When your garage door just won’t seem to close properly, it is often the sensors. These little devices are crucial in keeping people and objects safe by making the garage door stop if it happens to be in the path of something that it will hit. When these devices are not aligned, they cause a host of headaches. Now that being said, in this blog, I show you how one does it like a pro. Well, at least, close to a professional. Need a little help? You can contact the pros at Overhead Door of Puget Sound (253) 400-3880.
What Exactly Are Garage Door Sensors and Why Should You Care?
These are small but powerful devices that talk to each other, sensing the presence of an obstruction. If something-or somebody-is in the way, they send a signal to the garage door opener to prevent the door from closing. But when those sensors aren’t aligned, even if the path is clear, the garage door won’t close. This safety feature is great when it works but can be frustrating when it doesn’t.
So, if your door starts to go down and then reverses, or if the opener’s lights flash without the door moving, then it’s time to check your sensors.
How to Align the Sensors on a Garage Door: Step-by-Step Instructions
The good news is that aligning your garage door sensors doesn’t take many fancy tools-just a little patience. Here’s how to get started:
- Gather Your Tools, You won’t need much to get the job done:
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A soft cloth (to clean the sensors)
- A string (optional, for double-checking alignment)
- A level (optional, but helpful)
- Test the Alignment
After adjusting each sensor test the garage door. If this closes without reversing or the lights of the opener flash, you’re good to go!
Bonus Tip: Use a String for Precision
If you’re struggling to eyeball the alignment, pro tip:
- Tie a string between the two sensor brackets.
- Use a level to make sure the string is straight.
- Adjust the sensors until they line up perfectly with the string.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
If your garage door sensors still aren’t working, here are a few things to check:
Obstructions: Even a small leaf or a piece of debris can interfere with the sensors. Make sure the path is absolutely clear.
Sunlight Interference: Sometimes direct sunlight can interfere with the sensor signal. Try shading the sensors or adjusting their angle slightly.
Faulty Wiring: If the sensor wires are damaged or frayed, they may need to be replaced.
Old Sensors: Sensors do wear out over time. If yours are old and you’ve tried everything else, consider upgrading them.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, those sensors just refuse to play nice. That’s the time you need to call in the experts. At Overhead Door of Puget Sound, we are experts in garage door repairs and sensor alignment. If you are within the Puget Sound.
Wrapping It Up
Knowing how to align garage door sensors can save you time, money, and frustration. With just a little effort, you can have your garage door back in operation without a hitch. But remember, if you’re stuck or just don’t want to deal with it, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (253) 400-3880 and let us handle the heavy lifting for you!
How to fix misaligned sensors on a garage door?
To fix misaligned garage door sensors, loosen the mounting brackets, adjust the sensors until they are aligned, and then tighten the brackets. Ensure both sensors have a clear line of sight and check for obstructions.
Should both garage sensors be green?
Yes, most garage door sensors have one green light (indicating power) and one amber or red light (indicating alignment). Both should be on for proper operation.
How much does it cost to align garage door sensors?
The cost to align garage door sensors typically ranges from $50 to $150 if done by a professional.
Do garage door sensors need to line up?
Yes, garage door sensors must be properly aligned to function correctly. If misaligned, the door may not close or could reverse unexpectedly.
