29 August,2024
Have you ever faced any issues with your garage door sensor? You are not alone if you have found that your garage door sensor isn’t functioning properly. The purpose of this blog is to make you understand the various aspects of garage door sensors, how they work, why they malfunction, and how to fix them.
The garage door sensors are devices that prevent a garage door from closing on something or someone. They do so by sweeping across the bottom of your garage door with light beams.
When something blocks the beam, it tells the garage door opener to stop closing and reverse direction, thus preventing an accident or damage. So, the main function of the sensors of your garage doors is to ensure that no accident or damage takes place.
Garage door sensors rank among the most critical devices that ensure the safety of your home or your workplace. They ensure that, in case there is something or somebody in the path of the door while opening, it does not shut. This is very vital in preventing children, pets, and other such objects from being crushed by your garage door.
Imagine your child or your beloved pet running under the door as it closes. If the sensors are not functioning properly, this could result in serious injury or death.
This sensor will also help to keep the door running smoothly. When sensors are working properly, they stop extra pressure being put on the door and mechanisms, leading to a decrease in their life.
A properly working, or functioning sensor system will ensure that your garage door opens and closes effectively, reducing mechanical breakdown and heavy expenses in repairs.
You need to identify if something is wrong with your garage door sensors. Principally, when your garage door doesn’t shut down or suddenly changes direction, that might signify that there is something wrong with the sensors.
As you frequently check the sensors, you will be able to identify and resolve issues before they become big ones. These are some of the clear indicators that your sensors could be faulty:
The sensors detect an obstruction in the way or malfunction when the door begins to shut but then reverses.
Most of the time, when the door will not close at all, the cause is that the sensors are not aligned or something is blocking their view.
The LED lights on the sensors act as an indicator; if they are flashing, or if the light is not on, then something is wrong.
Some common causes for malfunctioning garage door sensors exist. Knowing them will help you troubleshoot and fix any issues quickly and easily.
Many a time, obstructions are likely to occur in the path of the sensor. It could be toys, tools, dirt, and other debris. Anything, no matter how small, can cause misjudgment of the sensor in checking out the clear path of the door.
The sensors need the power to drive them. In case of a power failure, say due to a fuse blowing or a tripped breaker, the sensor will fail to work. Ensure that the power supply to the sensors is uninterrupted.
Each sensor has an LED light to indicate whether it is working correctly. If the light on one or both of the sensors is not lit, there may well be a problem with power, or the sensor may be faulty.
The sensor may get dirty because of pollution, car fumes, dust, and spider webs. All of these might block the view of the sensors, eventually leading them to malfunction. This can be avoided by regularly cleaning the sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
The garage door sensors are prone to moisture. If they get wet, they just quit working. This happens if the garage is humid or the sensors get rained or snowed on.
They have to be aligned for the proper working of the sensors. They won’t work if they get bumped or moved out of place. Check to see that the LED lights on both of the sensors are lit; otherwise, adjust them until they show an alignment of both.
The transducers wear out over time, mainly if they have been in for a very long time. If you have tried all the troubleshooting and they still don’t work, it may be replacement time.
Dust and dirt may obstruct the functioning of your garage door sensors. The devices work by looking at an obstruction through a provided beam, and if blocked, you will experience a malfunction.
Try cleaning it with a soft cloth, and then rub these sensors until there is no more dust or dirt. Make sure that there is no debris floating in the front of the sensor since even a small obstruction may cause problems.
The garage door sensors must be perfectly aligned to face each other. Otherwise, the misaligned sensors can cause a malfunction in the garage door.
Check the light of both sensors to ensure that they are properly aligned; their lights will blink or appear to be shaking. If this is the case, then there is some problem with the alignment of sensors.
Adjust them until the lights stay steady and face each other directly. By doing this, you can make the sensors work properly.
The wiring from your garage door sensors to the opener can, at times, get loose or even damaged. Check the wires for any wear or damage.
If you find loose wiring, tighten it. If the wires are damaged, you will have to replace them. Properly connected and intact wires are indispensable for the sensors.
After cleaning and aligning the sensors, check the wiring, and test the sensors to see that everything is okay. Close the garage door and place an object in the path of the sensor.
If the door reverses upon hitting, it means that the sensors are okay. If it doesn’t, there might be a bigger problem that may require further attention.
If you have cleaned, aligned, and checked the wiring and still, the sensors do not work, then they must be faulty. The sensors wear out with time and eventually stop working. You will need to buy new sensors compatible with your garage door opener.
You just have to follow the instructions from the manufacturer to replace the old ones with new ones. This should solve the problem of faulty sensors.
Still, having problems with your garage door sensors? Maybe it’s time to bring in a pro.
If you are thinking of DIY to fix the sensors of your garage door, then let us tell you, it’s best to hire professionals to do the needful. We specialize in fixing garage door sensors quickly and efficiently at Sam’s Garage.
We realize how much you need a safe and functional garage door. Our team of experts can diagnose and repair any issues to ensure your sensors and door work perfectly.
Conclusion:
Looking after garage door sensors is essential for the safety and functionality of your garage door. To prevent quite many issues that may crop up, regular cleaning, aligning, wiring checks, testing, and replacement of defective sensors would go a long way.
If you need help, contact Sam’s Garage for professional technicians to walk you through the process. Call today to schedule an appointment with our expert garage door sensor repair service.
Clean the sensors every few months or when you notice dust and dirt accumulating on them. This regular cleaning will help in maintaining their functionality.
If the sensors are getting frequently misaligned then protective brackets are required, or professional help must be taken to keep them at their position.
Replace your sensors if they are old or damaged, or if cleaning and adjusting does not make them work. New sensors ensure reliability and safety in the system.
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