4 Reasons Why Your Garage Door Lock Isn’t Working

Garage Door Lock

When your garage door isn’t working as intended, there may be several possible explanations for it. One thing is for sure though — it can put your belongings, including your car, at risk of being stolen or damaged. Especially if the problem is the garage door lock.

In this guide, we discuss the 4 main causes why your garage door won’t lock or unlock as intended and what you can do about it.

1. Problems with Your Transmitters

Many of the issues faced by homeowners with their garage doors can be solved by simply replacing the batteries on the transmitter.

If that doesn’t work, you can reprogram your garage door manually by pressing the “learn” button on the motor unit and letting it pick up the signal of your transmitter to store a new code.

If the garage doors are responding to the transmitter but still aren’t able to lock properly, then the problem is likely something else. A residential locksmith can help you repair or replace the transmitter if the issue is faulty wiring.

BOOK A RESIDENTIAL LOCKSMITH YOU CAN TRUST FOR YOUR GARAGE DOOR LOCK apex call us

2. The Track is Out of Alignment Or Obstructed

The roller tracks that are located on the sides of your garage doors may be blocked or crooked. Thus, this may prevent your garage door from closing or opening properly.

For residential properties, leaving a garage door slightly open and unable to lock makes your home prone to burglaries.

So basically, you can try to address the problem yourself by using lubrication and cleaning out the roller tracks to make sure the garage doors move and lock smoothly.

On the other hand, if the tracks are bent or crooked, you’ll need to call a repairman that specialises garage door lock to help you.

3. The Garage Door Was Manually Locked

If your problem is that your garage door won’t open and you’ve already checked for obstructions, then the roller door locks may be manually engaged.

Quite a few older models of garage doors have manual locks for added security. These are typically knob-like in appearance and are located in the middle of the door. Because of its position, however, roller door locks are easy to accidentally hit.

You can easily unlock your garage door by simply turning the handle until you hear a click and the horizontal bars are disengaged.

4. Damage or Rust Formation on the Garage Door Lock

Rust is a common problem with many roller door locks. Especially if the lock has been exposed to air and water for extended periods.

Old garage doors can have numerous rusty areas that cause further damage to the structure and prevent locks from engaging or disengaging. In these cases, it’s usually better to have a new garage door installed.

For minor rust problems, you can remove it by cleaning the affected area with a cloth that’s been soaked in vinegar.

If you’re not having rust problems with your garage door yet, take the proper measures to prevent them from forming through regular maintenance.

Need professional help?

It’s often best to consult a professional Sydney locksmith if you’re having trouble determining the cause of your garage door problem. APEX Locksmiths are trained to deal with all manner and form of lock issues, including home lockouts, stuck car locks, and non-responsive garage door locks. Get in touch with a certified locksmith now by calling (02) 9569 4807.