**Start by checking whether the door itself binds when operated by hand.** The catch at a repeatable height, and the fact that pulling down helps, suggest extra mechanical resistance—but a safety-sensor fault can also cause reversal.

1. **Test it manually while the problem is present.** With the door fully closed, unplug the opener and disconnect its trolley using the release specified in the manual. Don’t release an open door; it could fall. Slowly raise and lower the door using its handle, keeping fingers clear of section joints. Feel for resistance around that two-foot position, and compare wet versus dry operation.

2. **If it catches manually, inspect what moves or rubs at that position.** Look for a sticking roller, bent track, debris, damaged hinge, or rubbing against the side trim/weather seal. Look along the entire door: a roller higher up may be causing the catch. With the rain connection, I would particularly suspect swollen wooden trim or a wooden door, or a wet seal dragging against the door. These are possibilities to confirm by finding rubbing marks or watching the contact point.

3. **Clean and lubricate selectively.** Wipe debris from the tracks; don’t pack them with grease. Lubricate hinge pivots and serviceable roller bearings as your door manufacturer specifies. If the door is unusually heavy, moves unevenly, or won’t remain roughly halfway open, have its balance and hardware checked. Leave springs, cables, and bottom cable brackets to a garage-door technician. [Genie’s maintenance guidance](https://www.geniecompany.com/maintaining-your-garage-door)

4. **If it moves smoothly by hand, check the photoelectric safety sensors.** Clean and dry their lenses, check alignment and loose brackets, and inspect exposed wiring for damage or moisture. Watch the indicator lights from outside the door’s path during a failed closing cycle; flickering or an error code can identify a sensor problem. Use your opener’s manual to interpret the lights. [Genie’s reversal troubleshooting](https://support.geniecompany.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1238/~/why-does-my-genie-garage-door-opener-reverse-and-open-when-i-try-closing-it%3F)

**Avoid increasing closing force to overcome the catch, or continuing to pull on the powered door.** Locate the resistance first. After repairs or adjustments, perform the obstruction-reversal and sensor tests prescribed in your opener’s manual.