What to Do When Your Garage Door Gets Stuck Halfway

Garage doors are one of the most-used parts of a home. When working well, they’re convenient and quiet. But when a garage door gets stuck halfway, it can be both stressful and unsafe. Whether you’re trying to leave for work or come home after a long day, this kind of issue can throw off your entire routine.

Understanding the reasons behind a stuck garage door and knowing how to handle it safely can save you time, money, and future headaches. This guide walks you through possible causes, simple solutions, and essential garage maintenance hacks to prevent it from happening again.

Why Your Garage Door Gets Stuck Halfway

When a garage door gets stuck, it usually points to one of a few common problems. Some are easy to fix on your own, while others need expert care. Below are the most likely causes.

1. Sensor Malfunctions

Garage doors rely on sensors for safety. Located near the floor on both sides, these sensors send an invisible beam to one another. If anything blocks the beam—even dust or a cobweb—the door may stop moving.

What to do: Wipe the sensor lenses clean using a soft cloth. Make sure the sensors are properly aligned and that nothing is in the way.

2. Dirty or Misaligned Tracks

The metal tracks guide the garage door up and down. If dirt builds up or the tracks bend, the door may stop halfway.

What to do: Inspect the tracks closely. Clean them with a damp cloth and a vacuum. If you notice dents or gaps, call a technician to realign or replace the tracks.

3. Broken Springs or Cables

Garage door springs and cables hold the weight of the door. When one breaks, the door can’t move smoothly and might stop or sag on one side.

Warning signs: Loud snapping noise, uneven movement, or a crooked door.

Important: Do not try to fix these parts yourself. They are under high tension and can cause serious injury.

4. Weak Remote Signal or Wall Switch Failure

Sometimes the problem isn’t mechanical—it’s the remote or wall control. Weak batteries, signal interference, or loose wiring can keep the door from fully opening or closing.

What to do: Replace the batteries in your remote. If the wall switch still doesn’t work, test the wiring with a professional’s help.

5. Limit Settings Are Off

Garage openers have limit settings that tell the motor how far the door should travel. If these settings are too low or high, the door might stop early or hit the floor too hard.

What to do: Consult your garage door opener manual to adjust the up/down travel limits.

What to Do When the Garage Door Gets Stuck

Here’s what to do right away if your garage door gets stuck halfway.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Stay Safe

Avoid using force. Forcing the door open or closed could cause more damage or even injury. Always check your surroundings first.

Step 2: Disconnect the Door from the Opener

Every automatic garage door has an emergency release cord—usually red. Pulling this cord disconnects the door from the motor, allowing you to lift or lower it manually.

Caution: Only attempt this if the door is not too heavy and appears stable.

Step 3: Look for Visible Obstructions

Sometimes a broom handle, garden tool, or even a rock can block the tracks. Look carefully on both sides of the tracks and at the floor level.

Tip: Use a flashlight for a closer inspection in dim areas.

Step 4: Test the Manual Operation

After using the release cord, gently try to lift the door by hand. If it moves smoothly, the problem might be with the motor or settings. If it still jams, there could be a mechanical issue like a broken spring or bent track.

DIY Garage Maintenance Hacks for Quick Fixes

Some problems are easy to fix with a little effort and a few tools. Here are some handy garage maintenance hacks to try before calling for help.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

• Friction is a major cause of garage door troubles. Lubrication helps everything run smoothly.
• Use a silicone-based spray on rollers, hinges, springs, and tracks.
• Avoid grease—it collects dust and grime.

Clean and Realign Sensors

• Dust or misalignment can block the signal between sensors.
• Wipe lenses with a soft cloth.
• Make sure both sensors are pointing straight at each other.

Tighten Loose Hardware

• Garage doors move up and down several times a day. That motion can loosen bolts and screws over time.
• Use a wrench or screwdriver to gently tighten hardware along the tracks and brackets.

Reset the Garage Door Opener

• Unplug the opener for 30 seconds and plug it back in. This reboot can clear any glitches or errors.
• If that doesn’t help, consult the manual to check if it needs a factory reset.

When It’s Time to Call the Experts

If your garage door continues to get stuck or if it shows signs of major damage, it’s time to bring in professionals.

Call a technician if you notice:

• The door jerks violently or shakes when moving.
• One side of the door is higher or lower than the other.
• You hear grinding, popping, or snapping sounds.
• Cables are loose, frayed, or broken.
• The door doesn’t move even after troubleshooting.
• Trying to fix high-tension parts like springs or cables without training is dangerous. 

Professionals, like those at Doorcare, have the tools and know-how to do the job safely and correctly.

How to Prevent Future Garage Door Issues

Taking care of your garage door doesn’t require much time, but it does require consistency. Here are maintenance tips and garage maintenance hacks to help keep everything working properly.

Perform Monthly Inspections

• Look over all parts of your garage door once a month.
• Check for rust or corrosion.
• Test the sensors and controls.
• Look for frayed wires or loose parts.

Test the Balance of the Door

Unplug the opener and lift the door halfway. If it stays in place, your springs are in good shape. If it falls or rises, the balance is off and may need adjustment.

Clean the Tracks and Rollers

Dirt and dust build up over time. Clean tracks with a cloth and vacuum. Wipe rollers with a damp cloth. This helps the door move without getting stuck.

Replace Weather Stripping

Damaged weather stripping can cause the door to stick or jam. Inspect the rubber seal at the bottom and along the sides of the door. Replace if it’s cracked or peeling.

Keep Batteries Fresh

Change remote batteries every 6-12 months. Keep a backup battery for emergencies.

Seasonal Garage Door Care Tips

Each season comes with its own challenges for garage doors. Here’s how to prepare:

In Winter:

• Check for frozen rollers or stiff springs.
• Use a space heater in extremely cold garages.
• Keep rock salt away from door tracks to prevent corrosion.

In Spring:

• Look for rust or water damage after winter.
• Inspect the springs and clean all moving parts.
• Watch for mice or insects nesting near wires.

In Summer:

• Keep sensors shaded from direct sunlight.
• Lubricate moving parts—heat can dry out old lubricant.
• Make sure the garage stays ventilated.

In Fall:

• Clear out leaves and debris from the tracks.
• Inspect for damage from summer storms.
• Replace worn-out weather stripping before winter.

Doorcare: Your Local Garage Door Expert

If your garage door gets stuck halfway and you’re not sure what to do, Doorcare is here to help. With years of experience, friendly service, and same-day support, their expert technicians can:

• Inspect and diagnose issues quickly
• Provide safe, professional repairs
• Offer maintenance plans to prevent future problems

Don’t let a stuck door slow down your day. Let Doorcare take care of it, so you can get back to what matters.

Final Thoughts

When your garage door gets stuck, it can feel like a major problem. But with the right steps, a little know-how, and regular care, you can solve the issue and prevent it from happening again.

From checking the sensors and cleaning the tracks to knowing when to call the pros, this guide gives you the tools you need to stay in control. Remember—routine checks and simple garage maintenance hacks can save you money and stress in the long run.

Struggling with a stuck garage door? Don’t wait for it to get worse. Try the steps in this guide today and see the difference regular care makes. If the problem continues, call Doorcare for expert service you can trust.

Book your inspection now and make your garage door work like new—before it gets stuck again!