The garage door sensors not only protect people and pets from injuries, they also help to prevent damage to the garage door and to possessions that may have been left in the door way. Below are the six main reasons that will cause the sensors to malfunction:

1. Sunlight

Sunlight hitting the safety sensors can damage their lens overtime and fool the system into thinking that there is an obstruction in the way.

2. Alignment

Objects hitting the sensors, as well as damaged, misplaced, or loose tracks, locking bolts, or brackets, can cause the sensors to fall out of alignment.

3. Obstructions

Objects that obstruct the sensor’s infrared beam such as kids’ toys, boxes, paint cans, pieces of fabric, or tools.

4. Wiring

Damaged and corroded wires, or damaged insulation on a wire will cut off power to the sensors.

5. Circuit Board

The PCB (printed circuit board) can be damaged due to exposure to high voltage, water, heat, or impact, which can cause the traces to break, or components to become disconnected.

6. Loose Connection

The sensor’s wire may become loose or disconnect from the sensor or the motor over time.

Symptoms of Malfunctioning Sensors

The garage door makes a few consecutive clicking sounds, and the opener light is blinking. The receiving sensor LED is blinking. The garage door won’t close, and the wall button needs to be pressed and held until the door is fully closed. An error code from the opener unit indicates a sensor malfunction.

Fixing Safety Sensors That Stopped Working

First, make sure that there are no objects blocking the sensors’ path. Try cleaning the sensors with a dry washcloth. Realign the sensors by adjusting the sensor’s bracket and locking bolt until the receiving sensor’s light is no longer blinking or dim. If the sensors are mounted on the tracks, adjust the track alignment as well. If the sun is shining directly on the sensor, try shading it with a piece of cardboard or metal.

Try resetting the sensors by pointing them toward the ground for about 10 seconds. Inspect for any loose connections. Check the sensor wires for kinks and breaks, and examine the sensors for physical damage. Ensure that both of the sensor’s LED lights are solid and not dim. If realignment doesn’t fix the problem, replace the sensors and the wire, or consult a licensed garage door repair company.