How to Troubleshoot a Faulty Garage Door Sensor
The garage door sensor is a tiny yet critical safety component on residential door openers. Despite serving a vital role, the item often gets overlooked until something goes wrong. This issue can result in a malfunctioning opening and closing mechanism, but how can you know that the sensor is to blame?
How to determine if there's a broken garage door sensor
Garage door sensors may be complex devices, but figuring out if they're not working correctly is relatively straightforward. To assess their condition, you can use an everyday object, such as a cardboard box. Here's how to perform this test:
Align the box with the sensor and see if the door can be closed.
If the garage door reverses after detecting the object, it's functioning correctly.
If it closes despite the box, it's time to troubleshoot and get to the bottom of the sensor problem.
After confirming the malfunctioning was caused by the garage door sensor, look for signs that can help determine the underlying issue:
Light indicators
The easiest way to tell if the sensors are misaligned is to check whether the exterior LED blinks when closing the garage door. Green lights indicate the sensor is fully operational.
However, if there are red lights, it means the components are out of order. In this case, try tightening the sensor screw or examining the bracket. If the problem resolves, the light will vanish, and the door should close.
Dirty lenses
Sensor lenses won't work correctly if spiderwebs or dirt block their view and prevent them from detecting the door opening. The simplest solution is to wipe the lenses so that the unit can return to normal. But if the area is incredibly dusty or prone to dirt, cleaning the sensors regularly is highly recommended.
Sensor power
Garage door sensors frequently break down due to a lack of power. To test this, check the LED lights once again. If they work on both sensors, the power supply is okay. But if either light turns off, the device isn't receiving enough electricity.
Damaged wires
The wiring that connects the sensor system is susceptible to wear and tear caused by regular use, pests, and weather conditions. Look for any signs of harm, including chew marks, water damage, or other forms of tampering. If there's visible destruction, the wires may need to be repaired or replaced.
After trying these remedies, check the door with another box test. It provides a quick way to determine if the issue is fixed.
Get professional garage door services
While diagnosing and resolving the problem as a DIY project is possible, the best course of action is to contact a top-rated garage door contractor. They know what to look for and will do their best to remedy the issue promptly.
Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.
Our new location:
Quality Overhead Door Inc
1750 N. Rosemont., Ste 107
Mesa, AZ 85205
Office: 480.838.8850 Fax: 480.964.9942
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