Gate opens but won't close (or stays open)

Short answer

A gate that opens but will not close is usually being held open by a safety device: something blocks the photo eyes or a safety edge, the eyes are dirty or out of line, or a car or object is over the driveway loop. Clear the path and wipe the photo eyes. Never tape over or bypass a sensor. Sources: Elite Gates, Apollo.

Likely causes

Something blocks the photo eyes or a safety edge (plants, bins, a parked car).
Photo eyes are dirty or out of line.
A vehicle loop or input is stuck "on", which holds the gate open (DoorKing 6050/6100 manual).
Auto close is turned off, or the limits are set wrong.
LiftMaster codes 61 to 63 mean a close eye, close edge or open eye has been held for more than 3 minutes (LiftMaster troubleshooting guide).

Safe checks you can do

Clear anything from the gate path and in front of the sensors.
Make sure nothing is parked over the driveway loop.
Wipe the photo eye lenses with a soft cloth.
Trim plants that grow into the gate path (Mighty Mule gate opener maintenance guide).

Never tape over, unplug or bypass a sensor to make the gate close. The 2018 edition of UL 325 bars bypassing monitored safety inputs, and the operator is designed not to run if a monitored device is faulty (Apollo, DASMA gate systems safety brochure (Nov 24).

When to call a gate company

The path is clear, the eyes are clean, and it still will not close.
A sensor is damaged or keeps triggering with nothing in the way.
You think the limits or auto close settings are wrong. Those are technician settings.

What it may cost

Damaged photocells	$300 to $900
Broken sensor	$290 to $700
Labor	$60 to $200 an hour

National ranges from Angi, not quotes. See the full cost guide.

Questions people ask

Quick answers

Why does my gate open but not close?

Usually a safety device is holding it open: a blocked or dirty photo eye, a safety edge, or something over the driveway loop (Elite Gates, DoorKing).

Why is my automatic gate stuck open?

Check for anything blocking the sensors or parked over the loop, and wipe the photo eyes. If it still stays open, a gate technician should check the sensors, loop and settings.

Can I bypass the gate sensors to make it close?

No. The 2018 edition of UL 325 bars bypassing monitored safety inputs, and sensors protect people and cars from being trapped.

How do I clean gate photo eyes?

Wipe the lenses gently with a soft cloth and clear anything between them (Elite Gates).

Want a local company to look at it?

Choose your area to see gate companies

Your request goes to one independent local company you pick. You see its name before you send. Free.

Miami, FL Los Angeles, CA Phoenix, AZ

Gate Repair USA is not a gate company. These guides are general information from the sources listed below. Stop at the safe checks: anything inside the control box, wiring, force or limit settings is a job for a gate technician. Costs are national ranges, not quotes.

Sources for this page

Last checked: November 1, 2026.