Many issues could prevent a garage door from functioning normally. One of the most common problems is the door continually going back up when owners try to close it. Although this issue can be quite frustrating, it’s often easy to fix once you identify the problem. Here, we’ll cover the list of possible reasons for the question, “Why does my garage door keep bouncing back up when it’s supposed to lower completely?”
1. Blocked Garage Door Sensor
Every modern garage door has built-in safety sensors, which determine if something is in the way of the closing door. Typically, there is a sensor on either side of the garage door. If the two sensors aren’t aligned (if they can’t “sense” each other) or something is blocking one of the sensors when the garage door is closing, the system is triggered to activate the reversing mechanism.
This could be why your garage door keeps going back up after closing. Something as simple as a car parked too close to the garage door could be causing this. If it still doesn’t seem to be working, the sensor might need to be a garage door repair or replacement.
2. Something Might Be in the Way
The garage door’s reversing mechanism is naturally triggered by something beneath the door. While it’s not hard to notice something larger, like a toy or a tool, blocking the door from closing, it could be something as small as leaf debris or snow buildup. Even a thin layer of ice on the threshold could activate the reversing mechanism. As a result, the garage door keeps going back up after closing.
The solution to this problem is simple: Make sure nothing is beneath the garage door, and the reversing mechanism should detect that. However, if your garage door stops when closing and goes back up, persists or recurs, they may indicate more serious damage that could require a garage door replacement.
3. The Electrical Circuits Might Be Damaged
While resolving the cause for a garage door to reverse continually is often simple, there could be more serious issues at hand, however, such as damaged electrical circuits. This usually occurs due to a power outage. Power outages can often prevent electrical circuits from functioning properly, which might cause the issue of the garage door not going all the way down.
If this is the case, the best thing you can do is call an electrician.
4. Limit Switch Settings
Along with safety sensors, every garage door system comes with open and closed limit switch settings. These settings determine how far the garage door is supposed to go when it opens and closes. If these settings are incorrect, the garage door bounces back up instead of staying closed. The good news is that these settings can be adjusted.
If you’re not sure how to adjust the limit switch settings, it’s best to hire a professional.
5. Troubleshooting Tips When Your Garage Door Keeps Going Back Up
If you’ve gone through the possible causes listed above and the garage door stops when closing and goes back up, here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you narrow down the issue:
- Check the Sensor Alignment – Sometimes, the sensors can become misaligned due to vibrations or movement. To check this, ensure the LED light on the sensors is steady (indicating alignment). If the light is blinking or off, carefully adjust the sensor until the light stays on.
- Clean the Sensors – Dirt, cobwebs, or dust on the sensors can obstruct their ability to detect each other. Wipe down the sensor lenses with a soft cloth to remove debris that may cause interference.
- Test the Remote Control Batteries – Weak batteries in the garage door remote can sometimes cause issues with the door’s operation. Try operating the door with the wall-mounted garage door opener to determine if the remote is the issue.
- Manually Check the Tracks – Check the tracks for any visible blockages or damage. Sometimes, debris or a bent track makes the garage door bounce back up. Clear any obstructions and, if needed, gently straighten the tracks using a rubber mallet.
- Reprogram the Limit Switches – If the limit switches are set incorrectly, the door may reverse before it hits the floor. Check the owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the open and close limits and follow them carefully.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you may be able to identify the cause of the issue on your own. However, if these steps don’t resolve any malfunction, it’s best to reach out to a garage door service technician.
Close the Garage Door Without Issues
If the garage door immediately bounces back up after closing, it could be due to several issues. Whether it’s the sensors, some form of blockage, electrical circuits, or limit switch settings causing this, it needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Not only is this frustrating, but it could pose a safety hazard.
The best option is to contact a garage door service. These professionals will be able to determine what’s wrong with the garage door and solve the problem quickly.
Contact us at Quick Response Garage Door Service for a free estimate right now: we are your Arizona garage door repair specialists.
(623) 624-9043 (Phoenix) or (623) 624-9043 (Tucson)