LorraineMarie2 - hi, if I'm reading this right, your garage door opener is constantly making the door travel through its open and closed positions. Are you able to stop it at any point along its path by pressing the button on the wall or a remote control?

To me, without knowing what brand/model you have (and knowing that wouldn't help me any), I'd think whatever method your system uses to sense when the door is fully open or closed has malfunctioned. Some systems use magnets placed along the rail and on the end of the chain/belt/drive screw mechanism that the door bracket attaches to...when the magnets align, it tells the opener to stop. Other systems use the pressure of the door reaching the end of its travel to let the opener know to stop.

I'm guessing your newer system may use magnets so you should look and see if they exist and if they're securely mounted to the rail at the right points. I think you'll see a wire running to the magnets so they should be easy to locate. If not, you should see the mounting clips/bolts that hold them in place. You can test it by using the emergency pull handle to disconnect the door from the opener and letting the opener run - it should be easy to see if the magnet on the chain/belt/drive screw reaches the magnets on the rail. You may need to position a ladder to see this which is why you'll need to disconnect the door from the opener.

Others might have more helpful suggestions if you post back with the brand and model number of your system. One last thought - what type of warranty do you have with your system? Maybe something's gone bad inside the opener and if you have a lifetime warranty, you should be able to exchange the opener portion. Good luck! Jim D/West Point, VA