Is your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener stopping and reversing when closing? This issue can be frustrating, especially when you rely on your garage door for security and convenience. When your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener behaves this way, it’s usually due to misaligned safety sensors, excessive closing force settings, track obstructions, or mechanical issues.
In this guide, we will explore the possible causes of this issue and provide step-by-step troubleshooting solutions to help you get your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener working properly again.
Why Your Genie Screwdrive Garage Door Opener Stops And Reverses When Closing
Before diving into fixes, let’s look at common reasons why your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener might stop and reverse while closing:
- Obstructed Safety Sensors – If something blocks the garage door safety sensors, the door will reverse automatically.
- Misaligned Safety Sensors – If the infrared beams from the sensors aren’t properly aligned, the system may falsely detect an obstruction.
- Dirty or Faulty Sensors – Dust, debris, or sensor malfunctions can cause erratic behavior.
- Track Obstructions – Objects or debris on the garage door tracks can prevent smooth operation.
- Excessive Closing Force Setting – If the force setting is too high, the opener may stop and reverse as a safety precaution.
- Worn-Out or Broken Parts – Damaged rollers, bent tracks, or a faulty screw drive mechanism can cause resistance, triggering a reversal.
- Limit Switch Issues – Incorrect limit switch settings can cause the door to reverse before fully closing.
- Power Surges or Electrical Issues – If the garage door opener was affected by a power surge, it may need to be reset.
Now that we understand the possible causes, let’s go through step-by-step troubleshooting solutions.
How to Fix Genie Screwdrive Garage Door Opener Stops And Reverses When Closing
If your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener stops and reverses when closing, follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. Check for Obstructions in the Door Path
The first thing you should do is check if anything is blocking the garage door’s path.
What to Do:
- Inspect the garage door tracks for objects like tools, debris, or small items.
- Remove any obstructions that might prevent the door from closing completely.
- Try closing the door again to see if the problem is resolved.
If the issue persists, move on to checking the sensors.
2. Inspect and Align the Safety Sensors
Garage door safety sensors prevent the door from closing if they detect an obstruction. If they are misaligned or dirty, they may falsely trigger a reversal.
How to Fix Safety Sensor Issues:
- Locate the two safety sensors at the bottom of the garage door tracks.
- Make sure both sensors are clean and free from dirt or spider webs.
- Ensure the LED lights on both sensors are solid (not blinking).
- If one or both lights are blinking, gently adjust the sensors until the lights remain steady.
- Test the garage door opener to see if it closes properly.
If the door still reverses, proceed to the next step.
3. Adjust the Closing Force Setting
If the closing force setting is too high, the garage door opener may detect excessive resistance and reverse.
How to Adjust Closing Force:
- Locate the force adjustment screws on the opener unit.
- Turn the closing force adjustment screw slightly clockwise to increase the force.
- Test the garage door to see if the problem is resolved.
- If the door still reverses, increase the force slightly more and test again.
Be careful not to set the force too high, as it may override safety features.
4. Inspect and Clean the Garage Door Tracks
Dirty or obstructed tracks can prevent smooth movement and trigger the reversal mechanism.
What to Check:
- Look for dirt, rust, or buildup along the garage door tracks.
- Use a clean cloth and mild cleaner to remove dust and debris.
- Ensure the tracks are properly aligned and not bent.
- Lubricate the tracks with garage door lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
If the issue persists, check for mechanical problems.
5. Examine the Rollers and Screw Drive Mechanism
A worn-out screw drive mechanism or damaged rollers can create resistance, causing the opener to stop and reverse.
How to Check and Fix It:
- Inspect the rollers along the garage door tracks for damage or excessive wear.
- If the rollers are worn out, replace them with new ones.
- Check the screw drive rail for signs of damage or debris buildup.
- Apply Genie-recommended lubricant to the screw drive for smoother operation.
If the problem continues, adjust the limit switch settings.
6. Adjust the Limit Switch Settings
If the limit switch settings are incorrect, the opener may think the door has hit an obstruction when it hasn’t.
How to Adjust the Limit Switch:
- Locate the limit switch adjustment screws on the opener.
- Turn the closing limit screw slightly clockwise to extend the door’s travel.
- Test the garage door to see if it closes properly.
- If necessary, make additional small adjustments.
If the issue isn’t resolved, a reset may be required.
7. Reset the Genie Screwdrive Garage Door Opener
A power surge or electrical glitch may require a system reset.
How to Reset Your Opener:
- Unplug the garage door opener from the power outlet.
- Wait 30–60 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Press and hold the Learn Button for a few seconds until the LED blinks.
- Test the door to see if it closes without reversing.
If none of these steps work, professional assistance may be needed.
8. Call a Professional Technician
If your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener still stops and reverses despite troubleshooting, it may have a motor issue, damaged circuit board, or serious mechanical problem.
When to Call a Technician:
- The motor makes grinding or clicking noises.
- The garage door reverses even after sensor adjustments.
- The limit switch and force adjustments don’t fix the issue.
- The screw drive mechanism is severely damaged.
A professional can diagnose and replace faulty components safely.
Preventing Garage Door Reversal Issues in the Future
To avoid future problems, follow these preventative maintenance tips:
- Regularly clean the safety sensors to prevent false detections.
- Lubricate the screw drive mechanism every 6 months.
- Inspect and tighten loose screws or tracks periodically.
- Keep the garage door tracks clean and free of obstructions.
- Test the auto-reverse feature monthly to ensure proper function.
By maintaining your Genie Screwdrive garage door opener, you can prevent unexpected issues.
Conclusion
If your Genie Screwdrive Garage Door Opener Stops And Reverses When Closing, the issue is likely due to sensor misalignment, track obstructions, closing force settings, or mechanical malfunctions. By following this step-by-step troubleshooting guide, you can fix the issue and restore your garage door’s functionality.
If DIY solutions don’t work, don’t hesitate to call a garage door professional for help. Proper maintenance and timely repairs will keep your garage door running smoothly for years to come!
