Remote works at very short range only.
Quick Fixes:
- Replace remote batteries.
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Reprogram the remote using your opener manual.
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If problems persist, consider remote replacement.
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Try using a second remote or the keypad to confirm the issue.
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Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Use this order to rule out common causes of a garage door reversing before hitting the ground:
Step 1: Check the Safety Sensors
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Clean and align lenses.
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Look for solid indicator lights.
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Test with an object in the path.
Step 2: Clear the Threshold
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Sweep away debris.
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Dry wet surfaces.
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Check bottom seal and floor level.
Step 3: Test Travel & Force Settings
- Always consult your owner’s manual when adjusting travel and force settings.
Step 4: Inspect for Wear & Tear
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Examine rollers, springs, cables, and tracks.
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Listen for grinding or loud impact.
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Lubricate minor friction points.
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Never adjust springs yourself.
Step 5: Try Alternate Controls
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Use the wall switch as a control baseline.
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Reprogram or replace faulty remotes.
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Reset keypad if needed.
Step 6: Know When to Call a Pro
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Door is crooked or off-track.
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Heavy manual resistance.
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Loud banging or snapping sounds.
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Sensors won’t align or respond.
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Adjustments don’t solve the issue.
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Let a Pro Handle It—We’re Ready When You Are
If your garage door still reverses after trying these steps, it’s time for a professional inspection.
We offer:
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Same-day service across Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur & surrounding North Alabama areas.
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Fully stocked service trucks—no waiting on parts.
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No subcontractors—just trusted local experts since 1968.
📞 Call now for a free phone estimate. 256-772-3674
FAQs: Garage Door Closing and Reversing Issues
What if my garage door won’t close at all?
Start with sensor alignment. If the wall button works but remotes don’t, it’s likely a battery or signal issue. If nothing works, you may have a spring or opener failure.
How do I know if my garage door springs are bad?
Look for a loud snap, rusted coils, heavy manual operation, or uneven lifting. Most springs last 7–10 years and should only be replaced by a trained professional.
Is it okay to disable safety sensors?
Never. Disabling sensors violates UL 325 safety standards and puts your family and pets at risk. Always fix the issue instead of bypassing the feature.
Let Us Help Get Your Door Working Again
If your garage door reverses before hitting the ground, it may be trying to tell you something important. From sensor alignment to worn hardware, we’ll diagnose the problem and fix it right the first time.
We serve Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur, and surrounding North Alabama areas with professional garage door service. Our trucks are fully stocked for same-day solutions—and we never send subcontractors.
Call today for a free phone estimate.
Overhead Door Company of Huntsville/North Alabama
One location. One us. Since 1968.
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Making Garage Door Repairs Simple For You