Garage Door Won't Open?
If your garage door is stuck, not responding, or refusing to open, Capital Garage Doors can inspect and repair the issue across Perth — same-day, in most cases.
Quick Answer
A garage door may not open because of a motor issue, broken spring, snapped cable, blocked sensor, remote problem, power issue, or track obstruction. If the door feels heavy, is stuck, or looks damaged, avoid forcing it and contact a garage door technician.
Common Causes
Motor not responding
The opener motor may have tripped a breaker, burnt out a capacitor, or simply reached the end of its life.
Broken spring
Torsion or extension springs carry the door's full weight. A snapped spring makes the door too heavy to lift safely.
Cable snapped
A frayed or snapped lift cable can let the door drop suddenly or jam it part-way through its travel.
Remote battery / signal issue
A flat battery, lost pairing, or signal interference is one of the most common — and easiest to fix — causes.
Sensor obstruction
Dirty, misaligned, or blocked safety sensors will stop the door from closing or opening as a safety precaution.
Track obstruction
Debris, a bent track, or worn rollers can physically jam the door partway through its travel.
Power supply issue
A tripped switchboard breaker, faulty outlet, or disconnected power lead will stop the opener dead.
Door out of balance
An unbalanced door puts extra strain on the opener and springs, eventually causing it to stop moving altogether.
What You Can Check Safely
Safe to check yourself
- Check the remote battery and try a spare remote or the wall switch
- Check the power outlet the opener is plugged into
- Check the wall-mounted control switch is working
- Look for any visible obstruction along the door's track
- Check whether the safety sensors near the floor are blocked or dirty
Do not attempt
- Do not force the door open or closed manually
- Do not touch or attempt to adjust the springs
- Do not touch or attempt to adjust the lift cables
When to Call a Technician
Call a technician straight away if any of the following apply:
- The door feels unusually heavy when moved by hand
- You heard a loud bang before the door stopped working
- A cable looks loose, frayed, or disconnected
- You can see a spring is broken or stretched apart
- The motor hums but the door doesn't move
- The door looks crooked or off-track
- The door is stuck fully open or fully closed
Recommended Services
Cost Guidance
| Scenario | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Remote (extra / replacement) | $95 each + $120 to attend & program | Remotes are $95 each, plus $120 to attend and program them to your motor. |
| Motor / opener not working (repair) | $380–$490 | Diagnose & repair the opener — gears, logic board, capacitor or limit switches. |
| Broken spring (single) | $240–$280 | One torsion/extension spring supplied & fitted — the most common same-day repair. |
| Cable snapped or off the drum | $280–$550 | Lift cable(s) replaced or re-seated and re-tensioned. |
| After-hours / emergency call-out | +$500 | Emergency or after-hours attendance adds $500. |
Final pricing depends on the cause, parts required, and door size — confirmed on inspection before any work begins.
Door stuck open or creating a security risk?
A garage door that won't close is a security and safety risk for your home. Our emergency team can be on-site fast, any day of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common causes are a broken spring, a faulty motor, a snapped cable, a blocked safety sensor, a flat remote battery, or a power supply issue. A visual check of the remote, power outlet, and sensors will rule out the simplest causes first.
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