A garage is the part of the house not merely used to park the vehicles but also to store items like garage equipment and other stuff related to hobbies. A very interesting fact to know is that the garage door is used more than the front door, so any issue with the opening and closing of the garage door will bring a pause to everyday routine. Now, the primary concern is to figure out the reason and ways to fix the garage door opening and closing issue. Minor problems can be resolved easily, whereas major issues need professional hands. In this article, we focus on understanding the reason for the garage door not opening and closing, but only the clicking sound heard.
The issue of garage doors not opening and closing is a common problem faced by homeowners, but the reason may vary. Here are some of the reasons you should know.
Door Opener Locked
A locked garage door opener is a common cause of clicking noise on opening and closing the door which happens because the opener's motor can't engage with the door as the door opener is locked.
| Tips to fix | Disengage the lock by pressing and holding the corresponding button until the lock indicator light turns off. |
Obstruction in the Safety Sensor
Sensors are located at the bottom of the track on either side of the garage door and when it gets obstructed due to dust, debris, or misaligned sensors, you can hear the clicking sound. The safety features of the garage door are such that any hindrance on the track will affect the closing and opening of the door.
| Tips to fix | Clean the sensor gently to remove dust or debris. |
The Problem With the Logic Board
The operation of the garage door is managed with the logic board which is the electronic control panel. The reason for its malfunctioning could be an overheated processor, fried capacitor, or static electricity, which results in a clicking sound. It's recommended to consult a professional to fix the problem.
| Tips to fix | If you are technically sound, go ahead with DIY mode by referring to the manufacturer's website to learn about the replacement part. However, if you are not confident, hire a professional to do the work. |
Problem With the Garage Door Opener
Garage door opener lasts between 10-15 years, depending on the material and maintenance. However, due to overuse, you may hear the clicking sound; it's advisable to inspect the opener to know if it is at fault.
| Tips to fix | Clean the dust and debris from the trolley mechanism, if that's the reason, or tighten the loose screws and bolts, if that's the cause. Inspect the drive gear, which could be the cause of the clicking sound, or lubricate the moving parts of the opener, such as the roller, spring, and hinges. |
The Issue With the Alignment of the Tracks
Misalignment of the garage door opener could be the possible reason for the clicking sound. It happens because the internal components of the track rub with each other, producing a clicking sound on opening and closing the door. The reason for the misalignment of the track could be regular wear and tear or collision with any objects, animals, or people.
| Tips to fix | Disconnect the garage door opener from the power source, and inspect the track for gaps or misalignment. Loosen the bolt using a wrench, tap the misaligned track using a hammer, rubber mallet and a small piece of wood to push the track back to its original position. Now, tighten the track. Open and close the garage door once or twice to check the functioning. |
Worn Out Rollers
Rollers have a vital role in the smooth movement of the garage door along its track. Due to frequent use, rollers get misaligned or develop flat spots over the years, producing a clicking sound.
| Tips to fix | If rollers are found to be completely worn out during inspection and require replacement, it's better to hire an expert to ensure you get the work done in a flawless manner. |
Worn Out Spring
Spring counterbalances the door's weight to ensure smooth opening and closing of the door. Over the years, spring gets damaged due to environmental factors or over use, resulting in clicking noise. The lifespan of a torsion spring is 10000 cycles, and the extension spring is 15000 cycles. Once the expected lifespan of the spring exceeds, a clicking noise can happen.
| Tips to fix | If there's a minor issue in the spring, you DIY, but for other work, hire a professional. Addressing the garage door spring is a tough task, so it's highly recommended to seek help from an expert. |
Problem With the Remote Control
The issue with remote control is one of the basic causes of garage doors not opening and closing. The reason could be an old battery, a damaged antenna on the motor unit hanging downward, or you are not in the range.
| Tips to fix | Change the battery and check if the remote works. Move within the range and check for the damaged antenna as well. The issues of battery and range can be easily resolved, but to replace the antenna, you should call a professional. |
