It's a familiar and frustrating scenario. You press the remote to close your garage door, and it starts to descend, only to reverse and go back up. This often happens at the most inconvenient times, right as you're trying to leave for work or a family outing. In most cases, the culprit is a malfunctioning garage door opener sensors.
These small but mighty sensors are a vital safety feature, required by law on all garage door openers manufactured since 1993. They work by projecting an invisible infrared beam across the garage door opening. If the beam is broken by a person, pet, or object while the door is closing, the sensors tell the opener to immediately stop and reverse. This is what keeps your family and property safe.
Localized Guide for Monterey & Santa Cruz Homeowners
If your garage door is refusing to close, don't worry! For many homeowners in the Monterey and Santa Cruz area, the fix is a simple, do-it-yourself task.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your garage door working again.
Step 1: Look for Obstructions & Clean the Lenses
The most common reason for a sensor malfunction is something blocking the infrared beam. This could be anything from a stray toy to a piece of debris, or even a pesky spiderweb.
- First, visually inspect the area around both sensors, which are typically located a few inches above the floor on either side of the garage door track.
- Next, grab a clean, soft cloth and gently wipe the lenses on both sensors. Dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate over time, clouding the lenses and preventing the beam from making a clear connection.
Step 2: Check the Sensor Alignment
Even a slight bump can knock a sensor out of alignment. Kids, pets, garbage cans, and even the occasional car bumper are often the cause.
- Look at the LED lights on each sensor. One sensor (the emitter) usually has a solid yellow or red light, while the other (the receiver) has a solid green light.
- If a light is off or blinking, it's a clear sign that the sensors are out of alignment and the beam is broken.
- To fix this, gently adjust the sensor's position. You can often do this by loosening the wingnut on the mounting bracket and then carefully tilting the sensor until the LED light turns solid.
- Take your time and make small adjustments. The goal is to get the sensors pointing directly at each other. Once the light on the receiving sensor is a steady green, you're good to go.
Step 3: Address Sunlight Interference
In some Monterey and Santa Cruz homes, especially those with west-facing garages, direct sunlight can be a problem. The strong sun can sometimes "blind" the receiving sensor, preventing it from detecting the infrared beam.
- If you notice the problem only happens at a certain time of day, sunlight is likely the issue.
- A simple solution is to create a small shield to block the direct sun. A small piece of cardboard or even an old paper towel roll can be used to create a makeshift hood over the sensor's lens, allowing the beam to pass without interference from the sun's rays.
Step 4: Test the Door
Plug the opener back in and run it through a close/open cycle. Watch for smooth operation, no reversing or flashing lights.
