How To Fix a Garage Door That Won’t Open All the Way

If your garage door stops halfway or refuses to open fully, this guide explains exactly what causes it and how our A1 Garage Door Service technicians fix the issue for homeowners across Phoenix and nearby areas.

Why a Garage Door Stops Halfway

When a garage door won’t open all the way, the issue is almost always with the spring system, not the opener. The opener’s job is to guide the motion, not lift the weight. It is only designed to move about 0–5 pounds. If the door weighs more than that when closed, the opener will strain, slow down, and stop midway. In most cases, that means the springs are worn, broken, or incorrectly sized.

How We Diagnose a Garage Door That Won’t Open All the Way

At A1 Garage Door Service, every garage door only opens halfway call begins with a full system inspection. Our process ensures the problem is identified correctly before any parts are replaced.

Step 1: Disconnect the Opener

We pull the red emergency release cord to separate the door from the opener. This allows us to test how the door behaves on its own without any help from the motor.

Step 2: Perform a Three-Point Balance Test

This test shows whether the springs are supporting the door’s weight properly.

• First panel test: Lift the door just off the floor and release. It should hold steady.
• Halfway test: Raise the door until it is halfway open, with two panels up and two down. A balanced door stays in place.
• Fully open test: Open it completely and confirm that it remains up without sliding down.

If the door moves during any of these positions, it fails the balance test, which means the springs are weak, stretched, or mismatched.

Step 3: Weigh the Door

We place a scale under the door while it is closed to measure how much force the opener must lift. Ideally, the scale should read between 0 and 5 pounds. Anything higher, like 8 to 10 pounds, means the garage door opener stops halfway under strain.

Step 4: Inspect the Springs and Hardware

If the balance or weight is off, we check the condition of the torsion springs and other hardware. Springs must be sized precisely to the door’s weight. We also inspect rollers, hinges, bearings, and cables for friction or damage that could prevent smooth operation.

Step 5: Evaluate the Opener

Once the door is balanced, we examine the opener itself. An opener that has been lifting a heavy door often shows wear in the motor housing or gears. If undersized or worn, it may need replacement to prevent future issues and to stop the garage door only opens halfway problem from returning.

Real Example: Cave Creek Garage Door That Stopped Halfway

We recently visited a homeowner in Cave Creek whose wind-rated garage door would only open about two feet off the ground. On the scale, the door weighed around 30 pounds, far above the normal range. The extra reinforcement bars for wind protection added significant weight. We replaced the springs with correctly rated ones and upgraded the opener from a half-horsepower unit to three-quarter horsepower. The door now opens smoothly and quietly every time.

The new springs cost about $1,800, and the opener replacement was about $1,500, restoring full functionality and preventing further strain on the motor.

Why Wind-Loaded and Reinforced Doors Need Stronger Systems

Homes in open or elevated areas around Phoenix, such as Cave Creek, North Scottsdale, Santan Valley, and Gold Canyon, often have wind-rated garage doors with additional metal struts across each panel. While these doors protect against high winds, they also add significant weight. If the springs are not sized for that extra load, the opener will struggle and the garage door won’t open all the way.

Signs of a Balance or Spring Problem

• The door slows down as it opens or closes
• The door stops midway or will not reach the top
• The door slams down instead of settling softly
• The opener hums or strains during operation

If you notice any of these issues, your system likely needs spring replacement or a full balance adjustment.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Fix It Yourself

Balancing or replacing springs is not a safe DIY task. Garage door springs hold enough tension to lift a door weighing over 200 pounds. When released incorrectly, that force can cause severe injury. Our trained technicians have the tools and experience to fix the problem safely and correctly.

Cost of Fixing a Garage Door That Stops Halfway

The cost depends on the specific cause. Because every door has a different weight, material, and spring setup, we never guess. We weigh the door, size the correct springs, and provide an upfront quote to ensure there are no surprises and the repair is done right the first time.

Why This Problem Is Common in Phoenix

Many Arizona homeowners use the garage as their main entryway, which means the system runs four to six cycles a day or more. That frequent use wears out springs faster than expected. Regular tune-ups, lubrication, and spring replacements prevent the garage door opener from stopping halfway and extend the life of the system.

How We Fix a Garage Door That Stops Halfway

• Disconnect the opener and test the door’s balance
• Weigh the door to confirm the correct lifting force
• Replace the springs to match the exact weight
• Inspect and lubricate rollers, bearings, hinges, and cables
• Reconnect the opener and test full travel
• Verify the door opens fully, closes softly, and runs smoothly

A garage door that won’t open all the way is almost always out of balance. Our technicians correct that balance safely, size the right components, and make sure the opener no longer has to do the heavy lifting. When finished, the door moves effortlessly and operates quietly, just like the day it was installed.

To schedule service near you, call 602-730-8003 or book an appointment online.