Check power and the lock
Make sure the opener is plugged in and the outlet works, and that the manual lock bar on the door is not engaged.
Garage door won’t open or only moves a few inches?
A door that will not open usually has a broken spring, a disconnected or failed opener, a lock engaged, or a power problem. A vehicle trapped inside makes it urgent. Call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent garage door technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for a door that will not open or stops after a few inches.
Is this urgent?Urgent if a vehicle is trapped or you need access.
What do I do next?Check the items below, then call 833-877-1717.
Loud bang first: broken spring.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
Safe checks
Try the wall button
If the wall button works but the remote does not, the remote battery or programming is likely the issue. See keypad and remote repair.
Stop if the door is heavy
If the opener hums or the door lifts a few inches and stops, do not keep trying. A broken spring is likely, and forcing it can damage the opener.
Springs and cables are dangerous
Garage door springs and cables hold enormous tension and can cause serious injury. Never adjust, loosen or remove springs, cables or bottom brackets yourself. Only pull the emergency release when the door is fully closed: releasing a raised door with a broken spring can make it fall. Keep children and pets away from a damaged door.
Common causes
Broken spring
The most common reason a door will not open. The opener cannot lift the full weight, so the door moves a few inches or not at all.
Opener disconnected
If someone pulled the emergency release, the trolley is disconnected and the motor runs without moving the door.
Opener failure
Stripped gears, failed circuit boards and worn motors stop the door from moving. See opener repair.
Cables or tracks
A snapped cable or bent track can jam the door. See cable repair.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code and whether it is a home or business
- What happens when you press the button: nothing, a hum, or a few inches of movement
- Whether you heard a loud bang
- Whether a vehicle is trapped
- Opener brand, if known
How garage door won’t-open repair usually works
- Quick checks. The technician confirms power, the release, the lock and the remotes.
- Inspect the hardware. Springs, cables and tracks are checked for breaks or damage.
- Repair. Broken springs or cables are replaced, or the opener is repaired or replaced.
- Test. The door is balanced and the safety reverse is tested.
If a vehicle is trapped, say so when you call. It helps set the priority of the request, though arrival time is not guaranteed.
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles garage door repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Garage door won’t open or only moves a few inches questions
Why does my garage door only open a few inches?
Often a broken spring. The opener senses too much weight and stops. It can also be an opener force setting or a jammed track.
How do I get my car out?
Do not try to lift a door with a broken spring. It is very heavy and can fall. A technician can open it safely.
Why does the opener run but the door does not move?
The emergency release may be pulled, or the opener’s drive gear may be stripped.
Can a power outage stop the door?
Yes. Without power the opener will not run. If the springs are intact, the door can usually be opened manually after pulling the release while it is closed.
Can I call at night or on a weekend?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.