Garage Door won't stay closed or opens too far - Limit & Force Adjustment Liftmaster

Click here if you need replacement parts for your opener → goo.gl/EUHkMp
This is a common problem with garage door openers but luckily it is also really easy to fix if you know what to do. You want to be sure to take your time and turn the knobs in increments and test the door in-between adjustments. I am working on a Chamberlain Liftmaster ½ HP garage door opener.
In this video, I cover what to do if your garage door:
A. opens too far and hits the bolt,
B. does not open far enough,
C. hits the ground and bounces back open,
D. won't close all the way
E. closes about halfway and then re-opens.
Then I show you how to test the very important Safety Reversal System.
Best of luck with your repair!
More Videos:
My SENSOR adjusting video→ • Garage Door Repair - w...
Tons of other garage door repair tips→ • Garage Door Opener Tro...
My garage door troubleshooting playlist→ goo.gl/dAg8nI
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Disclaimer:
This video is only for entertainment purposes. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of tools, equipment, or from the information in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and is to be used at the discretion of the end-user/viewer and not AdamDIY and or Adam Hill. If you are uncertain about any step of the process or feel unsure about your skill level, seek a more authoritative source.

[@PresidentWayne]

How to install a gear and sprocket . . . . How to adjust the limit switches. Bam! Done. Gotta love KZbin and the folks who are smart and share their knowledge. Thank you sir.

[@lindyaubin1513]

Thank you so much. I am a senior living in a house by myself and quarantined thanks to that horrid virus and suddenly my garage door started banging into the light fixture, knocking it off and heading for the lightbulb it was protecting. Your instructions were so clear that I was able to stop that happening all by myself. I feel so clever and am grateful I did not have to call either a service person or my son who lives out of town. Awesome! So I subscribed. Thanks again.

[@battheman777]

One correction on adjusting the safety return. If you fail the 2x4 test DO NOT ADJUST THE CLOSE LIMIT. What you need to do is decrease the closing force gradually until it returns properly. Your garage videos been very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@rainey99]

Thank you, Just got back from overseas with the Military.......garage door kept bouncing back open, viewed other sites (uuughhh) came across your site, with proper viewing/instructions, examples, etc....stopped the tape, went to garage, made the adjustment...garage door is working....Thank you, you saved me $200.00

[@tai2221]

Thank you so much! Repair company told me repair would be $675 to fix. Fixed myself for FREE!!! Thanks so much!

[@DrSneakyGD85]

Moved into an new home, door wont stay closed. Always bounces back up. This was very very helpful. We have been cautiously opening the garage door only in the morning when we know we have enough time for the motor to cool off and reset after the door wont stay closed after it would always come back up. With a few very very minor adjustments following your info I was able to adjust my craftsman garage door in 3 minutes and now we can worry less about our power-tools and bikes. I really really appreciate the post and the very clear instructions. Keep up the great work, saved my ass from spending hundreds that I can't spare in a service call. Saved our summer.

[@forgettem]

Perfectly explained! I fixed my problem in 2 minutes after watching! THANK YOU!

[@BasD]

Thank you! My garage door was driving me crazy bouncing back up, especially on warmer days. Followed your instructions and it's working beautifully. No more aggravation!

[@karenzeifman4687]

Thank you for posting this, you just saved me a few hundred dollars to call someone in! appreciate it.

[@barryd.9426]

Thanks man. Simple, clear instructions. I fixed mine in just a few minutes. No $$$ spent to a repairman. I’m a happy man.

[@markboyd1696]

Thanks a heap! Totally fixed my garage door opener inside and out thanks to your awesome detailed videos and great narration.

[@bradgan9835]

Thanks Adam. Saved me some $ with this bouncing back up garage door. Really appreciate you taking the time to help people with this video.

[@JamesTFaile]

Thank you for this. I replaced the main gear in my opener and I took it off the ceiling and messed up the adjustment screws. It took me over an hour after watching this to get it working, lined up, and safe again. Thanks for this video!

[@SK-kj4gv]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Your tutorial saved my butt. The door would not go up all the way and it bounced back up when it hit the driveway. Followed your instructions...everything works now, including the safety adjustment.

[@ppvshenoy]

Thanks for your video. After replacing the gear & sprocket assembly, I needed to do minor door adjustment. This video of yours helped me do just that. Although, most of adjustment is quite intuitive, what I learned from your video is that for every full turn of adjustment knob, the door moves 2 inches. Saved me time and frustration. Thanks again. Much appreciated.

[@enifled8888]

OMG thank you!!!!!! I had no idea there were any kind of adjustment switches, so your simple instructions even worked for someone who has no clue. my garage door kept bouncing back up every time I tried to close it. Such a simple fix!

[@rodporter5988]

Thank you for doing this video. door wasnt staying closed. One simple 1/2 turn as u explained it on the video did the trick!!!

[@JesusMartinez-ui5iw]

Thank you soooooo much. I had zero knowledge on openers. I scored a used opener and got it adjusted from watching your video👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼.

[@deonrhea5773]

Your video is a HUGE help. My chain somehow slipped off of the gear. I was able to get it back on, but then the door would bounce open when it made contact with the ground. Your instructions on adjusting the up and down was a life saver. Now my door is functioning normally. Thanks again for your video.

[@albertzaza8076]

Adam - thanks a million; you just save me about $300 - to $400. I did the limit adjuster upward and that fixed my problem. My garage door was opening about a third of a foot upward and just stop. After watching this video, all's good. Again, thanks a million.

[@richardcraniumdicksinn3959]

I would like to start with a huge thank you. I have been searching you tube for a good video that fits my application for a while. I came across yours watched it. Picked up what I didn't get with other videos. I spent 45mins adjusting my craftsman opener. Now it's dialed in. Again thank you for the excellent video. Have a gr8 day & God bless.

[@wisdomshare]

EXCELLENT instructions! Daughter pulled into garage, but, not quite far enough and once the door was 'stuck' on her back bumper it ended up closing too far and NOT opening up enough! After watching your video, I grabbed a screwdriver and fixed it in less than 5 mins. Thanks, saved me a headache and about a $150 'fix it' (service) fee! Now I need to get her bumper painted!

[@rube5400]

Thanks, Adam...followed your simple instructions and voila, the dang thing works, now...

[@eyesonthetrail592]

Thanks for the helpful video! It showed me that I was already trying all the right things, so I went back out and took the cover off of the opener and discovered that the main wire leading to the travel adjustments was broken. I patched it up and using the knowledge from your video adjusted the door and had it working perfectly in a few minutes.

[@taze27]

I'm just overjoyed right now! You solved my issue of closing and reopening cycle....Adjusting it counterclockwise fixed it! I also installed a new sprocket gear assembly using your other videos. Thank you so much Adam, I am now subscribed to your channel! God bless!

[@chipmunkey1]

Thank you so much! I was frustrated for months with this thing. Had no idea it was this simple to fix!

[@DavidBergeronUSMC]

This is a very well presented demonstration. Thank you so much !!

[@kathleenkocar9804]

Fantastic! Mine suddenly started bouncing back up and a couple little turns of the lift screw and it's working just like it should! Thanks for a very informative video. Saved me a $100 service call.

[@debbiebottenfield545]

Thank you so much! My door has been doing the "hit the ground and bounce back up again" thing for months. I had had it and was going to call a repair company but decided to check the good 'ole internet first. I'm so glad I did! You saved me a bunch on a repair call. Thanks again!

[@jamesfoss7949]

Hi Adam, Thank you so much my door started re opening , I adjusted the down force and my problem is fixed .... Thanks Man

[@scorea22]

All your videos on garage door fixes are very helpful. I learned so much and was able to fix the problems and saved a ton of money! Thank you...thank you!

[@stevelb5761]

Thank you very much for this video Adam. All of the sudden today our garage door would not stay closed. It would hit the floor and then go right back up again. It was working fine yesterday. I checked the sensors and the LED's were on solid letting me know that they were not blocked or out-of-alignment. That's when I got on KZbin University and found this video that you were kind enough to share. Whatever caused our garage door opener to start acting up, it's now fixed thanks to what I learned from your video. I watched as the door closed and when the door got to the floor, the arm would try to keep going. I reduced the close distance (1 1/2 screw turns in our case) and door the door now stays closed. I also noticed that when the door opens, the bottom of the door was about 2 inches below the garage door opening. I adjusted the opening distance so that now when the door opens all of the way, the bottom of the door is above the opening. Thanks again!

[@TheCoolDave]

Thanks for this... I have been troubleshooting this for over a year, on and off... Garage door would close, then reopen, then BANG the stop screw. I purchased this home and it was like this when I got it. So seeing how you adjusted everything I figured some one else messed with it before me. I went in the back of the opener and set everything to 0. The door would only go down 10%... PROGRESS ! So step by step..going up little by little and testing... WOW, after a year the DOOR finally stayed shut.. but, still getting the BANG on the stop screw...slowly adjusting, step by step... It opens, does not hit the screw (about 2" from it) and stays closed.. Programmed to my car.. Very happy after a year. Advice for people who were like me... set everything to 0 and go step by step.. .It worked perfect !

[@joeydewitt4639]

Take the cover off and you can see the contact go in and out when you turn the set screw. This will let you adjust it visually!

[@TheCoolDave]

@@joeydewitt4639 You do know your replying to a post that is over 5 years old now, right ? My door was fixed 5 years ago.....

[@kalle1701]

Can you make a video of zeroing screws under cover and how should look like ​@@joeydewitt4639

[@mohammadrazik8313]

⁠can you explain what you mean when you say set everything to 0 please. I’m having the same issues today.

[@mohammadrazik8313]

Or you talking about the force adjusters?

[@subramaniankumar3990]

A great video! I had a bouncing problem and once that was resolved, it failed the 2x4 test and the video helped me to fix that too. Thanks again for the excellent video.

[@7randomnames769]

Thank you! Super clear and easy. I was able to solve the garage door bouncing back open after closing, then troubleshoot safety so that it opened if it hit an object, and all without going to a different video. Much appreciated!

[@vero891]

My dad used this video to fix our garage door and it worked perfectly. Thank you!

[@markbalinski9808]

Thank you! Fixed my door from bouncing back up. Perfect instructions!

[@elkscout1]

Thanks for the info. I did not realize there were adjustments on the side of the opener. My latest problem had me thinking I was out of adjustment for the rear limit screw with the thought of replacing the limit screws. After adjusting the side screw, I'm back in business because of your sharing of knowledge.

[@davidcantrell3449]

Unbelievable! I was going crazy on how to fix the door, because it would open as soon as you close it. You saved me ALOT of $$$ and time! Thank you!!

[@vmartinez2471]

Thank you very much Adam. I had the bounce back issue after replacing the gear I got from Amazon, was lost and now I'm found. I even adjusted the safety feature on my garage door. Kudos.

[@metal_mo]

Hey Victor, my garage door just started doing the bounce back this morning. Do you know why your gear was the problem?

[@chrislake3559]

thanks a lot!!! after my door not working properly and reading several things online, watching your video solved my issue...you're the man!!!

[@jkwok227]

Very good instructions that make sense. I’m working on solving multiple of these problems I have with the garage door.

[@mikedougherty5744]

Thanks Adam. You just saved me at least $70.00. Just needed a simple adjustment on the down travel. My door was bouncing as it hit the bottom. 1/4 turn and working well now!

[@noncivilian476]

This video is amazing!!!! Thank you, I had several issues wrong with my opener. This video helped them all!!!!!

[@hy860]

Great video helped me to figure out what the 2 tuning button can do - esp. the bouncing up tuning. Thank you for sharing!

[@mdshonkkc]

Thanks for the video. I had a newer Chamberlin opener that was hitting the ground and bouncing back up. No obstructions, and no flashing lights. Just a simple adjustment shortening the down travel solved the problem.

[@isruco]

Excellent video! One of the best instructional videos I've seen, covering all aspects of the garage door function. Thank you. Edit: Ultimately, however, I had to disassemble the motor housing because the travel-distance knobs where insufficient given the enormous amount of adjustment needed. I disconnected the gear that turns the inside-traveling limiting sensor and adjusted it independent of the motor/carriage, this was the only way I was able to synchronize the carriage and limiting sensor. I wish there were a manual way of turning the screw in order to adjust the carriage, but all & all it is done!

[@PresidentWayne]

For future reference I think you could have just taken the chain off and moved it closer to home and then put the chain back on. Then done the fine tuning. May have been been less work. I adjusted mine many turns and was afraid I would have the same problem you did but it worked out.

[@averellsaldanha9402]

Thank you for taking the time to explain. Your instructions were spot on. Thanks a million for your help.

[@char_B]

I installed a new belt driven opener for my old screw drive. Had the bounce back issue and couldn't seem to get the adjustment just right. Your video explained it perfectly and I was able to resolve the problem within a few minutes. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

[@cochrankoi]

Literally was on the ladder and watched this video and fixed my problem! Thanks

[@yuj18907]

you saved my day! it fixes my garage door by following your video, Thanks!

[@kindaFunkyNGL]

Thank you man. Had a bunch of trouble after messing with the chain. This really helped!

[@tmitch404]

Wow! You just saved me a lot of cash! Thank you! Both videos were used to fix my garage. Thank you, thank you!

[@MajBoot]

Thank you sooooooo much!!!!! Got my door all fixed and adjusted correctly!!! You are the man

[@mlodyusa]

thanks a lot buddy, finally someone made a video explaining everything i need about those adjustments

[@donweems5193]

Thanks Adam Your video helped me repair several issues with my garage door. The main one being no matter how I adjusted my door it would shut and then immediately reopen. I finally, with your advice fine tuned both the rear and side adjustments down to about a quarter of a turn so it would remain closed! Thank you very much

[@divvish]

Awesome video, thanks for the detailed explanation. My garage door didn't have a great seal when shut and with the adjustments it helped keep the cold out!

[@angelicoutcry3478]

So well done this should be the manufacturers "trouble shooting" instructional video. Great video!!!

[@FL_Jake]

Many thanks! I was getting so frustrated and concerned when our garage door kept bouncing back after closing. Not only was it annoying, it was also a security issue. After watching this video, I adjusted the limit adjuster and viola!

[@lindagraves3250]

Me too! I'm a fan! It is about 5 degrees outside & I couldn't get the garage door to stop bouncing back up. Five minutes spent on your video & I am now the Household Hero, thanks to you! God bless you.

[@MegaDanny310]

Thanks for your help. This video solved my problem!

[@WilliamLee-fv3lr]

Thanks a lot. This is the first video that is comprehensive and easy to understand. I actually see the logic of each settings. I've saved it in my Playlist for future reference.

[@Moonlight50499]

THANK YOU ! ! ! 😊 You just saved me the cost of calling a repairman. One of the rollers was tight. Once I found the right size tool I fixed it 123! This girl felt great being able to fix it herself with your guidance.

[@kennethchatham4909]

Adjustment worked like a charm. Thx Adam!

[@vancebareis2012]

Never commented on anything before but this video was great helped me fix my garage door just wanted to say thank you

[@LonDaLink7]

Great job!!! Replaced the gear and garage door bounced back Open afterwards,did the down knob adjustments Works fine now!!! You just saved me a few hundred bucks Thanks!!!

[@chriscassidente6904]

Great video, very helpful and informative. Thanks, you helped me solve my hit the ground and reopen problem with one simple turn

[@jascam1]

Great video, the changing colors on your illustration arrows is unique.

[@timothypoole5718]

Thank you, thank you for putting out this video. Fixed my problem!

[@wyorattler_rawdogs]

Fantastic!! Well done and easy to follow! Thank you!

[@ernestoramosfelipe1320]

You.... are...so Awesome Adam! God bless you!

[@diamond4829]

Your my hero for this week .....thank you !!

[@dickkent]

Thank you, your video hit the spot. Our door suddenly would not stay down. I always thought it had something to do with the beams...but your video proved that theory wrong....it simply was an adjustment to the down screw. A quarter turn solved the issue. Thanks again.

[@carrtmannnn]

fixed my garage door thanks to this vid. thanks for the tips.

[@debbiefernandez9665]

Hi Adam, this helped me a lot. Saved myself a repairman or asking my neighbor....

[@TheBarnCarsandBicycles]

worked great. thanks for the video. My chain was loose as well. Did some greasing and got it back to normal.

[@danny13051981]

Worked perfectly! Much appreciated!

[@petergoldberg5380]

Great video!! quick and to the point. Just the info I was looking for and nothing else!

[@906lane]

Thank you for the help. I was able to fix my garage door that was going down and coming back up.

[@trishosullivan1464]

Fantastic video with fantastic advice!! Thanks. Brent

[@mariagomez6318]

Great!!!! I am a 62 yr old !!! and with your instructions I fix my garage door opener. I did have to repeat the process three times. I did it !!! Thank you for saving me $$$$$ Maria

[@catesg]

Thank you for the video. We were able to fix our door that wouldn't stay closed by reducing the close limit. Everything is working well now.

[@JodyGenessy]

Just fixed my garage door thanks to this video. Thanks bro.

[@DDapa-lr2jg]

Thank you sir! 4:40 problem was viewed, and thankfully resolved. Which I hope that it remains that way. I didn't adjust anything else as you said, but appears to be all set. Thanks again.

[@tplay7876]

Garage wouldn't stay closed. Turned the down knob clockwise by 1/2 a full turn. Solved the problem!!! Thanks so much!

[@jarrypatle3811]

Thank you so much. We mounted a used garage door opener and were struggling to configure it. Thanks to you, we fixed it all in a couple of hours. 😃

[@nikoniko893]

If your adjustment screws don't work, you probably have a wiring issue like I did. A broken wire and dirty/bent contacts meant the opener would not stop when it was supposed to. Twisted the wires together followed by shrink tubing. Cleaned the contacts with deoxit and straitened out the contacts. You can see all of this from the bottom when the cover is removed. Only the bottom knob would actually stop the opener but after the wire repair both knobs worked like a charm.

[@michaelgrinnell3479]

The perfect fix! Thank you!!! 😎

[@jamesmcqueen2618]

Thanks !, I did fix my door thanks to you. Gods Bless You.

[@martinpenchev]

I had a slightly different issue, but your video actually made me go look twice! Thanks!

[@eltonhammond]

Worked perfectly tonight to fix my non-closing door by 1". I had overlooked the side adjustments for travel distance and only noticed the downforce ones until watching this clear video.

[@DeMarioBlack]

Thanks I had an issue with the door bouncing back up and your advice worked perfectly.

[@rapaent]

Thanks for your great video's Adam....... I have a LiftMaster Professional 3265 chain drive 1/2 HP that was installed back in 2006. I followed your other video due to having too much chain slack. I also performed the level/balance test first, which was perfect. I then moved on to this video for adjustment due to the door reopening on it's own once it touched the floor as in TM 4:25. After turning the down limit screw clockwise in several 3/4" increments/tests, I couldn't get it to work properly. The door cycle ended up stopping about 3" above the floor and only raising about 24" coming to a stop. I then turned the down limit screw counter-clockwise approx. 3/4" due to thinking I turned the screw too much. I never touched any other limit or force screws throughout this entire process. At this point, the door jerked and ended up snapping off the sprocket at the motor for some reason. I would like to replace the sprocket assembly as in your other video but, I'm concerned about breaking off another sprocket. Is there a starting point on the down limit screw? For example, so many turns from one end or the other so I don't bust another sprocket? I would sincerely appreciate your help. Thank you

[@vinhr1]

Just wanted to thank you for doing this video. Really helped out my situation today.

[@MSTRProductions]

This helped a lot, thank you for your help!

[@tobytollefsen8802]

Awesome. Thank you for the EZ fixes.

[@jean-francoisbouliane6368]

thanks man, this is the best explanation I have found!

[@steveknapp6238]

Thank you so much for the video i have an old garage opener and could not find a manual for it, it was closing but then opening back up. I followed your steps and it works perfect now! Thank you again! 👍👍

[@richardthe3268]

just fixed my garage door through watching this video. Thanks a lot dude.

[@ralphchiappetta647]

Great Video for the home owners. I tried and it worked very well according to your Instructions.