Why Does My Garage Door Reverse After Hitting the Floor?

If your garage door closes and then immediately reverses after hitting the floor, it’s more than just an annoyance, it could be a sign of a larger problem that needs attention. At John’s Garage Door Services, we often receive calls from frustrated homeowners experiencing this exact issue.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common causes of a reversing garage door and how you can fix or prevent it.

1. Misaligned or Faulty Limit Settings

Your garage door opener is programmed with “limit settings,” which control how far the door travels when opening and closing. If the close limit is set too far, the door might hit the ground and think it has hit an obstacle, causing it to reverse.

How to fix it:
Check your owner’s manual to adjust the close limit screws on your opener. Make small adjustments, test the door, and fine-tune until it closes fully without reversing.

2. Worn or Damaged Garage Door Springs

Broken or weakened springs can affect the balance and weight of the garage door. If the opener senses extra resistance as the door reaches the ground, it may interpret this as an obstruction and reverse to avoid damage.

How to fix it:
If you suspect spring issues, do not attempt to repair them yourself. Torsion springs are under high tension and can be dangerous. Call a professional technician to inspect and replace them if necessary.

3. Obstructions or Dirty Tracks

Even small debris, like leaves, rocks, or a misaligned weather seal, can trick your system into thinking there’s an obstacle. The safety mechanism will trigger a reversal to prevent damage or injury.

How to fix it:
Inspect the area where the door meets the floor. Clean the tracks, remove any debris, and ensure the bottom seal is not curled or damaged. Also, make sure the floor is even and doesn’t cause the door to tilt or jam.

4. Sensor Malfunctions

Modern garage doors come with safety sensors (also called photo-eyes) located near the base of the door tracks. If these sensors are misaligned or dirty, they may incorrectly signal that something is under the door—even after it’s closed.

How to fix it:
Wipe the sensor lenses with a soft cloth and ensure both eyes are aligned. If the sensor light is blinking or off, that could indicate a wiring or alignment issue. Adjust until the light remains solid.

5. Faulty Garage Door Opener Logic Board

If everything else checks out, the problem may lie in the Garage Door Opener’s internal electronics. A faulty circuit board can send incorrect signals and cause the door to reverse unnecessarily.

How to fix it:
This requires professional diagnosis and possibly replacing the opener’s logic board or the entire opener unit.

6. Door Hitting a Raised Threshold or Ramp

In some garages, raised floor lips, concrete ramps, or uneven thresholds can cause the door to press against unexpected resistance. This triggers the opener’s auto-reverse feature.

How to fix it:
Inspect the garage floor’s edge. If needed, consult with a contractor about leveling the surface or modifying the bottom seal to accommodate the rise.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

A garage door that reverses after hitting the ground isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a safety feature doing its job. However, if it happens repeatedly, it’s a sign that your system needs inspection.

At John’s Garage Door Services, we offer same-day garage door diagnostics and repairs throughout San Diego County. Whether it’s a sensor adjustment or a spring replacement, our licensed technicians can get your door working reliably and safely again.

Call for Expert Help Today

Need professional help? Contact us at (619) 880-5480, or visit our Contact Us Page to schedule a service. We’re available for emergency calls and offer free on-site estimates.