Have trouble with your garage not working properly? If this is the case, there might be something wrong with the sensors. To be more specific, the issue your garage door might be having is a sensor misalignment.
Sensors are a crucial part of the garage door for it to be safe and function well. When it’s out of alignment, it sends a signal to the door to not fully close. Fortunately, a sensor misalignment can be easily fixed.
However, if you’re not into home repair DIY projects, it’s ideal to call the professionals to do the work for you. In this article, you’ll learn everything there is about properly aligning door sensors to ensure they work properly. Let’s begin!
Understanding Garage Door Sensors: How Do They Work?
Before we can even begin fixing misaligned garage door sensors, it’s important that you first understand how they work. If you’re not familiar at all with garage door sensors yet, they are the devices on both sides of the garage door near the floor.
Garage door sensors are basically safety features to prevent the door from closing should there be an object or person in its path. They work by communicating with each other through an infrared beam that, when obstructed or misaligned, tells the garage door not to close.
Fortunately, when your garage door sensors are misaligned, there are obvious telltale signs. For one, if the indicator light on one or both of the sensors is blinking, it can mean that there is a misalignment. Another is if your garage door is reversing unexpectedly.
DIY Garage Door Sensor Alignment: Tools and Preparation
Now that you know what the garage sensors are and how they work, the next step is to gather the necessary tools should you decide to do the garage door maintenance yourself. Fortunately, in doing a do-it-yourself garage door repair with sensors, you’ll only need a handful of basic tools.
For a home garage sensor alignment DIY, here’s what you’ll need:
- tape measure
- screwdriver
- soft cloth
Before you begin, you want to make sure the work area is clear of obstacles and is well-lit. If you notice that there’s dust or dirt on the sensors, clean them with a soft cloth. Dust and dirt can be enough to affect the sensors’ performance if there is an accumulation.
You’d also want to double-check if the sensors are securely mounted on their brackets. If they’re loose, it can cause misalignment as the sensors can shift overtime.
Step-by-Step Guide on Aligning Garage Door Sensors
Now that you have everything you need to fix your garage door sensors let’s get to work!
Step 1: Cut Power to the Garage Door
Safety first! Locate the power cord for your garage door opener and unplug it to avoid any accidental operation while you work.
Step 2: Check Sensor Placement
Both sensors should be installed at the same height on either side of the garage door. Use a tape measure to check their height from the ground. Even a small difference can cause misalignment. Adjust the sensors if necessary, ensuring they are both the same distance from the floor.
Step 3: Use a Level for Alignment
Place a level on top of each sensor to ensure they are perfectly horizontal. If they’re slightly tilted, gently adjust them until the level shows they are even. This step is crucial because a tilted sensor will misread the infrared beam, causing it to malfunction.
Step 4: Secure the Sensors
Once both sensors are level and at the same height, tighten their brackets with a screwdriver. Be careful not to overtighten, which could crack the sensor casing. The goal is to make them snug and secure so they won’t shift due to vibrations from the garage door’s movement.
Step 5: Test the Sensors
Plug the garage door opener back in and test the sensors. If the door closes properly without any hesitation, the alignment is likely correct. If not, you may need to adjust them slightly again, repeating steps 2 through 4. Keep an eye on the sensor lights—when properly aligned, both should be steady, not blinking.
Troubleshooting Garage Door Sensor Issues
If you’ve tried everything above and your garage door sensors are still acting up, try to check the area near the sensor. It might surprise you to find out that the sensors might not be the problem in the first place. Here are other things you have to look out for when trying to realign your sensors:
- Check for Obstructions: Besides dust and dirt, leaves and cobwebs can also be responsible for sensors to malfunction. They can interfere with the infrared beam leading to the garage door not functioning properly.
- Inspect the Wiring: Wiring can also be a cause of sensors acting up. Over time, the wirings can be frayed or damaged, and this can lead to issues with the sensors.
- Evaluate Sensor Condition: While durable, sensors can still be damaged. If you see any cracks or any other types of visible damage, a replacement may be in order.
California Garage Door Repair offers professional troubleshooting and repair services if you’re unsure about handling these problems yourself. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose and resolve even the trickiest garage door sensor issues.
Preventing Garage Door Sensor Problems
More than knowing how to troubleshoot garage door sensor problems, it’s ideal to also focus on how to prevent these problems from occurring. Doing regular maintenance can help you prevent issues from happening. Here are some ways on how you can go about doing garage door sensor maintenance:
- Clean the Sensors Regularly: Over time, dust will accumulate over the sensors. Fortunately, a quick fix such such as wiping a soft cloth to clean the sensors can do just the job.
- Check Sensor Alignment Periodically: Even if there are no issues with your garage door sensors, develop a habit of checking their alignment every few months. Especially after extreme weather conditions, there’s a higher chance that your garage door sensors can be misaligned and come loose, and it can also cause sensor brackets to shift.
- Inspect Wiring and Connections: Look for signs of wear or damage to the sensor wiring and replace any frayed wires promptly.
A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your sensors functioning properly. California Garage Door provides maintenance services to help you keep your garage door in top condition.
When to Replace Garage Door Sensors?
Sometimes, no matter how well you maintain your garage door sensors, they may need to be replaced. Here are a few situations where replacement is the best option:
- Recurring Issues: If your sensors frequently lose alignment or malfunction despite proper maintenance, it could indicate they are wearing out.
- Physical Damage: Cracks, dents, or water damage are signs that it’s time for new sensors.
- Age of the Sensors: If your sensors are over 10 years old, it might be a good idea to replace them, as newer models tend to be more reliable and efficient.
When it’s time for a replacement, trust California Garage Door to provide high-quality sensor replacements and professional new garage door installation services.
When It's Time to Call the Professionals
If, no matter what you try to do, the garage door sensors don’t seem to cooperate, it’s time to call in the professionals. Here are scenarios when you have to concede and call in reliable garage door repair contractors such as California Garage Door Repair:
Persistent Sensor Problems
Garage door sensor troubleshooting can be a simple process. However, if you have tried aligning the sensors multiple time and the problems still persist, it can mean that there is a more serious issue with the sensors. If this is the case, it’s best to call in the professionals as trying to fix a more serious issue with the sensors can require specialized skills, knowledge and tools.
Visible Sensor Damage
If you’ve noticed that your garage door sensors are damaged, it can be the reason as to why it’s malfunctioning. If physical damage is the culprit, it can be beyond what you can do with simple tools. If the damage is too severe, a replacement might be the only solution.
If this is the case, you’re going to need the help of professionals, as replacing sensors can be a complicated task. While it sounds easy enough, it involves working with the electrical system and poses a danger. If you’re not confident in dealing with the electrical system, it’s best to let professionals do the replacement.
Wiring or Electrical Issues
Garage door sensors rely on a steady electrical connection to function correctly. If the wiring appears frayed, exposed, or damaged, attempting a DIY fix can be risky. Electrical repairs require specific knowledge and experience to ensure they are done safely. An expert from California Garage Door can safely assess and repair any wiring or electrical issues to keep your garage door working as it should.
Misalignment After Professional Repair or Installation
If you’ve recently had your garage door or sensors professionally installed or repaired and are already experiencing alignment issues, it might indicate that something wasn’t done correctly. In this case, contact the company that performed the work. California Garage Door offers follow-up support and guarantees our services, ensuring that any problems are quickly resolved.
Take Control of Your Garage Door Safety Today!
Properly aligned garage door sensors are crucial for the safety and functionality of your garage door system. Misaligned sensors can cause your garage door to malfunction, leading to inconvenience or even potential safety hazards. By following this DIY guide, you can easily align your garage door sensors and keep them working properly.
Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing garage door sensor problems. Cleaning, checking alignment, and inspecting for damage are simple steps that can save you time and money.
But if DIY isn’t your style or the problem persists, California Garage Door is here to help. Our team of experts is just a call away, ready to handle everything from troubleshooting and maintenance to complete sensor replacements.
Don’t let a small sensor issue become a big headache. Keep your garage door functioning smoothly with the right maintenance, and know that California Garage Door is always here to support you with expert advice and services. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.
