Garage door won't open at all?
First separate power from mechanics: if the opener's light and wall console are dead, start at the outlet and breaker. If the opener responds but the door stays down, stop — a failed spring, a cable, or an engaged lock may be holding it, and forcing the motor makes both problems worse.
First separate power from mechanics: if the opener's light and wall console are dead, start at the outlet and breaker. If the opener responds but the door stays down, stop — a failed spring, a cable, or an engaged lock may be holding it, and forcing the motor makes both problems worse.
Possible Causes
- 01 A broken torsion spring, which may show a visible separation in the coil
- 02 Opener unplugged or no power at the outlet
- 03 Manual lock / slide bolt accidentally engaged
- 04 Snapped lift cable
- 05 Dead remote and wall button (control or wiring issue)
- 06 Burned-out opener motor (often after running against a broken spring)
Safe First Checks
Stick to what you can see and what your door’s own manual asks of an owner — nothing more. Do not adjust springs, cables, drums, brackets, force, travel, or an unstable door.
- From a safe distance, note any visible separation or unusual condition in the spring assembly; do not touch it
- Confirm the opener is plugged in and the outlet has power
- Check that the manual lock handle or slide bolt is not engaged
- Note whether the wall control and remote behave differently; the comparison helps narrow the control path but does not rule out a door-system problem
When to Stop and Request Service
If you can see spring or cable damage, the door sits crooked, or the opener strains at nothing — stop. Those parts hold stored energy even when everything looks still. Tell us what you see from where you stand; that's all we need to come prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
I heard a loud bang and now the door won't open, what happened?
A broken torsion spring is one possible cause. Stop operating the door, keep clear of springs and cables, and have the system assessed by a trained door-systems professional.
Can I open the door manually if the spring is broken?
Do not attempt to lift a door with a failed counterbalance system. It may be extremely heavy or unstable. Leave it in place, keep clear, and request qualified help.
What affects the scope of a door that will not open?
A dead door can be electrical (power, controls, lock-out) or mechanical (spring, cable, binding) — and the fix ranges accordingly. The good news: the symptoms usually point clearly once someone who does this daily looks at it. Don’t force it in the meantime.
Sound Like Your Door? We’re On It.
Homes and businesses, anywhere on our DFW map. A person answers 24/7 and confirms honest timing with you — never a guess.
Call (469) 281-7750Describe It Your Way — We’ll Translate
Calls answered 24/7 · Mobile crew, all of DFW