A malfunctioning automatic door is more than an inconvenience—it’s a security risk, a health and safety liability, and in many cases, a legal compliance issue. Whether your doors have stopped mid-cycle, won’t open at all, or are failing to close properly, this guide explains what to do, what’s likely causing the problem, and how to get it resolved fast. automatic door repair service in Manchester — available 24/7 across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.

Common Reasons Automatic Doors Stop Working

Most automatic door failures fall into one of a handful of categories. Knowing which you’re dealing with helps your engineer diagnose and resolve the problem faster:

• Sensor failure: Activation and safety sensors are the most frequently replaced components. Dirt, misalignment, or a failed sensor unit can prevent the door from detecting people and triggering correctly.
• Motor or drive belt fault: The motor is the heart of any automatic door. Overheating, worn brushes, or a snapped drive belt will stop the door moving entirely.
• Control board failure: The electronic control unit manages the full sequence of door operation. A fault here can cause erratic behaviour—doors that open but won’t close, or vice versa.
• Power supply issues: Tripped breakers, damaged cables, or a failed transformer can cut power to the door completely.
• Obstruction or track damage: Debris in the track, a bent runner, or a damaged floor guide can prevent sliding doors from moving freely and trigger safety stops.
• Lock or access control fault: On doors integrated with fob readers, intercoms, or electric locks, a failure in the access control system can leave a door stuck locked or permanently open.

What to Do Immediately When Your Automatic Door Fails

Stay calm and work through these steps before calling an engineer:

1. Check for a manual override. Most commercial automatic doors have a manual release that allows the door to be pushed open or held closed. Your door manual or a sticker on the frame will show you where it is. Use this to maintain access while you arrange a repair.
2. Check the power supply. Look for a tripped circuit breaker or a switched-off isolator near the door. Reset it once—if it trips again immediately, leave it and call an engineer.
3. Check for visible obstructions. For sliding doors, inspect the track and threshold for debris. Remove anything obvious, but do not try to force the door.
4. Do not attempt DIY repairs on the motor or control board. Automatic doors are safety-critical machinery under BS EN 16005. Unauthorised interference can void warranties, invalidate your service record, and create a liability if someone is subsequently injured.
5. Call a certified engineer. If the door is stuck open and your premises are at risk, this is an emergency—don’t wait until morning.

The Risks of Leaving a Faulty Door Unattended

A door stuck open overnight exposes your premises to theft, weather damage, and potential trespass. A door stuck closed may prevent safe evacuation in an emergency, creating a serious fire safety risk—particularly if the door serves as a designated fire exit or accessible entrance route.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons must ensure that escape routes are maintained and unobstructed at all times. A broken automatic door on an escape route that isn’t promptly addressed could result in enforcement action by the Fire and Rescue Service.

For businesses with DDA-compliant automatic entrances, a door failure may also temporarily remove accessible access to the building. Under the Equality Act 2010, failure to maintain reasonable adjustments can expose businesses to legal challenge.

What Happens During an Emergency Repair Call-Out

When you call BJM Door Solutions for an emergency repair, here’s what to expect:

1. Initial triage by phone. Our engineer will ask a few quick questions to understand the fault and advise on immediate steps to secure the door while they travel.
2. On-site diagnosis. The engineer will carry out a full inspection of the door, sensors, motor, control board, and power supply to identify the root cause—not just the symptom.
3. Repair or temporary make-safe. Where parts are available on the van, the repair is completed in the same visit. Where specialist parts are needed, the engineer will make the door safe and provide a timeline for the return visit.
4. Safety test and sign-off. Once repaired, the door is tested to BS EN 16005 standards before the engineer leaves. You’ll receive a written job sheet confirming the fault, the repair carried out, and any safety test results.

How to Reduce the Risk of Emergency Breakdowns

The best emergency is the one that never happens. Most automatic door breakdowns are preventable with regular, properly documented servicing. BS EN 16005 recommends at least one planned maintenance visit per year for low-usage doors; high-traffic entrances in retail, healthcare, or transport settings typically require twice-yearly service visits.

A service visit from a certified engineer typically includes sensor alignment and cleaning, lubrication of tracks and drive components, control board diagnostics, battery backup checks, and a full safety function test. Issues caught at this stage cost a fraction of what an emergency call-out and reactive repair would.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you get an engineer to us?
BJM Door Solutions operates a 24/7 emergency callout service across Greater Manchester and the North West. Response times vary by location and time of day, but we aim to have an engineer with you as quickly as possible—call 07799 446938 to get an estimated arrival time.

Do you carry spare parts?
Our engineers carry a stock of common components for the most frequently installed door systems. This means many faults can be resolved in a single visit. For less common parts, we’ll source them as quickly as possible and return to complete the repair.

Can you repair any make or model of automatic door?
Our engineers are trained on all major automatic door systems, including Dorma, GEZE, Record, Entrematic, Besam, and ASSA ABLOY. If you’re unsure whether we cover your system, call us and we’ll confirm before dispatching an engineer.

Will I receive documentation after the repair?
Yes. Every job—emergency or planned—receives a written job sheet detailing the fault found, the repair carried out, parts used, and the result of the post-repair safety test. This forms part of your door’s compliance record.

Need Emergency Automatic Door Repair in Manchester?

Don’t leave a faulty automatic door unattended. BJM Door Solutions are ADIA-certified automatic door repair engineers in Manchester, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 07799 446938 now for immediate assistance, or use our contact form to arrange a call-back.