Emergency Garage Door Repair: What to Do When It Won’t Close

A garage door that won’t close is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a security risk. Whether it’s late at night or just before a storm hits, being unable to secure your garage can leave your home exposed to both weather and unwanted entry.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Here’s what to do when your garage door won’t close—and how to get fast, reliable emergency garage door repair in Lincoln, NE.

Step 1: Check the Photo Eye Sensors

The most common cause of a door that won’t close is misaligned or blocked safety sensors. These are small sensors located near the floor on either side of the garage door track.

• Make sure nothing is blocking the sensors
• Clean off any dirt or dust from the lenses
• Ensure both sensors are aligned and the LED lights are on
  

If the sensors are flashing or one appears off, try gently realigning them. If this doesn’t fix the issue, it may be a wiring problem that needs professional repair.

Step 2: Inspect the Tracks and Rollers

Obstructions, bent tracks, or broken rollers can stop a garage door from closing properly. Carefully check both sides of the track for:

• Debris, rust, or damage
• Wheels that have come off the track
• A door that looks crooked or off-balance
  

If the door appears off-track, avoid forcing it closed. Contact a pro for off-track garage door repair to avoid further damage.

Step 3: Check the Opener and Remote

Sometimes the problem lies with the garage door opener itself. Try:

• Replacing the remote batteries
• Using the wall button instead of the remote
• Resetting the opener system
  

If the opener still doesn’t respond, it may need garage door opener repair or a system reset that a technician can handle quickly.

Step 4: Manually Close the Door (If Safe)

If your door won’t close and it’s an emergency, you may be able to use the manual release to close it:

• Pull the red emergency cord
• Carefully lower the door using the handle
• Don’t attempt this if the spring is broken or the door feels too heavy
  

If the door slams or feels unstable, stop immediately and wait for professional help.

Step 5: Call for Emergency Garage Door Service

If none of these steps resolve the issue, or you don’t feel comfortable troubleshooting, call for emergency repair. At Next Day Garage Doors, we offer same-day emergency service in Lincoln, NE—even after hours.

Our technicians are equipped to fix broken springs, off-track doors, faulty sensors, and opener issues safely and quickly.

Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home Now

An open garage door leaves your home vulnerable. Don’t take chances with your safety or property. If your door won’t close, contact Next Day Garage Doors right away for fast, professional emergency garage door repair in Lincoln, NE.