How to Align Garage Door Sensors in 7 Easy Steps?
Garage door sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of your garage door. When these sensors go out of alignment, your door might not close properly or may even stop working altogether. Fortunately, aligning garage door sensors is a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with a little patience and the right tools. Follow these 7 easy steps to get your garage door sensors back on track!
1. Turn Off the Power
Before you begin any work on your garage door system, safety should always come first. The first step is to turn off the power to the garage door opener. This is crucial to avoid any accidents while you’re adjusting the sensors. You can do this by either unplugging the opener or using the power switch if available. This ensures that the door doesn’t operate unexpectedly during the process.
2. Locate the Sensors
Garage door sensors are typically positioned at the bottom of the door tracks, about 6 inches above the ground on either side of the door. These sensors consist of two parts: a sending sensor and a receiving sensor. The sending sensor emits a beam, while the receiving sensor detects it. When the sensors are misaligned, the beam is interrupted, causing the door to stop closing.
3. Inspect the Sensors for Obstructions
Before making any adjustments, it’s essential to check for any debris or objects obstructing the sensors. Dirt, spider webs, or even a small toy can block the sensors and prevent them from working correctly. Use a clean cloth to wipe both sensors gently and clear any obstructions. This step will ensure that the sensors are clean and functioning properly before you attempt alignment.
4. Check for Visible Misalignment
Once the sensors are clear, inspect them to see if they are visibly misaligned. The sensors should face each other directly and should be aligned horizontally. If one sensor is tilted or shifted, this is likely causing the issue. Check the mounting brackets to make sure they’re secure, as loose brackets can cause the sensors to shift out of alignment.
5. Adjust the Sensors
If the sensors are misaligned, you’ll need to adjust their positions. Most garage door sensors can be easily adjusted by loosening the screws that hold them in place. Gently move the sensor until it is directly aligned with the other one, ensuring that both sensors are pointing at each other. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause further misalignment.
6. Test the Alignment
After you’ve adjusted the sensors, test the alignment by gently waving your hand in front of the sensors. You should see the LED lights on each sensor either blink or light up solid, indicating that they are properly aligned. If the lights are still blinking or the door doesn’t close, you may need to make minor adjustments to fine-tune the alignment.
7. Power Up and Test the Garage Door
Once you’re confident that the sensors are properly aligned, turn the power back on and test the garage door. Press the remote or wall switch to close the door. If everything is functioning correctly, the door should close smoothly without any issues. If the door doesn’t respond or stops midway, it could indicate that the sensors still need some minor adjustments.
When to Call a Professional?
While aligning garage door sensors is a simple task, there are instances when it’s best to call in a professional. If your sensors are still malfunctioning after alignment, there could be an issue with the wiring or the sensors themselves. Best Fix garage door repair technicians can diagnose and fix the problem, ensuring that your door operates safely.
