Few things are more frustrating than pressing the garage door button, watching the door rise smoothly, and then—nothing. The door just won’t come back down. This is a common issue homeowners in Tennessee and northern Alabama face, and while it may seem like a mystery, the cause usually comes down to a few specific problems.

Common Reasons Your Garage Door Won’t Close

1. Misaligned Safety Sensors

Modern garage doors have infrared safety sensors near the floor on both sides of the opening. If they’re dirty, blocked, or out of alignment, the opener thinks something is in the way and won’t allow the door to close. Even a small leaf, dirt, or sunlight interference can trigger them.

2. Travel Limit Settings Need Adjustment

Garage door openers are programmed with up and down travel limits to tell the motor how far to move the door. If the downward limit is set incorrectly, the opener may stop short or reverse direction, thinking the door has hit an obstruction.

3. Broken or Worn Parts

Faulty springs, frayed cables, or damaged rollers can prevent the door from lowering properly. If the opener senses extra resistance, it may automatically stop to avoid damage.

4. Remote or Keypad Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t mechanical at all. Weak batteries, a misprogrammed remote, or a glitch in the keypad can interfere with signals to the opener.

5. Obstructions in the Track

Even something small wedged in the track can prevent the garage door from lowering smoothly. Regular inspections often reveal the culprit.

What You Can Try at Home

• Check the Sensors – Make sure nothing is blocking them and wipe the lenses clean.

• Inspect the Tracks – Look for debris or obstructions.

• Replace Remote Batteries – A quick and easy fix if the signal is weak.

If these simple fixes don’t solve the problem, the issue may be mechanical or electrical—and that’s when professional help is needed.

Why Professional Service Matters

Garage doors are heavy, and their springs are under extreme tension. Attempting DIY repairs can be dangerous without proper training and tools. A skilled technician can quickly diagnose the problem, whether it’s faulty sensors, worn parts, or a motor issue, and get your door working again safely.

Call Your Local Experts

At State Line Garage Doors, we’ve been serving homeowners and businesses in Lawrenceburg, Muscle Shoals, Savannah, Spring Hill, and surrounding areas for over a decade. If your garage door goes up but won’t come back down, our experienced team can get it fixed fast—keeping your home secure and your day stress-free.

Contact us today for professional garage door repair and reliable service you can count on.