5 Easy Ways To Repair Garage Door Sensors 

 
A garage is crucial and requires high-level security since it’s a place where you store most of your valuable assets. One sure way to ensure security is to have a strong and functional door.  

The garage doors can either be automatic or manual. Notably, it’s better and easier to operate an automatic garage door. However, you will notice from time to time malfunctioning of the door sensors affecting the opening and closing process. This means you must always ensure the sensors are in the right condition. 

The following article will guide you on five straightforward steps to repair your garage door sensor.   

 1. Clear Any Obstructions 

 
If you are thinking about How to Deal With a Malfunctioning Garage Door Sensor, clearing any obstacle is the first solution.  

The garage door sensors can be sensitive to any obstacle around them. So, before proceeding with the repair process, clear any obstacles around the garage door.   

Many obstacles can prevent your garage door from working appropriately, such as pieces of clothing, sticks, or toolboxes. Once you have cleared all these obstacles, check if the garage door sensor works; if not, proceed to the next step. 

2. Check if the Garage Door Sensor is Dirty 

Garage door sensors are installed a few inches off the ground. That means they can easily collect and accumulate dirt. Water or humidity can also enter the sensor, blocking the signal and causing it not to function. Moisture and dust are major dirt that can accumulate in your garage sensor, preventing it from giving or receiving signals.  

Therefore, use a dry cloth to clean your sensor. Make this a habit. 

 
3. Assess The Alignment of Your Garage Door Sensor 

A perfect way to know whether the door sensor works appropriately is by checking the sensor’s light. A garage door sensor has two lights. A green one indicates it is sending beam lights, and a red one indicates receiving the lights.  

If there is any misalignment, the red signal will blink. The various commotions in your garage can cause a knock on the sensor’s alignment. Therefore, move the lights to readjust them in the right position. The best way to know your sensors are in the right position is when the red light no longer blinks.  

In other cases, the problem might only happen at a particular time, especially during the day. This means the sun interferes with the light signal from the sensor, causing the malfunction. If you realize such a case, you should protect your sensors from the sun’s rays. You can use cardboard as long as it doesn’t prevent a light beam from the other sensor. 

4. Check the Sensors’ Wiring System 

Damaged wiring system can cause the garage door sensor to fail. This damage is mostly caused by pests, elements, or wear and tear due to prolonged use. In such case, your door sensors will emit orange beam lights rather than the original red.  

Therefore, you need to assess the cables that are connected to the terminal from the sensor to the back of the opener. Check if there are any broken or twisted cables. Try to untangle all the tangled wires carefully.  

Also, examine if the wires are connected to the terminal correctly. The black and white cable is supposed to be connected to the gray terminal, while the white wire should be connected to the white terminal. 

Moreover, you should examine the wires to see any sign of tempering or chew marks. Also, check for water or moisture damage, as it can short the sensor causing it not to function. If there is serious damage to the wires, they should be replaced.  

In this case, you must engage an electrician to help replace the wires. A professional will also help check the entire system to see if other parts require any repair or replacement. Once you have repaired or replaced the wires and you are sure the sensor is working appropriately, you can reconnect the garage door to the opener. 

5. Monitor Your Power Supply 

The power supply can damage the garage door lights. Therefore, examine whether the power supply is fused or the circuit breaker blew.  

Suppose there is any power outage on the sensor system, or the door system is probably not plugged in. In that case, you should disconnect the garage door system from the opener, which allows manual door opening and closing. If the fuse has blown, you should replace it. If you realize the problem is on the circuit breaker, disengage your garage door opener, upturn the switch, and then plug it back.    

The Bottom-Line  

Before calling a professional to help repair your garage door sensor, use the above simple tips to do it yourself. However, if the problem is complicated and you cannot handle it, it would be good if you sought help. You should also develop habits such as regularly cleaning your garage door sensor, as it will help prevent dirt accumulation. 

Author Bio 

 
Crystal M Wilson is an enthusiastic writer and dedicated guest blogger who is fueled by her passion for continuous learning. With a deep interest in the dynamic Tech industry, she thrives on exploring new horizons and sharing her insights. Recognizing that true wealth lies in good health, Lisa is committed to spreading this belief far and wide. In addition to her writing endeavors, she finds joy in traveling to new destinations and experimenting with culinary creations. Lisa is currently engaged with Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair, where she continues to broaden her expertise.