Garage Door Opener Not Opening

Opener clicks or hums but door doesn't move

75%

75% chance this is caused by:

Broken torsion spring or stripped drive gear

🔧 The Exact Part You Need

Main Drive Gear Kit

$20

Buy on Amazon →

Torsion Spring

$35

Buy on Amazon →

Total parts cost: $55. Same-day shipping available on most items.

🔨 Tools You'll Need

Socket Set

$35

Amazon →

Multi-Bit Screwdriver

$12

Amazon →

Medium · 45-60 minutes

Parts: $55 vs $$200-500 to replace

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Pull the emergency release cord to disconnect the opener from the door

Try lifting the door by hand — if it's extremely heavy, the torsion spring is broken

WARNING: Never attempt to replace a torsion spring yourself — it can cause serious injury. Call a pro for springs.

If door lifts fine by hand, the problem is in the opener

Remove opener cover and check the main drive gear (white nylon gear)

If gear teeth are stripped, replace the gear kit

If motor hums but nothing moves, also check the chain/belt tension

Not comfortable with this repair?

This is rated as a medium repair. If you'd rather have a pro handle it, a service call typically costs $100-200 plus parts. For a major component, it may be worth the peace of mind.

Check what a professional would charge: See repair costs on FixrCost →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to fix a garage door opener that's not opening?

The part costs about $20. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $170.

How long does this garage door opener repair take?

This repair is rated "medium" and typically takes 45-60 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.

What if this isn't the problem?

Our diagnosis is 75% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "opener clicks or hums but door doesn't move" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.

Should I just replace my garage door opener instead?

A new garage door opener costs $200-500. If yours is well under 10-15 years old, a $20 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.