Why doesn't my garage door close all the way?

Question

It stops about 1 inch short every time I use the opener. I can then push it closed. I just installed a new door (old door did this too). I looked at the opener. The only adjustments I can make are down force and up force. I played w/ down force, but it didn't fix it.

Answer 1

Try moving the motor back an inch?

Answer 2

The limits need to be adjusted.  Most openers are diffrent what brand is it.  Is it a s***w drive. Post and I can help

Answer 3

There should be a sensor on the garage door opener track.  It is a switch that the door closer hits as it closes.  All you do is slide it down the track a little further until the door is closed all the way.  It is usually located on the track where the chain or s***w drive is located.

Answer 4

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Disclaimer:

Garage doors are heavy, and dangerous appliances!

Any information provided here is for educational purposes only.  SpringForce Garage Doors does not recommend garage door service be attempted by anyone but qualified door service technicians.

In other words, if you hurt yourself working on your garage door, or opener after reading this DON'T BLAME US - WE WARNED YOU!!

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Before you go making adjustments to the limits, etc. - make sure that all fastening hardware is doing its job.  The fact that you mentioned the door can be moved with the opener engaged and stopped indicates that something may be loose.

The first thing to look at is the rail bolts.  Hardware store DIY openers are usually "three-piece-rail" types - bolted together in two places.  If these bolts have loosened, the entire rail will flex when operating, and may affect the travel of the opener trolley - upsetting the limits of travel.  Make sure these bolts are tight.

Additionally, the rail head (the end opposite the motor) must be securely mounted with lag bolts into good solid wood above the garage door.   This mounting point bears the brunt of the force generated when the opener is running and must be secure.

Another point to look at is where the opener arm mounts to the door.  This also must be tight - as must the bolts thru the opener arm - if it is multi-section.  

Ideally, the door should not have much play in it with the opener engaged.  If you can move the door any substantial amount with the opener engaged, something is loose and needs to be corrected before any limit adjustments are attempted.

That being said ...

All garage door openers have limit adjustments to determine where the open and closed positions will be.  

There are three basic methods:

- External Limit Switches (mounted at either end of the rail)

- Internal Limit Switches (adjusted with a small flat screwdriver through two holes in the side of the case)

- Electronically Programmable Limits (new method ... adjusted by pressing a button or buttons on the back of the unit.)

Most Genie openers use external limit switches, while LiftMaster / Chamberlain / Craftsman use internal limits ... except for the high end models which use the programmable type.

If you have external limit switches, they are adjusted by simply loosening the setscrew that hold them to the rail, and moving them a bit in the desired direction - then snug the setscrew.  Repeat till you get it right.

Internal limits are adjusted by turning the appropriate limit adjuster (either the up or down limit) until the desired position is obtained.  One turn corresponds to about three inches of rail travel on most units.

Programmable limits are more complicated, and you will need to consult the manual for your opener.  They are usually available on the manufacturer website.

Notice:  The force adjustments have no bearing on the endpoints of door travel.  They are there as a UL required safety mechanism and should properly be adjusted by a qualified door technician.  Setting the force too high can create a dangerous situation where the opener will not stop when it meets resistance.  This could lead to injury or death if a child or animal is caught under the door ... or severe damage to the door, opener, etc. should the door be binding for any reason.

Be aware that if you have turned the force up on the opener and you reset the limit too far, the increased force can destroy your door or opener.

More information on garage doors and openers is available on the SpringForce Garage Doors website at:

www.springforce-garage-doors.com  

Hope that helps!