How to Tell If Your Garage Door Sensor Is Out of Alignment?

Automated garage doors have made life a whole lot easier. You no longer have to go through the tedious task of manually opening and closing your door. A press of one button and the door magically opens by itself.

However, as is with every piece of machinery, a garage door can have multiple complications. One of them is a faulty door sensor. Have you ever wondered why your Garage Door Reverses when something comes in its path? There must be some mechanism for it. If that’s what you are thinking, you are right! Each garage door has a safety sensor that protects it from closing onto anything in its path.

However, your door will not function properly if the sensor is misaligned. It might reverse for no reason or might not reverse at all. The latter situation is dangerous. It can harm pets or children absent-mindedly come in the door’s path.

Reasons For Garage Door Sensors Failure

Reasons For Garage Door Sensors Failure

There can be various reasons for the sensor failing.

• Even the slightest bit of dirt can affect its functioning. However, the complication we will address is a misaligned sensor.

• Misalignment can be of the sensor emitter, the receiver, or both. A garage door sensor, also known as the photo-eye, generally comprises two parts. The first one sends a signal received by the other on the opposite side of the garage door opening. This signal generates a beam.

If the beam’s path is interrupted, the door is triggered to reverse. It will return to its original open position immediately. This way, a safety mechanism is established. It protects not only your vehicles but your children and pets as well.

What To Look For In A Garage Door Sensor Is Misaligned

What To Look For In A Garage Door Sensor Is Misaligned?

You should check some things if you believe your garage door sensor is misaligned.

1. First, check if any object might obstruct the sensor’s beam light path. Maybe you absent-mindedly placed a toolbox or other accessories. Perhaps one of your child’s toys rolled into its path. If you find any, remove those obstructions.

1. However, if there is nothing, check for damage to the sensors or wires. If this turns out negative too, then:

• Locate your garage door’s photo-eyes. Both sensors are installed on opposite sides of the door. You can find them mounted on the inside of the garage door opening. They will be about six inches above ground level. However, their shape and design vary from brand to brand.

• Check the LED light on both sides to determine each sensor’s status. A green light indicates that it is usually working. However, a red light (or no lights) signifies misaligned sensors. If the sensors are lit, there might be dirt, debris, or dust on the sensor blocking the beam’s path. Clean it with a soft cloth.

• Use a scale or level to ensure that both sensors are aligned. If you find any differences in height, the sensors might have been installed improperly. Perhaps the mountings got damaged recently. The best thing to do in such a scenario is to call a professional for help.

Can I Fix A Misaligned Garage Door Sensor All By Myself?

Can I Fix A Misaligned Garage Door Sensor All By Myself?

It depends on whether the sensor is damaged or not. If there is none, the homeowner can solve a simple case of misalignment.

• You will have to first loosen the screws on the pivot bracket to do that.
• Then, you can move each device up and down to ensure both are aligned. Using a ruler and pencil to mark equally high points on either side of the garage door opening would be best.
• Then, try adjusting both the sensors to that level.
• However, if one is already in its place, you will only have to adjust the other. The green light will come on once you have successfully aligned both sensors. You will then know that you have fulfilled the task successfully.
• When making the final adjustments, you should try the sensors just to ensure.
• You will have to place a softball or some other soft object under the door. It should be large enough to obstruct the beam’s path. Once the system detects such an object, it should stop the door immediately.

However, the door will crush the object if you cannot align the sensors correctly. In such a scenario, you should call a professional. They will check the door thoroughly for any other complications.

Bottom Line

Have you recently noticed that your garage door is not reversing properly? If you think there is an issue with your Garage Door Sensor, you have come to the right place. This article will guide you to check for a misaligned door sensor safely.