How Do I Know If My Garage Door Sensor Is Broken?

Garage door sensors are essential safety devices that prevent the door from closing on objects or people. If your garage door refuses to close or reverses suddenly, a faulty sensor could be to blame. Here's how you can tell if your sensor is broken and what steps you can take.

Signs of a Faulty Sensor

Flashing or No Light: Most sensors show a steady green or red light when working properly. A blinking or absent light indicates trouble.
Garage Door Reverses or Won't Close: If the door starts to close but then reverses, it's often due to the safety sensor misinterpreting an obstruction.
Intermittent Function: A failing sensor might work sporadically, causing unpredictable door behaviour.

Common Causes

Dirty Lens: Dust or spider webs can block the signal. Clean both sensors with a soft cloth.
Misalignment: Both sensors must be perfectly aligned to create a beam. Gently adjust them until the lights are steady.
Wiring Issues: Frayed or disconnected wires can cause sensors to fail completely.

Testing the Sensors

Try closing the door with the remote while standing near the sensors. If the door behaves unusually, or if only one sensor light is on, the alignment or connection may be off. If both lights remain off even after cleaning and adjusting, the sensor may need replacing.

Conclusion

Broken sensors can affect both the performance and safety of your garage door. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional. We offer on-site inspections and will diagnose the issue at no cost before suggesting a fix or replacement.