Is your garage door going down and then reversing back up? Misaligned or malfunctioning safety sensors often cause this common issue. Fortunately, it’s usually a simple fix that you can do yourself. Before calling for professional help, follow these troubleshooting steps to get your garage door working properly again.
Step 1: Check the Sensor Lights
The first thing to do is check the lights on the garage sensors. The sending and receiving sensors should both display steady, glowing lights when the sensors are properly aligned.
- Sending Sensor: The amber light on the sending sensor will glow constantly, regardless of alignment or obstruction.
- Receiving Sensor: If the green light on the receiving sensor is off, dim, or flickering (and nothing is blocking the invisible light beam), you need to align your garage door.
Note: On older sensors, both lights are green. The receiving sensor’s green light will turn off when you pass your hand in front of it, while the sending sensor light remains solid.
Step 2: Adjust the Alignment
Before attempting to remove the photo eye sensor, try adjusting it slightly to align it with the sending sensor. Gently wiggle the sensor into place and check if the green light on the receiving sensor turns on. If the light stays off, adjust the mounting brackets to align the sensors properly.
This alignment is crucial to ensuring that the garage door operates safely and correctly. If the garage doorway opens and closes, misaligned sensors may be the cause. Always wear electricity-resistant gloves when handling sensors to prevent electrical hazards.
Step 3: Remove and Reposition the Sensor
If adjusting the sensor doesn’t work, you may need to take the following steps:
- Remove the Receiving Sensor: Use a tool to remove the wing nut that holds the receiving sensor in place.
- Point the Sensor Away: Turn off the power before adjusting the sensor. Then, turn the sensor away from the sending sensor, which should cause the light to turn off completely.
- Wait 10 Seconds: Leave the sensor pointed away for about 10 seconds.
- Realign the Sensor: Slowly rotate the receiving sensor back toward the sending sensor, aligning it carefully until the green light comes back on. When the green light is strong and steady, secure the sensor back in its bracket and reattach the wing nut.
Step 4: Manually Close the Door (If Necessary)
If your garage door won’t close even after adjusting the sensors and you need to secure it immediately, press and hold the push button on the wall until the door fully closes. This action temporarily overrides the sensor’s obstruction signal, allowing the door to shut.
However, this is only a short-term solution. If the garage door works inconsistently or won’t close properly, check the sensors for dirt, misalignment, or wiring problems. If the problem persists, consider contacting a professional for further troubleshooting and repairs.
Step 5: Contact Us for Assistance
If you’re still having issues with your garage door, or if the problem persists despite following the steps above, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Justin is available to assist you at (832) 240-1460.
The Woodlands Garage Door Service is here to help!
Garage Door Sensor FAQs
- What do garage door sensors do?
Garage door sensors prevent the door from closing if there is an obstruction, such as a person, pet, or object in the way. They help ensure safety and prevent damage or injury.
- How do garage door sensors work?
Most sensors use an infrared beam. If something blocks the beam while the door is closing, the sensors signal the garage door opener to stop and reverse the door.
- Where are garage door sensors located?
They are installed on either side of the garage door, about 4–6 inches above the ground.
- What causes garage door sensors to stop working?
Common issues include misalignment, dirt or debris on the sensors, damaged wires, or sunlight interference.
- How do I know if my garage door sensors are not working?
If your garage door won’t close or immediately reverses, the sensors may be faulty. Many sensors have indicator lights, if these are blinking or off, there might be an issue.
- How can I fix misaligned garage door sensors?
Gently adjust the sensors so they face each other directly. Most models have indicator lights that turn solid when properly aligned.
- Can I bypass garage door sensors?
You can temporarily override the sensors by holding down the wall button. However, safety concerns make this not recommended.
- Do garage door sensors need maintenance?
Yes. Regularly clean the sensor lenses, check for alignment, and inspect the wiring to keep them working properly.
- How long do garage door sensors last?
With proper care, they can last 10 years or more. However, exposure to extreme weather conditions can shorten their lifespan.
- When should I replace my garage door sensors?
If you damage the sensors or they still don’t work after realigning and cleaning, replace them.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 2017
