A garage door that opens but refuses to close can be a frustrating problem, especially when you’re relying on it to secure your home. One of the most common issues homeowners face with their Craftsman garage door opener is the door will open with the remote but will not close. This problem can occur for various reasons, from sensor malfunctions to issues with the opener itself. Fortunately, the issue is often easy to troubleshoot and fix with some basic knowledge of how garage door systems work.
In this guide, we will explore the potential causes of this problem, the steps you can take to diagnose and fix the issue, and preventive measures to ensure your garage door operates smoothly in the future.
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Why Won’t My Craftsman Garage Door Close with the Remote?
When a Craftsman garage door opens but won’t close, it’s important to understand that several factors could be at play. While it’s easy to assume that the remote itself is malfunctioning, there are often underlying issues with the garage door opener system, sensors, or safety features that may prevent the door from closing.
Below are the most common causes of this issue:
1. Safety Sensors Are Misaligned or Obstructed
One of the most common reasons why a garage door opens but won’t close is an issue with the safety sensors. These sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing if something is in the way, ensuring safety by avoiding accidents or damage.
- Misalignment: The sensors are located near the floor of the garage on either side of the door. If these sensors are slightly out of alignment, the door may not close. Even a small misalignment can trigger the safety system to prevent the door from closing.
- Obstruction: If the sensors are dirty or obstructed by dust, cobwebs, or other debris, they may fail to detect the appropriate signal and cause the door to reverse. Sometimes, even a small item like a fallen tool or a toy can block the sensors.
Fix: Ensure the sensors are clean and aligned properly. You can do this by gently wiping the sensors with a cloth and ensuring they are facing each other with a clear line of sight. Check for any physical obstructions in the path of the sensors as well.
2. The Garage Door Track Is Obstructed
If your Craftsman garage door is opening but not closing, an obstruction in the door’s track might be the cause. A blockage in the track can prevent the door from moving smoothly along its rails.
Fix: Inspect the tracks on both sides of the garage door for any dirt, debris, or objects that may be blocking the path. If necessary, clean the tracks and remove any obstructions.
3. Faulty Remote Control or Wall Switch
Another potential issue could be with the remote control or the wall switch. While the door opens with the remote, a faulty or dead battery in the remote can sometimes cause problems when attempting to close the door.
- Remote Battery: A weak or dead battery in the remote may prevent the door from responding to close commands. Try replacing the battery in your remote to see if that resolves the issue.
- Wall Switch Issue: If the wall switch is malfunctioning, it may not be sending the correct signals to the garage door opener to close the door.
Fix: Replace the battery in the remote and test the wall switch. If you notice any issues with the switch, it may need to be replaced or rewired.
4. Limit Settings May Be Off
The limit switch on your garage door opener is responsible for telling the door when to stop opening and closing. If the limit settings are incorrectly adjusted, the door might not close all the way or could reverse when you try to close it.
Fix: Check the limit settings on your Craftsman garage door opener. These can usually be adjusted using dials or screws on the opener unit. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to reset the limit switch to its proper settings.
5. Garage Door Springs Are Broken or Worn Out
Garage door springs help the door to open and close smoothly. If one or both of the springs are broken or worn out, the door may struggle to close properly, even though it opens without issue. A broken spring can cause the door to reverse during the closing process, as the system will sense an issue with the weight distribution.
Fix: If you suspect that a spring is damaged or broken, it’s important to contact a professional garage door repair technician. Replacing or repairing garage door springs is a dangerous task that requires specialized tools and expertise.
6. Malfunctioning Garage Door Opener
Sometimes the issue could be related to the garage door opener itself. The opener may be experiencing electrical or mechanical failure, such as a faulty motor or circuit board. In such cases, the door may open but fail to close due to the opener’s inability to respond to the closing command.
Fix: If you suspect a malfunction in the garage door opener, it’s best to call a technician. Diagnosing and repairing opener issues typically require specialized knowledge and tools.
How to Troubleshoot the “Craftsman Garage Door Will Open But Not Close With Remote” Issue
Now that we’ve covered the potential causes, let’s walk through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue when your Craftsman garage door opens but will not close with the remote:
Step 1: Check the Safety Sensors
Start by inspecting the safety sensors on either side of the garage door. Ensure they are aligned properly, facing each other, and free of any obstructions. Clean the sensors with a soft cloth and remove any dirt or debris from the surrounding area.
Step 2: Inspect the Tracks
Next, examine the tracks of the garage door. Ensure that no objects are blocking the door’s path, and make sure the tracks are free from dirt or debris. If the tracks are damaged or misaligned, it’s best to call a professional for repair.
Step 3: Test the Remote
Replace the battery in the remote control and test to see if that resolves the issue. If the remote is still unresponsive, try using the wall switch to close the door. If the wall switch works but the remote doesn’t, the issue could be with the remote or its signal.
Step 4: Adjust the Limit Settings
If the door doesn’t close all the way or reverses during the closing process, check the limit settings on your Craftsman garage door opener. Adjust the settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions and test the door’s functionality.
Step 5: Examine the Springs
Check the garage door springs to see if they are intact. If the springs appear damaged or broken, do not attempt to repair them yourself. Call a professional technician to inspect and replace the springs.
Step 6: Call a Professional
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be time to call in a professional technician. A malfunctioning opener or electrical issue can be difficult to diagnose without the proper tools and expertise.
Preventive Maintenance for Your Craftsman Garage Door
Once you’ve resolved the issue, it’s important to take steps to maintain your Craftsman garage door opener and prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Clean the sensors regularly to ensure they are free of dust and debris.
- Lubricate the moving parts, including the tracks, rollers, and springs, to prevent wear and tear.
- Inspect the door’s balance by disconnecting the opener and manually lifting the door. If it feels heavy or uneven, have it adjusted by a professional.
- Test the door’s reverse mechanism to ensure it responds correctly to obstacles.
Conclusion
A Craftsman garage door that opens but won’t close with the remote can be caused by a variety of issues, from misaligned safety sensors to malfunctioning limit switches or faulty remote batteries. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself in many cases. However, if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to call a professional to ensure your garage door is operating safely and efficiently.