A garage door sensor is a device installed near the entry of the door that, when aligned correctly, senses any obstruction or object and prevents the door from closing, ensuring the safety of vehicles, people, pets, and other objects. For example, if your kid or pet runs over to the garage while the door closes, the sensor will detect them and stop. On the other hand, if the sensor becomes misaligned, it might not sense the obstruction and close anyway, creating a dangerous situation; it could also refuse to close or reverse out of the blue, turning into a hazard and an inconvenience.
It’s good to understand how to align garage door sensors. If they aren’t lined up right, they might not work well and could cause issues at home. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to keep your sensor properly aligned, fix common errors, and determine when to call a professional.
Why Proper Sensor Alignment Is Important
A garage door sensor plays a critical role in ensuring that the garage door works properly and safely. Garage door sensors use an infrared beam that detects any block on their path. Because garage doors are heavy, weighing at least 500 pounds, the sensor is important for preventing you from a terrible consequence, such as a major injury or property damage.
To properly sense any obstruction, the sensor must be aligned correctly; otherwise, it could not only close abruptly on someone or something but also present issues like the garage door not closing, reversing unexpectedly, or just quitting work. A garage door sensor not working right is not only frustrating but also a big danger. It is important to address the issue immediately; otherwise, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk.
Although several factors may be contributing to your garage door to malfunction, such as failing tracks, broken garage openers, or lack of lubrication, the sensors are the most common culprits.
In case you are unable to fix the issue by yourself, Coastal Garage Doors can help. We specialize in diagnosing and repairing sensor issues to restore functionality and safety.
Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Misaligned
It is important to have in mind any sign of your garage sensor misbehaving so you have the opportunity to act fast before anything bad happens. If you are experiencing any issues with your garage door, look for any of these telltale signs:
- The garage door won’t close or reverse unexpectedly: If your garage door starts to close but then reverses or refuses to close at all, the safety sensor alignment may be off. This can mistakenly sense an obstruction.
- The sensor lights are blinking or flickering: A lot of these sensors have an indicator light so you can tell it’s having an issue. If you see a garage door sensor not working properly or flashing unexpectedly, misalignment or dirt buildup could be the cause.
- Garage door opener light flashes, but the door doesn’t move: Flashing lights usually indicate the sensor is not working, which stops the door from operating.
Quick Tip:
Before you start troubleshooting your garage door sensors, take a look for any dirt, debris, or cobwebs that could be blocking the infrared beam. If cleaning and adjusting the sensors don’t help, you might have to call in a pro to fix any misalignment.
Tools You’ll Need to Align Garage Door Sensors
Before you start the handy task of fixing misaligned garage door sensors, you’ll need some elements. Here is a list:
- Screwdriver: You’ll encounter the sensor mounting screws. You’ll need a screwdriver to loosen and tighten them.
- Level: It is extremely important as it tells you if the sensor or sensors are exactly aligned and at the same height.
- String (at least the width of the garage door): Helps verify alignment by running it between the two sensors.
- Tape measure: You’ll need it to measure and position the sensors.
- Wrench (if needed): Some sensors will need a wrench.
Quick Preparation Tip:
First of all, before your garage door sensor troubleshooting journey, take a moment to check and clean your sensors. Dust, dirt, or cobwebs can mess with the infrared beam, causing the garage door sensor not to work. A simple wipe with a soft cloth can sometimes fix misaligned garage door sensors without needing any other adjustments.
Step-by-Step Guide to Aligning Garage Door Sensors
If your garage door sensor is not working or your garage door won’t close, the common cause could be misalignment. After confirming it is not just dirty, a safety sensor alignment might be the solution for all your problems. A proper alignment ensures the garage door is working correctly and avoids any dangerous misbehavior. Below, we’ll guide you through garage door sensor troubleshooting to help you fix misaligned garage door sensors quickly and safely.
In case this process does not work, remember we offer garage door opener repair services.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power to the Garage Door Sensors
Do not touch any electrical part of the garage door without disconnecting the power supply. Locate your home’s breaker box and turn off the switch controlling your garage door system. Once the power is off, check that the sensors’ indicator lights are no longer illuminated and that there isn’t any damage or loose wire.
Step 2: Loosen the Sensor Mounting Screws
With the help of the screwdriver, loosen the mounting screws on both sensors, being careful not to remove them completely, just enough so that the sensors can be adjusted without falling out of their brackets. Leaving the screws in will give you support and help you make smoother adjustments later.
Step 3: Lower Each Sensor to the Lowest Possible Position
Gently slide each sensor downward while keeping them within the bracket until they reach the lowest point. This step will help you create a baseline for adjustment, making it easier to establish proper alignment. Make sure the sensors stay secure within their brackets to prevent them from moving during the process.
Step 4: Attach a String to One Sensor
Take a piece of string that is at least the width of your garage door and tie one end around the center of the first sensor’s lens; make sure it’s tight and won’t slip during the process. The string will now be your reference line to ensure you have a perfect alignment between both sensors at all times.
Step 5: Run the String Across and Attach It to the Opposite Sensor
Stretch the string across to the second sensor, securing it around the center of its lens as well. Make sure the string remains tight and runs directly through the middle of both sensors, creating a straight line. This string will help you keep both sensors parallel within the same height.
Step 6: Check for Level Alignment
Take the level and put it on the string to better determine whether the sensors are aligned. If the level shows the string is not straight, adjust the height of one of the sensors as needed until they match and the string is perfectly leveled. Taking care during this step will ensure that your sensors function perfectly.
Step 7: Secure the Sensors in Place
Once you are sure both sensors are aligned, carefully tighten the mounting screws back on. Remember to not overdo it, as this could shift the sensors out of place. The goal here is to keep them firmly in position without altering the perfect alignment you just worked so hard for.
Step 8: Double-Check the Alignment
Before removing the string, verify again that both sensors are still level, and use the help of the level again to be meticulous. Even the slightest shifts during tightening can cause misalignment, so it’s important to confirm everything is properly positioned before proceeding. If necessary, make a few final adjustments.
Step 9: Remove the String and Restore Power
When you are sure both sensors are correctly aligned, untie and remove the string from them. Finally, restore power to your garage door system by turning the breaker switch back on. Test the garage door to check everything is working right. If the issue is not solved after this process, consider scheduling a professional inspection with Coastal Garage Doors.
Troubleshooting Common Garage Door Sensor Alignment Issues
If your garage door sensor is not working, it could be due to sensor issues, obstructions, or electrical problems. Proper safety sensor alignment is essential for ensuring the correct operation. Below we have enlisted common sensor problems and how to fix them.
- Blinking Sensor Lights: If the indicator lights are flashing, your sensors may be misaligned or blocked. Check for dirt, debris, or objects obstructing the sensors.
- Garage Door Won’t Close: If your garage door refuses to close, clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth and take a look at the wiring for any loose or damaged connections. If the wiring doesn’t seem to be the problem, you may need professional garage door opener repair.
- Sensors Work Intermittently: If your sensors’ function is not consistent, the issue could be electrical. Check for frayed wires, loose connections, or sunlight interference. If realigning the sensors doesn’t help, full garage door sensor troubleshooting may be needed in your case.
For expert assistance with fixing misaligned garage door sensors, contact Coastal Garage Doors today.
When to Call a Professional for Garage Door Sensor Repair
While you can solve most of the minor issues your garage door may present, some more complicated ones need an expert to resolve them. If you already tried doing the garage door sensor troubleshooting by yourself and lost the battle, it may be time to call a professional.
- Sensor Lights Remain Off: If your garage door sensors are not lighting up after checking the power and alignment, there could be an electrical issue or faulty wiring, which is not recommended to attempt to fix without electrical knowledge.
- Garage Door Won’t Close: When even after going through a safety sensor alignment process your garage door refuses to close, the problem may be coming from the opener system, requiring professional repair.
- Damaged or Faulty Wiring: Frayed, disconnected, or corroded wires can prevent your sensors from functioning correctly. This type of procedure is better done by a professional since it is dangerous and could cause bigger electrical damage.
Coastal Garage Doors: Your Local Expert in Garage Door Repairs
If you believe your garage door sensors stopped working or even if you are struggling to fix misaligned garage door sensors, Coastal Garage Doors is here to help. We are the trusted local provider in San Diego, specializing in garage door sensor troubleshooting and making sure your system operates perfectly.
Why Choose Coastal Garage Doors?
- Fast Response Times: Being a local company means we provide quick, reliable service when you need it most.
- Expert Technicians: Our team is skilled and experienced in safety sensor alignment and any other garage door repair you might need.
- Comprehensive Solutions: From garage door opener repair to garage door replacement, we handle it all.
If your garage door won’t close despite your best efforts to fix it, let our professionals take care of the problem. Contact Coastal Garage Doors today for expert service and reliable solutions.
Keep Your Garage Door Sensors Aligned for Safety and Efficiency
Your garage door is one of the main entrances to your home; that’s why it is so important to ensure it works well. Keeping the safety sensor alignment proper is crucial for the door’s functionality. If your sensors are misaligned or faulty, you could be facing not only headaches when the door starts failing, but you could also be putting at risk your family and yourself.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
- Prevents unexpected failures and damages.
- Ensures that issues such as the garage door not closing are avoided.
- Helps fix misaligned garage door sensors before they become a bigger problem.
If garage door sensor troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call in the professionals. Coastal Garage Doors offers expert service to align garage door sensors and keep your system running smoothly. Contact us today for reliable repairs and maintenance!