Short answer
If the opener runs but the door doesn’t move, look up at the springs first: a gap means a broken spring, so stop and call. If they look fine, the emergency release was probably pulled and the door is disconnected from the opener. With the door closed, pull the release cord toward the door and press the wall button. The trolley should click back in.
Safety first
If the door is open, do not pull the release cord: it can slam down. If a spring has a gap or a cable is loose, do not run the opener.
What to do when the opener runs but the door stays put
1The motor runs, the door stays put
You hear the opener and see the chain or belt move, but the door doesn’t. Stop pressing the button.
Read all the steps
- The motor runs, the door stays put. You hear the opener and see the chain or belt move, but the door doesn’t. Stop pressing the button.
- Look up: are the springs whole?. A gap in the coiled spring above the door means it broke, and the door is too heavy for the opener. Stop there and call.
- Is the trolley disconnected?. The trolley slides on the opener rail and holds the arm of the door. If someone pulled the release cord, it is no longer hooked to the opener.
- Pull the cord toward the door. With the door closed, pull the red handle toward the door so the release lever sets back in place.
- Press the button: it clicks back in. The opener moves along the rail and catches the trolley with a click. Then the door opens. Still nothing? Call a technician.
- Still not fixed? Call a garage door company Especially if: a spring has a gap or a cable hangs loose.
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If it only hums
A hum with no movement of the chain or belt usually means a stripped gear or a failed capacitor in the opener. The door may also be stuck or too heavy. Unplug the opener so it does not overheat, and call a technician.
Why the door disconnects
- Someone pulled the emergency release cord during an outage, or by accident.
- The cord got caught on a roof rack, a ladder or a tall load.
- The release lever is worn and slips.
What not to do
- Do not keep pressing the button while the motor runs without the door. It wears out the gears.
- Do not pull the release cord with the door open.
- Do not lift the door by hand if a spring or a cable looks broken.
When to call a garage door technician
- A spring has a gap or a cable hangs loose.
- The motor hums but the chain or belt does not move.
- The trolley won’t catch, or it lets go again.
- You hear grinding or find plastic bits under the opener.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my garage door opener run but the door won’t open?
Most often the emergency release was pulled and the door is disconnected from the opener. A broken spring or a stripped gear in the opener are the other common causes.
How do I reconnect my garage door to the opener?
With the door closed, pull the release cord toward the door and press the wall button. The trolley rides along the rail and clicks back in.
How do I know if my garage door opener gear is stripped?
The motor runs or hums, but the chain or belt barely moves or doesn’t move at all. You may also find plastic shavings under the opener. A technician can replace the gear.
Can a broken spring stop the garage door from opening?
Yes. Without the spring, the door is too heavy for the opener. Look for a gap in the coiled spring above the door and call a technician.
Is it bad to keep running the opener if the door won’t move?
Yes. It strains the motor and the gears. Unplug it until you find the cause.