What to Check If Your Garage Door Motor Stops Working

If your garage door motor stops working, it can be frustrating and inconvenient- especially when you're in a rush. Whether you're in Houston, TX, or nearby areas, a malfunctioning garage door opener can disrupt your daily routine and pose a security concern. Before calling a professional, there are a few things you can check on your own to troubleshoot the issue.

1. Check the Power Source

First, make sure the opener is plugged in and that the outlet is working. It might sound simple, but power issues are one of the most common causes of garage door motor failure. Try plugging another device into the same outlet to verify the power source.

2. Inspect the Remote and Wall Switch

If the motor doesn’t respond to your remote or wall switch, it could be a remote battery issue or a wiring problem. Try replacing the remote batteries. If the wall switch still doesn’t work, the wiring between the switch and opener motor may be faulty.

3. Look for Tripped Circuit Breakers or Blown Fuses

Garage door openers are powered by your home’s electrical system. Check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and reset if necessary. If this happens repeatedly, it could indicate a larger electrical issue.

4. Inspect the Safety Sensors

Modern garage door systems have safety sensors that can prevent the motor from operating if they’re misaligned or blocked. Make sure nothing is obstructing the sensors and that they’re properly aligned (the small LED lights on each sensor should be solid, not blinking).

5. Check the Manual Release

Pulling the manual release cord disengages the motor. If this has been pulled accidentally, the motor may run, but the door won’t move. Reconnect the trolley to the opener carriage by running the door manually until it clicks back into place.

6. Listen for Strange Noises

If your motor is humming but the door won’t move, the issue could be with the motor gear, drive belt, or chain. These components can wear out over time and may need replacement. A grinding noise usually means it’s time to call a garage door repair expert.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve gone through these steps and your garage door motor still won’t work, it’s time to call a trusted garage door repair company in Houston like Moses Garage Doors. We offer garage door opener repair, motor replacements, and same-day emergency service to get your door running again safely and efficiently.

Need help with your garage door motor in Houston, TX?

📞 Call Moses Garage Doors today at (832) 295-8875 or request service online for fast, professional repair you can count on.