Garage Door Won't Open or Close: Force Adjustments

Read the article that matches this video here: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/...

Use promo code YOUTUBE to save 10% on https://www.searspartsdirect.com/

If your garage door freezes on the way up or if it stops and reverses directions on the way down, you may need to increase the force adjustments on your garage door opener. This video from Sears PartsDirect shows how to check the garage door for smooth travel, adjust force settings and test the new settings to make sure the door closes safely.

Visit us at: https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/...

1. Rule out safety sensor problem

Inadequate up force can cause the door to stop on its way up. If you set the downforce too low, the door will stop on its way down, then reverse and open back up.

If the opener lights are blinking, it’s probably a safety sensor problem. Here's a link to a video that covers troubleshooting problems with the safety sensors.
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/diy/...

2. Check trolley travel on rails

Check the door for smooth travel. Pull the emergency release rope to disconnect the trolley from the door. Manually lower and raise the door to make sure it goes up and down easily. If the door stops or gets stuck on the tracks, check to see if the tracks are bent or damaged. Fix any problems you find or have a Sears technician complete the repairs.

If the door opens and closes easily, reconnect the door to the trolley and increase the downforce by turning the adjustment screw clockwise. Turn the screw a quarter-turn at a time and retest after each adjustment until the door closes completely.

3. Set downward force

Once the door is closing all the way, make sure that the downforce is not set too high. Excessive downforce can damage anything caught in the path of door. Close the door with the opener and grab the base of the door when the door is halfway down. If you can stop the door using your hands, then no further adjustment is necessary. If you can’t stop the door, reduce the downforce in small increments. Make adjustments until the door closes completely on its own but will still stop if you catch it halfway down.

4. Set upward force

If the door stops without opening completely, you may need to increase the up force on the garage door opener. You can increase the up force by turning the adjustment screw clockwise. Turn the screw a quarter-turn at a time and retest after each adjustment until the door opens completely.

Just like with downforce, test the up force setting for safety. Stop the door with your hand when it’s halfway up to make sure that up force isn't excessive. Continue making small adjustments until the door opens completely on its own and you can stop the door by hand halfway up its travel.

If you don't see force adjustment screws on the motor unit, then your garage door opener may adjust force automatically. Check your owner's manual for more information.


Or call 1-800-437-1673 to speak with a parts specialist.

Find parts for your garage door opener at
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...

Or click here to book an appointment with a repair technician.
https://www.searshomeservices.com/rep...