Craftsman Door Obstruction or Excessive Friction

Garage door opener runs, but the door only moves a few inches and then stops or reverses without flashing lights.

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Possible Causes

Bent track, Damaged rollers, Loose hinges causing binding, Debris in tracks

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Disconnect the opener and support the door while inspecting hardware. Wear gloves to avoid cuts from sharp metal edges.

  • Inspect tracks: Look for bends, kinks, or misalignment in the vertical and horizontal tracks. Gently straighten minor bends with a rubber mallet; replace severely damaged sections.
  • Check rollers and hinges: Spin each roller by hand. Replace any that are cracked, wobbly, or seized. Tighten loose hinge screws and replace any cracked hinge plates.
  • Clean tracks: Remove dirt, stones, or hardened grease from inside the tracks. Wipe with a dry cloth; do not lubricate the track running surfaces.
  • Lubricate moving parts: Apply a small amount of garage door lubricant to roller stems, hinges, and the opener rail (if recommended by Craftsman).
  • Test manually: With the opener disconnected, move the door through its full travel. It should move smoothly with consistent resistance. Reconnect the opener and test operation.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Garage Door Rollers and Hinges
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