Garage Door Opener Not Working? Try This Before Calling a Pro
If your garage door opener is not working, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common frustrations homeowners face — and often, it happens at the worst possible time. Whether you’re late to work or trying to get the kids to school, a door that won’t open or close properly can bring your day to a screeching halt.
But before you panic or assume the worst, there are several simple things you can check on your own. At Helotes Overhead Garage Doors, we’ve been helping homeowners across San Antonio, Helotes, Alamo Ranch, Leon Valley and beyond troubleshoot opener issues for more than 40 years. Here’s what we recommend checking before you call a professional.
1. Check the Power Source
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many times a garage door opener not working turns out to be a simple power issue.
- Make sure the opener is plugged in securely.
- Check your home’s circuit breaker — it may have tripped.
- If you recently had a power outage, the opener might need to be reset.
If the outlet works and the opener still isn’t responding, the issue may be internal — time to look deeper.
2. Try the Wall Button and Remote
If your remote doesn’t work, try the wall-mounted control panel. If one works but the other doesn’t, the problem could be with your remote batteries or the signal.
- Replace the remote batteries and try again.
- Make sure you’re within range and nothing is blocking the signal.
If neither the wall button nor the remote works, there may be a deeper electrical or mechanical problem with the opener itself.
3. Inspect the Safety Sensors
Most modern garage door systems include two safety sensors near the bottom of the door frame. If something is blocking their line of sight — or they’re dirty or misaligned — your opener may refuse to close the door.
- Check for obstructions like leaves, tools, or trash cans.
- Wipe the lenses gently with a soft cloth.
- Ensure both sensors are aligned and lit up.
This is one of the most common issues we see, especially in homes with kids or pets.
4. Test the Manual Release
Use the manual release cord (usually a red handle hanging from the opener rail) to disengage the door from the opener. You should be able to lift the door manually.
If the door moves freely, the problem may be isolated to the opener. If it’s hard to lift or stuck entirely, you could be dealing with a spring or track issue — a job best left to professionals.
5. Look for Obvious Wear or Damage
Inspect the opener and track system for signs of damage:
- Frayed or loose chains/belts
- Unusual grinding or clicking noises
- Blown fuses on the opener unit
Even if your garage door opener is not working perfectly now, catching early signs of wear can prevent more expensive repairs down the line.
Still Stuck? We Can Help.
If you’ve gone through all these steps and your garage door opener still isn’t cooperating, it’s time to call in the experts. At Helotes Overhead Garage Doors, we’ve been repairing openers of all makes and models since 1985. Our team proudly serves San Antonio, Helotes, Alamo Ranch, and surrounding neighborhoods with honest, affordable service.
Whether it’s a quick fix or a full replacement, we’ll walk you through the process with no pressure and no upsells. You can learn more about our full list of garage door services or specifically about our garage door repair solutions.
Why Choose Us?
We’re a family-owned business built on trust, quality workmanship, and fair pricing. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced in every aspect of opener repair and replacement. Visit our About Us page to learn more about our history and commitment to the community.
Need quick help? Use our contact form to schedule service or request a quote today.
Final Thoughts
If your garage door opener is not working and you’re not sure what to do next, don’t stress. Try the basic troubleshooting steps above — and if it still won’t cooperate, give Helotes Overhead Garage Doors a call. We’ll get your system back up and running fast, and at a fair price, just like we’ve done for thousands of local families over the past 40 years.
Fast, affordable, and reliable — that’s the Helotes Overhead Garage Doors promise.
