Why does my garage door close but then automatically go back up?

expert EXPERT October 18, 2007

It sounds like there may be some binding of the door itself and adjusting the tension and limit settings created enough force and movement to overcome that binding and get the door down but created other issues in the process. Now I suspect the lower limit is not stopping the door in time and it is reversing back to the open position due to the safety system.

Looking at your profile it appears you have a model 13953920 opener. The limit settings on this model are mechanical and look like three long screws sitting beside each other under the overhead cover. Each of the three has a metal tab riding on it, the middle screw and tabs move when the door does and each outside screw is a limit position that you set, one for the upper limit and the other for the lower limit. When a tab on the middle screw touches a tab on one of the outside screws a signal is sent to stop the door. It is possible that during the adjustments, the limits have been moved too close together and one of the tabs has become bent so that it no longer makes contact and stops the door movement.

I would start by disconnecting the door and checking the balance and movement. Once the door is moving smoothly you can set the tension setting low again to prevent damage. Remember, the tension setting needs to pass the safety tests or the opener is powerful enough to damage your door or anything that might be in the way of it. Once there is no threat of damage and the door moves smoothly you can concentrate on fixing or resetting the door travel limits as needed without the safety system reversing the door prematurely.

Your manual and the links below have some helpful advise and techniques for more tests and for making those adjustments. If you have any doubts or concerns I would recommend having a professional inspect the opener to prevent any possible damage.