If your Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common garage door issues homeowners face. It can be frustrating—especially when you’re in a hurry or concerned about home security.
The good news? In most cases, the problem is simple and fixable without replacing the entire opener. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the real causes, practical solutions, and when it’s time to call a professional.
Why Does Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again?
When a Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again, the system is usually detecting a safety issue.
Modern garage door openers are designed to reverse automatically if they sense:
- An obstruction
- Incorrect force settings
- Misaligned safety sensors
- Travel limit misconfiguration
This automatic reversal feature became federally mandated in the U.S. after 1993 for safety reasons. You can read more about garage door opener safety mechanisms here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garage_door_opener
Let’s break down the most common causes.
1. Are the Safety Sensors Misaligned?
Most Common Cause (Over 60% of cases)
Genie openers use photo-eye sensors near the bottom of the garage door tracks.
If they are:
- Dirty
- Misaligned
- Blocked
- Receiving interference
The door will reverse immediately after touching the ground.
How to Check Safety Sensors
- Locate sensors 4–6 inches above the floor.
- Look for LED indicator lights.
- Solid light = working
- Blinking light = misaligned
- Clean lenses using a soft cloth.
- Adjust until both LEDs stay solid.
Pro Tip: Even slight vibration from slamming doors can shift alignment.
2. Are the Travel Limits Set Incorrectly?
If your Genie garage door touches the floor and then opens again, the opener may think it hit an obstacle.
That usually means the down travel limit is set too far.
How Travel Limits Work
The opener motor measures how far the door travels. If it closes beyond the programmed limit, it automatically reverses.
Step-by-Step: Adjust Down Travel Limit
- Locate adjustment screws on motor housing.
- Find “Down Limit” screw.
- Turn clockwise 1/4 turn.
- Test door.
- Repeat until door fully closes without reversing.
Do not turn more than 1 full rotation at a time.
3. Is the Close Force Too Sensitive?
If your Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again before touching the floor, the force setting may be too low.
The opener senses slight resistance and reverses.
How to Adjust Close Force
- Locate force adjustment dial.
- Increase slightly (1/8 turn at a time).
- Test closure.
Important: Do not overtighten. Excessive force can damage the door or create safety risks.
4. Is There Something Blocking the Door Track?
Sometimes the problem is mechanical.
Check for:
- Small debris
- Bent track sections
- Loose bolts
- Rust buildup
- Broken rollers
Quick Inspection Checklist
✔ Inspect tracks vertically and horizontally
✔ Check rollers for cracks
✔ Lubricate metal parts with garage door lubricant
✔ Tighten mounting brackets
Never use WD-40 as a primary lubricant; use silicone-based spray instead.
5. Could the Springs Be Causing the Problem?
Garage door torsion or extension springs support the door’s weight.
If a spring is failing:
- The door may close unevenly
- Extra resistance triggers reversal
- Door feels unusually heavy
Warning: Do not attempt spring repair yourself. These are under high tension and can cause severe injury.
If you hear loud snapping or see gaps in the spring, call a professional.
6. Is the Garage Floor Uneven?
If your floor is uneven or cracked, one side of the door may hit first.
That slight imbalance can trigger the auto-reverse.
Quick Test
Close the door manually and check if:
- One corner touches before the other
- There is visible gap on one side
Solution may require minor limit adjustments or weather seal replacement.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
If your Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again, follow this order:
Step 1: Clean Safety Sensors
Use dry microfiber cloth.
Step 2: Realign Sensors
Ensure both LED lights are solid.
Step 3: Check for Obstructions
Remove debris from tracks.
Step 4: Adjust Down Limit
Turn screw 1/4 turn clockwise.
Step 5: Adjust Close Force
Increase minimally if needed.
Step 6: Inspect Springs and Cables
Call technician if damaged.
This sequence resolves about 85% of homeowner cases without part replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix This Issue?
| Problem | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor cleaning | $0 | $75–$125 |
| Limit adjustment | $0 | $75–$150 |
| Force recalibration | $0 | $75–$150 |
| Sensor replacement | $25–$60 | $125–$250 |
| Spring replacement | Not DIY | $150–$350 |
In most cases, the solution costs nothing but time.
When Should You Replace the Opener?
Consider replacement if:
- Unit is over 15–20 years old
- No safety sensors present
- Frequent circuit board failures
- Grinding or overheating motor
Modern Genie openers cost:
- $150–$350 (DIY purchase)
- $400–$800 installed
Upgrading improves safety, reduces noise, and enhances reliability.
FAQ – Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again
1. Why does my Genie garage door close and then reopen immediately?
The most common reason is misaligned or blocked safety sensors.
2. How do I reset my Genie garage door opener?
Unplug for 30 seconds, reconnect power, then test. Some models have a reset button inside the motor housing.
3. Can cold weather cause my garage door to reverse?
Yes. Metal contracts in low temperatures, affecting alignment and force sensitivity.
4. How do I know if my garage door sensors are bad?
If LED lights won’t stay solid even after cleaning and alignment, they may need replacement.
5. Is it dangerous if my garage door keeps reversing?
Not immediately, but it compromises security and may indicate underlying mechanical strain.
6. Should I call a professional?
If adjustments don’t fix the issue or springs are involved, professional service is safest.
Conclusion
If your Genie Garage Door Closes And Then Opens Again, the issue is usually sensor alignment, travel limits, or force settings—not a major mechanical failure.
By following the step-by-step troubleshooting guide above, most homeowners can fix the problem in under 30 minutes. If the issue persists, professional inspection ensures safety and prevents long-term damage.
If this guide helped you, share it with neighbors or friends facing the same frustrating garage door problem. A quick fix today can prevent costly repairs tomorrow.
