Understanding Garage Door Sensors
What Are Garage Door Sensors and How Do They Work?
Garage door sensors are safety features on most garage doors designed to keep your garage door from closing on items, people, or pets. Usually installed near the base of the garage door tracks, these photo eye sensors are aligned with each other, creating an invisible beam between them. When something interrupts that beam, the sensors signal to the garage door system that it’s time to stop or reverse the garage door. Otherwise, you’d have cars, toys, bikes, lawn equipment, and other garage items frequently being squished under the garage door.
If your garage door sensors aren’t working, or if the sensors are misaligned, it can actually pose a serious safety risk for your property, belongings, and housemates. That’s why it’s important to address the issue promptly with professional garage door repair.
Common Brands: LiftMaster, Chamberlain Garage Door Sensors & More
Most modern garage systems, including Chamberlain garage door sensors, use infrared technology. If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door sensor, whether you have a LiftMaster, Genie, or Chamberlain model, the troubleshooting steps are generally pretty similar. However, knowing your garage door sensor brand can be helpful when it’s time to replace parts or contact garage door specialists for help.
Why Garage Door Sensors Stop Working
Sensor Alignment Issues
One of the most common culprits for garage door sensors not working is sensor misalignment. Even the slightest shifts caused by vibration, weather, or impact can cause the sensors to lose connection and stop allowing the garage door to close. Those sensors must always be facing each other, and will display solid LEDs when working properly.
Wiring Problems and Sensor Wear
Over extended periods of use, garage door wiring can become frayed or disconnected, especially in older systems. This wear and tear from age or pests can interfere with the signal’s ability to transmit, causing a need to replace garage door sensors or rewire components.
Interference From Sunlight or Dirt
Dirt, cobwebs, and other debris, as well as direct sunlight, can all interfere with the beam between sensors. A quick clean with a soft cloth or a sun shield can sometimes take care of what seems like a bigger issue. This is often a quick win!
How to Fix Garage Door Sensor Problems
Step-by-Step Garage Door Sensor Troubleshooting Tips
When troubleshooting how to fix garage door sensor problems, try following the steps below:
- Clean the lenses with a soft cloth.
- Check for LED lights – one should be green, and the other should be red.
- Realign the sensors until the lights are steady.
- Check for obstructions along the beam path.
- Inspect wiring for any damage or disconnections.
These steps will cover the important bases when it comes to the most common causes of garage door sensors not working.
What It Means When You See Garage Door Sensor With One Red & One Green LED
If you’re looking at your garage door sensors and notice one is red and one is green, this usually means the sensors are receiving power but not aligned. The red light usually indicates the sending sensor, while the green one indicates the receiving sensor. If the green light is off or blinking, alignment issues or an obstruction in the path between the two sensors are likely the culprit.
What to Do About a Garage Door Sensor Blinking Green
A garage door sensor blinking green is usually a sign of intermittent communication. This can be caused by loose wiring, poor alignment, or even moisture damage. Reseating the wires or adjusting the sensor bracket can often resolve this. We recommend relying on the help of a garage door specialist, like our team at A Plus, to resolve this issue.
When to Consider a Garage Door Sensor Bypass
Is It Safe to Bypass Your Garage Sensors?
We know that garage door sensor problems aren’t convenient. But while it might be tempting to try a garage door sensor bypass, especially in an emergency, we don’t recommend that option as a long-term solution. Sensors are there for safety during the function of your garage door. That said, if your door is stuck open and needs to close temporarily, a bypass may be necessary until a pro can fix the issue.
Temporary vs. Permanent Bypass Solutions
A temporary garage door sensor bypass might involve disconnecting the sensors from the opener and manually closing the door. Never leave this setup permanent, because it puts people and property at risk. Always schedule a professional garage door repair to resolve the underlying issue.
When to Replace Garage Door Sensors
Signs Your Sensors Are Beyond Repair
If you’ve tried cleaning, realigning, and checking wires with no success, it may be time to replace your garage door sensors. Cracked lenses, water damage, or persistent blinking lights are also common signs of failure.
Compatibility With Modern Garage Door Systems
When replacing sensors, check that they’re compatible with your opener. For instance, if you’ve got a Chamberlain garage door opener, get Chamberlain garage door sensors. If you use a LiftMaster garage door opener, look into LiftMaster sensors. Mixing incompatible brands can lead to poor function or no response at all.
Preventing Future Sensor Issues
Garage Door Maintenance Tips in Utah and Nevada
Routine garage door maintenance has a great impact on long-term sensor function. This maintenance includes monthly lens cleanings, seasonal realignments, and checking for weather-related damage (especially in Utah’s snowy winters and Nevada’s dry heat).
Seasonal Checks and Sensor Cleaning
We recommend you clean your sensors every quarter and check alignment during your spring and fall tune-ups. This helps avoid inconvenient garage door repair calls and keeps your system safe and reliable.
When to Call for Garage Door Repair
DIY Fixes vs. Professional Help
While many sensor issues are fixable with basic tools, there are times when it’s best to call a pro, especially if you don’t know how to handle wiring or alignment. In Utah and Nevada, A Plus Garage Doors offers responsive, reliable garage door repair services you can count on.
Emergency Garage Door Repair Services
A stuck garage door can be a real emergency. We understand that leaving your home wide open and waiting until a scheduled repair appointment leaves your home at risk of weather exposure, invasion, or other safety concerns. Whether your door won’t close at night or is stuck open in a storm, our emergency garage door repair teams are available across Utah and Nevada to offer prompt response.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Sensor Problems
Stay Safe, Stay Informed, and Reach Out When Needed
If your garage door sensors aren’t working, it’s a safety issue (in addition to being an annoyance). It’s worth taking the time to troubleshoot the issue, or better yet, call A Plus Garage Doors. We’re here to help with all types of garage door repair, maintenance, and replacement projects, including garage door sensor repair. Whether it’s routine garage door maintenance, a full replacement, or fast repairs, we’re here to help. Schedule your garage door repair today and get peace of mind knowing your system is safe and reliable.
FAQs
1. What should I do if my garage door won’t close?
Check your sensors first. Clean the lenses and make sure they’re aligned. If the problem continues, call for garage door repair.
2. Can I bypass garage door sensors legally and safely?
Temporarily, yes, but only in emergencies. A long-term garage door sensor bypass is not safe or recommended.
3. What causes garage door sensor blinking green?
A garage door sensor blinking green usually means poor signal or misalignment. Try adjusting the sensor or checking the wiring.
4. How do I align Chamberlain garage door sensors?
Loosen the wing nuts, reposition the sensor until the LED lights are steady, and then tighten them back down. Follow Chamberlain garage door sensors manual guidelines.
5. How often should garage door maintenance be done?
We recommend professional garage door maintenance at least once a year, and seasonal sensor checks for Utah and Nevada homes are highly recommended as well.
