The garage door sensor is a small, yet essential piece of safety equipment found on all garage door openers. Although garage door sensors are common and essential, homeowners and property owners often overlook them until something goes wrong. Our article gives an overview of these devices and some issues that could lead to their malfunction. We also discuss how to troubleshoot a malfunctioning garage door sensor.
What Do Garage Door Sensors Do?
Garage door sensors, also called photo eyes, ensure that nothing blocks the path of the garage door when it closes. In order to close, these detectors must \”see each other,\” which means that the infrared beam connecting the photo eyes must remain uninterrupted. When that ray is interrupted, the garage door reverses, opening instead of closing.
Common Reasons a Garage Door Sensor Stops Working
- An object obstructs the path of the sensor
- There is a problem with the sensors\’ power supply
- LED lights are not illuminating on both or one of the sensors
- The sensor lenses require cleaning because of:
- Pollution
- Car exhaust
- Dirt
- Spider webs
- Your sensors were wet enough to cause damage
- Sensors are not aligned properly. If the sensors are aligned properly, their LED lights should be illuminated.
- It\’s normal for your sensors to wear and tear over time, especially if they\’ve been installed for a while.
What to Do Next?
- Check for objects blocking the photo eyes; remove them from the area.
- Check the wires around the sensor for a loose or broken connection and see if other parts of the garage are receiving power.
- Check for the electrical work in the box if the cause is a diminished power connection. However, make sure you turn off the power at your breakers as an extra precaution.
- If you\’re not sure about the wires, call a professional repair service such as Garage Door Repair Gresham
- Wipe the lenses down with a soft, dry, and clean cloth.
- Check that their alignment is correct and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they face each other.
- If you notice moisture on the sensor, allow it to dry before trying to open the door.
If these DIY troubleshooting solutions do not fix the issue, consult the Garage Door Repair Gresham experts. This will help you determine if you need to make more substantial repairs or replace parts.
Garage Door Repair Gresham is one of the most reliable garage door services in Gresham. Our residential garage doors offer a dependable and long-lasting product that enhances your home’s design and curb appeal. Choosing us for your garage door repair, garage door replacement, and garage door installation is more than an investment. Your garage door becomes part of your daily routine, sending you off in the morning and welcoming you back at the end of the day.