Garage Door Not Working? Here’s What to Check First
We know it’s frustrating when your garage door stops working out of nowhere. But the good news is most of these common issues just need simple troubleshooting to fix.
Here are a few quick things to check before a Patterson Company new home professional comes to take a look.
1. The GEZ (Garage Emergency Zone) Pull Cord
We know—”GEZ” sounds technical, but it’s simply just the red emergency release cord hanging from the garage door opener. If someone pulls it (on purpose or by accident), it disconnects the door from the motor so you can open and close it manually.
What to look for:
- If your garage door opener is running but the door isn’t moving, chances are the cord was pulled.
- You’ll usually hear the motor running without the door lifting.
How to fix it:
- Pull the red cord down to the floor or back towards the garage door opener to re-engage the mechanism.
- Try opening the door again with your remote or wall button.
2. Optical Sensors (AKA: “The Eyes”)
These little sensors are located on both sides at the base of the garage door tracks. They shoot an invisible beam across the floor to make sure nothing is in the way when the door is closing.
Signs of problem:
- Start to close, then reverse
- Not close at all
- Blink the opener light repeatedly
Quick fixes:
- Wipe lenses clean with a soft cloth
- Check alignment – both sensors should be facing each other directly. If one got bumped out of position, gently adjust it back into place.
- Clear anything in the “invisible line” path – even small items like a leaf, broom handle, or toy can break the beam.
3. Check the Breaker
If your garage door isn’t responding at all—no lights, no sounds—it may not be getting power. This usually happens because the breaker tripped.
What to do:
- Go to your home’s breaker panel.
- Look for the one labeled “Garage” or “GDO” (Garage Door Opener).
- If it’s flipped to the middle or off position, switch it all the way off and then back on.
✅ Action Steps
Follow the quick checklist above to see if you can resolve the issue.
If that solved the issue and you have an open Customer Service request with Patterson Company, email service@buypatterson.com to close the ticket.
Otherwise, a Patterson Company new home professional will reach out shortly with next steps to address your Customer Service Request.