Common Reasons a Garage Door Sensor Stops Working
All garage door systems should have a sensor in the mechanism. It’s standard procedure for all owners who want to install heavy doors that guard the garage. Moreover, as per law and regulations, the addition of this safety feature saves lives and potential costs. As such, it’s standard to have a working sensor.
Things happen, and issues may arise at any given point in time. External conditions affect the performance and state of the door mechanism. Sometimes, these issues include a door sensor that stops working. When this happens, the first thing to do is figure out the cause of the damage. Why did the sensors stop working, and what can you do about the problem?
Let this guide help in keeping a fully functional door sensor. The last thing any garage owner needs is an accident that costs more than a replacement or repair service.
Table of Contents
Alignment Issues
The first reason the sensors don’t work is because of alignment issues. There are two sensors that should be at the same height placement in the track. There’s a receiver sensor (detects light) and a transmitter sensor (emits light). It’s best to learn how to adjust garage door sensor alignment for a more optimal detection function.
Solution: How To Align Garage Door Sensors
2. Prepare the necessary tools and inspect the sensors on the tracks.
3. Unscrew the mount of the sensor to loosen the sensor grip on tracks. This makes the sensor movable while still being in place on the door tracks.
4. Tie a string on one sensor and thread it towards the other sensor. Tie the other end as well.
5. Check the level of the sensors and adjust the placement of the sensors as necessary.
6. Tighten the screws of the sensors. Use a level to guarantee that the sensors are in line with each other.
Lack Of Sensor Maintenance
Something as simple as regular sensor inspection always improves the performance of the sensor. When lack of maintenance is the issue, the cause of a dysfunctional sensor is easier to address.
Why Are My Garage Door Sensors Not Lighting Up
✔︎ There is moisture build up in the lens of the photo eyes
✔︎ Dirt build-up in the parts of the sensor
✔︎ There is no protective block for the sensors and sun rays are hitting the photo eyes constantly
Solution: Regular Cleaning and Inspection
For sun exposure, use a paper or block that you can add to cover the photo eyes from the sun. The beam of light should detect the other end of the sensor on the opposite side.
Sensor Damages
Other unsafe instances can occur, and damage always calls for professional service. There are many symptoms of sensor damage that go beyond lack of maintenance.
The Garage Door Won't Close
It’s still best to check the pathway of the door panels first. Ensure that there are no small objects on the path or your vehicle is not hanging close to the tracks. The auto-reversal safety feature should only work when things are blocking the light beam.
Sensor Wire Damage
Solution: Garage Door Sensor Replacement
For big damages, let the professionals handle the issue. Wiring systems and wire damages require a lot of training and expertise. If you attempt to fix or even inspect the problem, you may end up risking your safety. Always consult with a reputable company as these technicians know how to replace garage door sensors.
Power Problems
Sensor Power Supply
The most prominent symptom of the power issue is that the sensors are not lighting up. The absence of light beams from both sensors indicates power issues.
Solution: Seek for Expertise and Repairs
Do your best to double-check and apply some safe methods to troubleshoot the issue. If nothing works, call for services. Chances are that the problems of the sensor are only a manifestation of some more severe issues in the mechanism. Companies for garage door services also deal with the connected wiring and power problems in the mechanism.
