Garage doors have several moving parts, each pivotal in the door’s daily operation. Some parts, such as the rollers, tracks, springs and cables endure constant strain, leading to wear and tear. Other parts, such as the garage door sensors, may become misaligned over time.
You might experience sensor issues that impact your garage door’s performance. Learn the signs of misaligned garage door sensors, how to fix them, and how Viking Overhead can help with sensor problems you can’t resolve.
Garage door sensors are two small photo-eye sensors on opposite sides of the garage door inside. They work with the garage door opener, sending signals to open and close the door. The sensors are roughly four to six inches off the ground. One is a sending unit, and the other is a receiving unit. The sending unit is usually the sensor with a blinking light, and the receiver has a stationary light.
The sensors’ primary function is to ensure safety by preventing the door from closing when obstructed. If they sense a car, person or object while closing, the door will stop and revert to the open position. If the sensors malfunction, you or your vehicle could be at risk of injury or damage, so it’s crucial to ensure they operate properly.
If your sensors are misaligned, you might notice them blinking or displaying a constant red light. Sensor issues can also prevent your garage door from closing completely.
Here are some common reasons your sensors can malfunction:
Fortunately, you can diagnose sensor misalignment issues with or without professional help. There are steps to align your garage door sensors to resolve minor issues. For bigger problems, we suggest contacting a reputable garage door company. This ensures your warranty remains intact if you have one. Professionals also have the skills and tools to align the sensors accurately, saving you time and effort.
Check for obstructions such as dirt or dust on the sensor lenses. Clean them with a soft cloth to ensure the sensors can communicate, as dirty sensors may impact the alignment.
If both or one sensor light indicators blink fast or are off, they may be misaligned.
The sensors should face each other parallel. Use a level to ensure proper alignment. You might have to loosen the holder screws and adjust the sensor position until the indicators signal their alignment. They must be aligned and positioned at the same height, as the slightest height difference can impact the alignment.
Once adjusted to the correct position, the sensors should function correctly. They won’t flash erratically or have no light. Test the sensors by closing the garage door. There might still be an alignment concern if it stops or reverses before fully closing or if you place an object before the sensors as the door is closing and it doesn’t reverse.
In this case, we suggest calling a professional for help as there might be other problems with your garage door parts or the opener.
At Viking Overhead, we have the industry experience and knowledge you can trust to do the job right every time. We’ll exceed your expectations with our same-day garage door emergency repair services and on-site resolutions.
When you contact us, we’ll schedule a free estimate at your residential or commercial property and try to resolve your garage door matter quickly and efficiently.
Call us at 817-609-8375, or contact us to request a free estimate and we’ll call you.
