Garage door starts to close, then reverses and opener lights flash three times; door may bind or stop partway.

Safety first: Disconnect power and pull the emergency release cord to disengage the door from the opener before manually moving the door. Do not attempt to force a jammed door with the opener.

• Check door balance: With opener disconnected, lift the door by hand to mid-height and release. A properly balanced door should stay in place. If it slams down or shoots up, the springs need professional adjustment.
• Inspect tracks and rollers: Look for dents, bends, or misalignment in the vertical and horizontal tracks. Spin each roller by hand; replace any that are seized, cracked, or wobbling.
• Clear debris: Remove any stones, hardware, or buildup from the tracks. Wipe the inside of the tracks with a dry cloth.
• Adjust travel limits: Restore power and re-engage the opener. On the Craftsman head, locate the UP and DOWN travel adjustment screws or digital buttons. Decrease the down travel slightly so the door stops just at the floor without pushing hard into it.
• Adjust force (if needed): Locate the DOWN FORCE adjustment. Turn it only in small increments (1/8 turn) to allow the door to close smoothly without excessive pressure. Never set force high enough that the door will not reverse when obstructed.
• Test safety reversal: Place a 2x4 board flat under the door and close it. The door must reverse within 2 seconds of contacting the board. If not, reduce force and re-test.