Motor hums, door stays put?
Opener runs, but the garage door doesn't move
If you hear the motor and the door stays down, look at the red release cord first: the opener may be disconnected from the door. If it's connected, a stripped drive gear or a broken spring is the likely cause.
What it costs
- Opener repairmost chain and belt drives from$175
- Spring replacementone torsion spring, standard door from$245
Call to book a visit. The quote is free.
Call (925) 272-7700What to do right now
- Look at the opener rail. If the arm from the door hangs loose from the trolley, the release cord was pulled.
- Before you reconnect anything, check the spring above the door. A gap in the coil means call first.
- Tell us on the call what you heard: a hum, a click or a grinding sound.
Why the motor spins and nothing moves
The motor turns a plastic drive gear, the gear drives the chain or belt, and that pulls the trolley and the door. When the gear's teeth wear smooth, the motor hums and the trolley stays put. A broken spring stops the door from the other end: it's too heavy to lift.