Master Guide: How to Fix Garage Door Sensor Issues Safely
There are few things more frustrating than a garage door that refuses to close. You press the remote, the door starts to lower, and then—out of nowhere—it reverses and goes right back up. If the lights on your opener are flashing, the culprit is likely the safety sensors.
At Browns Garage Door, we know that sensor problems are one of the most common service calls we receive. While we are always ready to help with our 24/7 Emergency Services, many sensor issues can be resolved with a few simple adjustments.
This guide will walk you through how to fix garage door sensor problems yourself and help you decide when it’s time to call in the professionals.
Step 1: Clear the Path (Check for Obstructions)
Before grabbing any tools, check the obvious. The safety sensors are designed to prevent the door from closing if anything is in the way. Even small objects can break the invisible beam between the two “eyes” at the bottom of your door tracks.
- Look for debris: Spider webs, leaves, or even a broom handle leaning near the track can trigger the safety reversal.
- Check for direct sunlight: Believe it or not, strong sunlight hitting the receiving sensor can “blind” it, causing the door to reverse. If this happens only at certain times of the day, try shading the sensor with a piece of cardboard to test it.
Step 2: Clean the Sensor “Eyes”
Sensors are delicate electronic components that live in a dirty environment—near the floor of your garage. Dust and grime can coat the lenses, blocking the signal.
- The Fix: Gently wipe the lenses of both sensors with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the lens surface.
Step 3: Check Alignment (The Most Common Fix)
If the path is clear and clean, the sensors are likely misaligned. The two sensors (sending and receiving) must point directly at each other to complete the circuit. If someone bumped the track or a bracket got loose, the “eye” might be looking at the wall instead of its partner.
- Diagnose: Look at the LED lights on the sensors. Typically, one should be solid green (receiving) and the other amber (sending). If the green light is flickering or off, they are out of alignment.
- The Fix:
- Loosen the wing nut or screw holding the sensor bracket slightly.
- Gently rotate the sensor until the LED light turns solid and stops flickering.
- Tighten the bracket back down carefully so it doesn’t shift.
Step 4: Inspect the Wiring
If the lights on the sensors are completely off, you may have a power or wiring issue.
- The Fix: Inspect the wires running from the sensors to the motor unit. Look for staples that might have cut the insulation, or damage caused by rodents or wear.
When to Call a Professional
If you have aligned the eyes, cleaned the lenses, and checked the wires, but the door still won’t close, you may have a faulty circuit board or a damaged sensor that requires replacement.
At this stage, figuring out how to fix garage door sensor faults involves working with electrical components, which is best left to experienced technicians.
Why Choose Browns Garage Door?
We are a family-owned business founded on hard work and integrity. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we have evolved from simple repairs to full installations across Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties.
- 24/7 Emergency Services: We are available when you need us most.
- Local Experts: Serving Exeter, Visalia, Hanford, Lemoore, Porterville, Clovis, and Three Rivers.
- Trusted: We pride ourselves on being “Number 1 in the Valley”.
Trusted by Local Homeowners:
Our 5-Star Reviews
Need Help Now?
Don’t let a stuck door leave your home unsecured. If you are still wondering how to fix garage door sensor issues after trying these steps, give us a call. We will get your door back on track ASAP.
Call Browns Garage Door: (559) 786-0189
Service Areas: Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, Lemoore, Porterville, Clovis, Fresno, Exeter, and Three Rivers.
FAQ’s
Why is the light on my garage door sensor blinking?
A blinking light—specifically on the green receiving sensor—usually means the sensors are misaligned or something is blocking the beam. The amber (orange) sensor is the “sender” and should stay solid if it has power. If the path is clear and you have wiped the lenses but the light still flashes, the sensors may need to be realigned or replaced.
Can I force my garage door to close if the sensors are broken?
In an emergency, you can typically override the safety sensors by pressing and holding the wall control button inside your garage until the door is fully closed. However, this is only a temporary fix. You should call for a repair immediately to ensure your door is safe to use.
Do you offer emergency sensor repair?
Yes. We provide 24/7 Emergency Services for when your door refuses to close late at night or on weekends. We understand that a stuck garage door is a security risk, and we aim to be there as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to fix a garage door sensor?
We offer free quotes for all our services. The cost can depend on whether the sensors just need alignment or if they need to be replaced entirely. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards, and we offer discounts to first responders and the military.
Which areas do you serve?
We are a local, family-owned business serving Tulare, Kings, and Fresno Counties. Our specific service area includes Visalia, Exeter, Hanford, Lemoore, Porterville, Clovis, and Three Rivers.
We model our professional services on the high standards for safety and ethics set forth by the International Door Association (IDA), ensuring our customers receive top-quality work.
Get Your Garage Door Fixed Today!
The dedicated team at Browns Garage Door is ready to provide fast, professional garage door sensor repair.
