My garage door sometimes acts funny. When closing the door, it stops after about a foot and retracts back to the top. Opening the door is fine. It doesn't always do this, but it's becoming annoying.
I have straightened out the rails as much as possible to prevent snagging. I have greased the rails and the chain. I am starting to think there is some sort of tension problem but I don't know that much about these devices. Any ideas.
Since it stops after 1 ft I'm thinking it is snagging- either from problem with rails/ alignment or unequal spring tension. Try greasing ALL moving parts first, though, including rollers and hinges. If that doesn't help, try to watch it several times and see if it appears to be catching on one side. If spring tension appears unequal(look at springs when it is in open position), you may need to adjust, though this is something to be really careful with- it can be seriously dangerous- many have been injured trying. You could try increasing the closing force- check manual or online at manufacturer's web site for instructions. Try these two simple things first- lube and closing force- if they don't help try posting again for the harder stuff.
Do you have one of those federally mandated safety devices in place? The photoelectric eyes? I'd bet your problem lies there.
While the door is traveling downward grab the lift handle and try to stop the door. Does it reverse very easily? Disconnect the opener from the door. Run the opener while disconnected to see if it still reverses on it's own. Use the door manually and see it it easy to pull down from the open position and easy to lift from the closed position. It shouldn't move more than a couple of inches in either direction when released 3' - 4' from the ground. If the door is easy to pull down manually, reconnect the opener and adjust the downforce on the operator so that it reverses on a roll of paper towels without completely crushing it. If the door is tough to pull down from the open position, look for anything that may be causing the door to drag. This can be caused by the simplest of things such as a worn out pulley or cable that came off the pulley. If you have torsion springs, check the end bearings on the shaft. Read:
Rich ==================================== Garage Door Parts, LLC
Disconnect the door from the opener (do this with the door all the way down if possible.) Then try opening and closing it. It should be easy to move and should stay up or down without help and it should also be neutral at the half way point. If not it needs to be adjusted. If you don't know how, and it appears you don't; don't try it yourself those springs can kill. If that works then it is more likely needs an adjustment to the clutch or some work on the safety controls (auto reverse and electric eyes) Your owner's manual should explain how to adjust it. You just clean the electric eye things and make sure they are aligned right.
This was my problem. I cleaned the lenses on the photoelectric devices and everything smoothed out. I don't think you are supposed to grease the tracks or wheels as it prevents them from rolling and they slide instead.
After making sure that the door moves easily and is balanced (it should pretty much stay in place if you let it go at mid-point), then you may need to increase the downforce setting on the unit. The door should stop and reverse when you apply med pressure with your hand while it's coming down. If it's set too light, it will reverse on it's own.
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