A malfunctioning garage door can be a real hassle, especially when the sensors aren’t aligned properly. These small, yet vital components of your garage door system serve a big purpose: they ensure the door reverses if something is in the way, preventing accidents and damage. When your sensors are misaligned, the door may refuse to close or reverse unexpectedly, leaving your garage exposed. But don’t worry—aligning your garage door sensors is easier than you think!
At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we’re here to guide you through the simple process of aligning your garage door sensors and help you restore your garage door’s functionality.
What Are Garage Door Sensors and Why Do They Matter?
Garage door sensors (also called photo-eye sensors) are located near the bottom of the tracks on either side of your door. One sensor sends out an infrared beam, while the other detects it. When the beam is broken by an obstruction, such as a person, pet, or even a stray object, the door will stop closing and reverse to prevent accidents. If these sensors are misaligned, they can trigger false readings, causing the door to stop working correctly.
Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Need Alignment
Before jumping into fixing your sensors, it’s important to confirm that misalignment is the issue. Here are some telltale signs that your garage door sensors may need adjustment:
- The Door Won’t Close: Your door opens normally but fails to close, or stops midway and reverses.
- Flashing Lights on the Opener: If the lights on your opener are flashing, this often indicates a sensor problem.
- Visible Gap Between Sensors: If one sensor is visibly out of alignment with the other, it’s likely misaligned.
How to Align Your Garage Door Sensors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Aligning your garage door sensors is a simple task that you can often do yourself. Just follow these steps to get the job done:
1. Check for Obstructions
Before anything, make sure there’s nothing blocking the sensors’ line of sight. Dirt, dust, and even spider webs can interfere with the sensor’s signal. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe down both sensors and clear away any debris or obstructions.
2. Inspect the Sensors for Damage
Check both sensors for any visible signs of damage. A cracked sensor may need replacing, and it’s important to fix any wiring issues as well. If you notice any problems with the sensors themselves, it’s best to call in a professional technician to replace them.
3. Adjust the Sensors
Once you’ve cleared any debris and inspected the sensors, it’s time to adjust their alignment:
- Locate the Sensors: The two sensors are located on opposite sides of the garage door, mounted on brackets near the floor. One sensor sends the infrared beam (the emitter), and the other receives it (the receiver).
- Loosen the Mounting Screws: Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on each sensor. You don’t need to remove them—just loosen enough to adjust the position of the sensors.
- Align the Sensors: Gently move the sensors so that they are facing each other directly. The infrared beam must be perfectly aligned for the system to work. Most modern sensors have LED indicator lights:
- Green Light: This indicates that the sensors are properly aligned and communicating with each other.
- Red or Amber Light: If you see a red or amber light, the sensor is misaligned.
Carefully adjust each sensor until both lights turn green, signaling that they are properly aligned.
4. Tighten the Screws
Once the sensors are aligned and the lights are green, carefully tighten the screws to hold them in place. Be cautious not to overtighten, as this can throw off the alignment.
5. Test the Garage Door
Finally, test the door by closing it with the remote control. If the door closes without issues, congratulations! Your sensors are now aligned. If not, double-check the alignment or consult a professional.
When to Call a Professional
While sensor alignment is typically an easy DIY fix, there are situations where you should call a professional technician. If the sensors are aligned correctly but the door still won’t close, or if there’s visible damage to the sensors or wiring, it’s best to call Four Seasons Garage Doors. Our experts can quickly identify and repair more complex issues.
Why Choose Four Seasons Garage Doors?
At Four Seasons Garage Doors, we specialize in garage door repairs, installations, and maintenance across Illinois. We know that a malfunctioning garage door can be frustrating, which is why we’re dedicated to providing fast, reliable service. If you’re having trouble with your sensors or need professional assistance, our team is here to help. Call us 630-449-4600.
