Springs
Remote Opens But Won't Close Garage
If your remote opens the garage door but will not close it, the most common cause is a safety sensor problem. Misalignment, blocked lenses, reversed sensor wires, or failed sensors stop the opener from closing. Other causes include wall control lock mode, travel limit or force settings, or damaged wiring.
Quick checks before replacing parts:
- Confirm nothing blocks the door path. Remove debris and ice.
- Inspect photo eyes 4 to 6 inches off the floor on both sides. Clean lenses and align until both indicator lights are solid.
- Check sensor wiring polarity at the opener terminals. Look for staples or splices that may short the wires.
- Make sure wall control lock mode is off. Many wall stations have a lock button or switch.
- Test the door from the wall button. If it only closes when held, sensors or sensor wiring are likely the issue.
- If the door starts down then reverses with flashing lights, recheck sensor alignment and wiring.
Helpful parts on this page: replacement photo eyes, sensor brackets, sensor wire, wall controls, and related hardware. If sensors and wiring test good but the problem continues, the opener logic board may be failing.
FAQs
Why does my remote open the door but not close it?
Safety sensors are likely misaligned, blocked, wired incorrectly, or failed. The opener prevents closing when sensors do not report a clear beam.
My door only closes when I hold the wall button. What does that mean?
This is a hold to run safety condition. It usually means the photo eyes are not aligned or the sensor wiring has a fault. Realign the sensors and repair any damaged wire.
How do I align the photo eyes correctly?
Mount both sensors at the same height, 4 to 6 inches above the floor. Point them directly at each other. Adjust until both sensor indicator lights are solid and steady.
One sensor light is off or blinking. What should I check?
Clean the lenses and confirm alignment. Verify correct wire polarity at the opener and at the sensor. Look for loose connections, damaged insulation, or pinched wire.
Can sunlight or LED bulbs affect the sensors?
Bright sunlight and some light fixtures can cause interference. Shade the sensors, slightly angle them, or relocate fixtures if needed. Keep lenses clean.
Could lock mode be stopping the door from closing?
Yes. If the wall control lock is on, remotes may not close the door. Turn lock mode off and test again.
What if sensors look good but the door still will not close?
Inspect wiring for shorts or reversed leads. If wiring is good, the issue may be with the logic board or travel limit and force settings. Follow your opener manual for checks.
Can I bypass or remove the safety sensors?
No. Sensors are required on openers manufactured after 1993. Bypassing is unsafe and can prevent normal operation.
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