What to Do When Your Garage Door Fails at Night

Common Nighttime Garage Door Issues & Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the Power Source

One of the most common reasons a garage door won’t open or close is a power issue. Before assuming the worst, try these steps:



• Ensure the garage door opener is plugged in – Sometimes, vibrations or minor electrical issues can cause the power cord to loosen.
• Check the circuit breaker – A power surge could have tripped the breaker, cutting power to the garage door opener. If this is the case, reset the breaker and test the door again.
• Try using the wall switch and remote – If the wall switch works but the remote doesn’t, the issue may be with the batteries in your remote control.

2. Inspect the Safety Sensors

Modern garage doors have safety sensors near the bottom of the door tracks. If these sensors are misaligned or blocked, the door won’t close properly.

• Make sure nothing is obstructing the sensors – Even small objects like leaves, dust, or spiderwebs can interfere with the signal.
• Check the sensor lights – If one or both lights are off or blinking, gently adjust the sensors until they align properly.

3. Look for Broken Springs or Cables

Garage door springs and cables endure heavy wear and tear. If you hear a loud bang when your door stops working, a spring may have snapped.

• Visually inspect the springs – If they appear stretched, broken, or rusted, do not attempt to fix them yourself—these components are under extreme tension and can be dangerous to handle.
• Check the cables – If they are frayed or disconnected, it’s time to call a professional for immediate assistance.

4. Manually Open the Garage Door (If Safe to Do So)

If your car is stuck inside and you need to leave, you may be able to manually lift the garage door. Here’s how:

1. Disconnect the garage door opener – Pull the emergency release cord (usually a red handle hanging from the opener track).
2. Carefully lift the door – If the door feels too heavy or resists movement, do not force it—this may indicate a broken spring or misaligned track.
3. Secure the door in place – If you manage to lift it, be sure to prop it open safely to avoid injuries.

If the door won’t budge, it’s best to wait for professional help rather than risk injury.

When to Call for Emergency Garage Door Repair

While some issues can be resolved with troubleshooting, certain problems require immediate professional repair services, especially at night:

• Your garage door is stuck open – Leaving your garage open overnight poses a security risk.
• Your garage door won’t close fully – This leaves your home vulnerable to intruders and weather damage.
• A spring or cable has snapped – Attempting DIY repairs on high-tension parts can be dangerous.
• The opener makes noise but the door won’t move – This often signals a motor or drive system failure that needs professional attention.

At The Kansas City Door Company, we offer same-day repairs in most cases, ensuring you’re never left stranded with a malfunctioning garage door.

Need Fast Garage Door Repairs? Call Us Today!