Before you call anyone, these quick checks fix a lot of doors that won't close, especially the blinking-light sensor problem.

A door that won't close is one of the most common calls we get, and a surprising number of them are quick fixes you can try yourself before paying for a visit. Here is the order we would check things in.

Look at the opener light

If the opener light blinks when you try to close the door, that is the safety sensor system talking. The two little photo-eyes near the floor on each side have to see each other for the door to close.

Clean and align the sensors

Wipe the sensor lenses, our desert dust loves to coat them. Then check that nothing (a trash can, a bike, a stray box) is breaking the beam. Make sure both sensors point at each other; a bumped sensor that sags out of line will stop the door. When they are aligned and clean, both should show steady lights.

Check the manual release

If the door does not move at all and the opener just hums, the trolley may be on the manual release (the red cord). Re-engage it by pulling the cord toward the door or running the opener until it re-latches.

Check for an obstruction in the tracks

Look for anything jamming the rollers or a roller that has popped out. If the door is off the track, stop, do not force it, and call us.

When to call

If the sensors are clean and aligned and the door still won't close, the sensor wiring, the opener's logic board, or the door's travel settings may need attention. That is where we come in, and it is usually an affordable fix once we know the cause.