Ever had your garage door just… stop working?
You’re running late. You hit the button on the remote. And nothing. No movement, no sound, maybe just a weak hum—then silence. It’s frustrating, inconvenient, and sometimes even unsafe, especially if you rely on that door to secure your home or business.
Garage door motor failure is more common than most people realize. At Greenbelt Garage Doors Co., we handle these problems every day for both homes and businesses across Garland, TX. If you’re wondering why your garage door motor stopped working—or what you can do to fix it—this guide’s for you.
We’ll cover common issues like broken springs, electrical faults, and track misalignments, and share expert tips to help you diagnose or even fix minor problems yourself.
🔍What Causes Garage Door Motor Failure?
Your garage door system is more complex than it looks. It’s not just the motor doing the heavy lifting. Several parts work in sync—when one fails, it can put extra stress on the rest, especially the motor.
Let’s break down the most common reasons your motor might stop working.
1. Misaligned or Damaged Tracks
Your garage door runs on a set of tracks that must be perfectly aligned. If the tracks are bent, rusty, or misaligned—even slightly—it creates friction and resistance. This forces the motor to overcompensate, working harder and overheating over time.
Signs of track problems:
- The door moves unevenly or sticks
- Grinding or scraping noises
- Visible gaps between the rollers and track
Ignoring these signs could result in premature motor burnout—and potentially a need for garage door replacement. If caught early, a simple realignment or garage door repair in Garland, TX can prevent bigger issues.
2. Broken Torsion or Extension Springs
Garage door springs bear most of the door’s weight. When they snap, the door becomes extremely heavy. The motor may try to lift it but usually fails—or worse, keeps trying until it burns out.
How to spot a broken spring:
- A loud bang from the garage (sounds like a firecracker)
- The door opens a few inches and stops
- Manual lifting is nearly impossible
Garage door spring repair is not a DIY task. These springs are under high tension and can be dangerous to handle without proper tools and training.
3. Worn-Out or Overloaded Motor
Garage door motors, like any mechanical device, wear down over time. An older motor may begin to slow, make humming noises, or stop responding altogether. Overloading it—like using it with broken springs or misaligned tracks—can drastically shorten its lifespan.
Typical lifespan: 10–15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. If your opener is older than that, it might be time for a garage door opener repair or replacement.
4. Electrical Issues or Sensor Malfunctions
Your motor runs on electricity, and if there’s a short in the wiring, a blown fuse, or a faulty capacitor, it can shut down entirely.
Also, your garage door has safety sensors near the floor. If these sensors are blocked, dirty, or misaligned, the door might refuse to close—making it look like a motor issue when it’s a safety feature doing its job.
Quick fixes to try:
- Wipe the sensors clean
- Make sure nothing is blocking the laser line
- Check the breaker panel for a tripped circuit
If the opener light flashes or you hear a clicking sound but the door doesn’t move, it’s often a sensor issue—not motor failure.
🛠️ Quick DIY Fixes Before You Call the Pros
You might not need a pro every time something goes wrong. Here are a few DIY checks that can save you time and money.
✅ Replace Remote Batteries
It sounds obvious, but many homeowners call us thinking the motor’s dead when it’s just weak batteries in the remote.
✅ Check the Power Source
Is the motor plugged in? Has the GFCI outlet tripped? Has the circuit breaker flipped? One quick check can restore power instantly.
✅ Reset the Opener
Most garage door openers have a reset button. Try unplugging the unit for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
✅ Test the Manual Release
Pull the emergency cord (usually red) and try lifting the door by hand. If it moves freely, the motor is likely the issue. If it’s stuck, you’ve probably got a mechanical or spring problem.
When in doubt, give Greenbelt Garage Doors Co. a call. We offer same-day residential garage door repair and commercial garage door repair throughout Garland, TX.
🏘️Residential vs. Commercial Garage Door Motor Issues
Whether it’s your home garage near Spring Creek Forest Preserve or your shop by Downtown Garland, motor failures affect everyone. However, the approach to repairs can differ based on the door type.
Residential Garage Doors
- Typically lighter
- More affordable to repair or replace
- Often use chain- or belt-driven openers
Commercial Garage Doors
- Heavier, often sectional or roll-up doors
- Usually require industrial-strength motors
- Repairs are more urgent due to business operations
At Greenbelt Garage Doors Co., we service both types and offer 24/7 emergency garage door repair to keep your day (or business) running smoothly.
📍Why Local Service in Garland, TX Matters
We’re not just another garage door company—we’re your neighbors. From Hawaiian Falls Garland to Duck Creek Golf Club, we know the ins and outs of Garland’s neighborhoods and building styles. That local experience helps us deliver faster, better, and more personalized service.
Need a garage door installation for your new home near Firewheel Town Center? Or a motor tune-up in Oakridge? We’re already nearby—and ready to help.
🙋♂️FAQs – Your Garage Door Motor Questions Answered
Q: Can I replace just the motor without replacing the whole opener?
A: Sometimes. However, if the opener is older or discontinued, replacing the entire system is often more cost-effective.
Q: How can I tell if the motor is burnt out?
A: It might be burned out if it hums without movement or is unresponsive (even with power). We can test it on-site and confirm.
Q: Should I try to fix a garage door spring myself?
A: Definitely not. Spring repairs are one of the most dangerous parts of garage door maintenance. Call a professional.
Q: How fast can you come out for emergency repairs?
A: In most cases, we offer same-day emergency garage door repair in Garland and surrounding areas.
🤔What’s Your Garage Door Doing Right Now?
We want to hear from you! Is it stuck halfway? Opening too slowly? Making weird noises? Describe what’s happening and we’ll help you figure it out—even over the phone.
🧰Final Thoughts – Don’t Wait on a Motor That’s Failing
A weak or failing motor is more than an inconvenience. It can signal deeper problems and even compromise your home or business security. Whether you need a simple garage door opener repair, a full garage door replacement, or a new garage door installation, we’re ready to help.
At Greenbelt Garage Doors Co., we pride ourselves on friendly service, honest pricing, and fast turnaround times. We’re a trusted name for garage door repair in Garland, TX, and we’re here whenever you need us.
📞 Ready to Fix That Motor?
Give us a call or schedule your appointment online. We proudly serve the entire Garland area, including neighborhoods near:
- Hawaiian Falls Garland
- Firewheel Town Center
- Spring Creek Forest Preserve
- Downtown Garland
Greenbelt Garage Doors Co. – Garland, TX
Fast. Friendly. Local. Reliable.
Your door’s in good hands. Let’s get it working again today. 🚪🔧