It can be annoying when your garage door won’t shut. In my experience, nine times out of ten its an issue with the garage door sensors. I’ve been tempted to disconnect them, but garage door sensors are a crucial component of your garage door setup. They ensure your safety by detecting when something is blocking the garage door’s way and stopping the door from closing. However, they can be a bit finicky at times, and misalignments can occur, causing the sensors to stop working correctly. If you are experiencing problems with your garage door and suspect that the sensors may be the issue, this blog post is for you. I’ll be discussing how to align garage door sensors, offering a step-by-step guide for homeowners.
Step 1: Check Sensor Alignment
The first step in aligning your garage door sensors is to check if they are misaligned. This can be done by inspecting the sensors located on the sides of the garage door near the bottom. Ensure that both sensors’ LED lights are illuminated, indicating power supply. If one or both of the lights are not lit, then check the wiring connections and supply for any issues.
Step 2: Clean the Sensors
The sensors need to be kept clean and free of debris to function correctly. The photo eyes of the sensors can also get dirty, obstructing the path of the infrared light that passes between them. Use a soft cloth to clean the sensors thoroughly, taking care not to damage the photo eyes. I’ve also noticed that cob webs can interfere with the censors as well.
Step 3: Adjust Rods and Brackets
Sometimes, the sensors’ brackets and rods may become loose, causing misalignment. Check the nuts that are holding the brackets and rods in place and tighten them accordingly. If any parts appear damaged, it is recommended to replace them.
Step 4: Align the Sensors
The sensors should be aligned so that when the garage door is closing, the infrared beams from each sensor cross one another. This creates a safe zone for your garage door, ensuring that it will not close on anything obstructing its path. Use a level to ensure that the sensors are at equal heights, then adjust the brackets until the sensors are in alignment. Once aligned, test the door to ensure it operates safely.
Step 5: Test the Sensors
Once you have aligned the sensors, you can test if they are functioning correctly. Close the garage door, and if the door opener reverses its movement right before closing, the sensors are working correctly. If the door continues to close, the sensors might still be improperly aligned, and further adjustments might be necessary.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to align garage door sensors, you should be able to keep your garage doors working properly. But if you do continue to have issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help or more guidance. With aligned sensors, you can rest easy knowing that your garage door is operating safely and keeping you and your family safe.
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