Why won't my Garage Door Opener open or close the door?

expert EXPERT October 17, 2007

The door might move when you have it disconnected but just to be sure it is not the source of the problem try the opener while you still have the door disconnected. Watch the chain and trolley (the part that hooks to the door and has the red release rope on it) as the opener motor runs. If the trolley moves okay without the door attached then the the problem is still something with the door assembly. Sometimes the door will move when you lift it from below but will bind when the opener tries to pull it from above through the chain and trolley.

If the chain and trolley still do not move but the chain tension changes, then both the opener motor and the door are working so something is jammed between the two. Look for any places where the chain might be off or kinked, if nothing seems odd there then the problem is likely in the gear and sprocket assembly that connects the opener motor to the chain inside the overhead unit.

Your Manage My Home profile did not note any model information so I do not know how old or exactly what design your opener is, but after wear creates enough play between the gear and sprocket they can skip or jump position causing the chain to move too far either way and jam. In that case, you may be best to consult with a professional as the jammed components could be under some considerable pressure and the problem will repeat until the gear and sprocket are replaced which, unfortunately, requires disassembled of much of the overhead unit.