Your garage door starts to close, then suddenly reverses back up. You try again with the same result. Sound familiar? You’re likely dealing with misaligned garage door sensors, one of the most common reasons garage doors refuse to close properly.
Garage door safety sensors, also called photo eyes, serve a crucial safety function. These small devices prevent your door from closing on people, pets, or objects by creating an invisible beam of light across the door’s path. When this beam is broken or the sensors can’t “see” each other due to misalignment, your door won’t close as designed.
Recognizing the signs of sensor misalignment can save you time, money, and frustration. More importantly, it helps ensure your garage door system operates safely for your family.
What Are Garage Door Sensors and How Do They Work?
Garage door sensors are mounted near the bottom of your garage door tracks on both sides of the opening. These paired devices work together to create an invisible safety barrier using a beam of light. One sensor sends the beam while the other receives it.
When properly aligned, the sensors communicate seamlessly. If something interrupts the beam—whether it’s a person, pet, or object—the door immediately stops closing and reverses direction. This simple but effective system has prevented countless accidents since becoming standard on garage door openers.
The key word here is “properly aligned.” Even a slight misalignment can disrupt this safety system, leaving you with a garage door that won’t close.
Common Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Are Misaligned
Garage Door Won’t Close Fully
The most obvious sign of sensor trouble is when your door starts to close but then reverses back up. This happens because the misaligned sensors can’t establish a clear connection, so the opener thinks there’s an obstruction.
You might notice the door only closes when you hold down the wall button continuously. This forces the system to override the sensor safety feature, but it’s not a long-term solution.
Flashing Sensor Lights
Most garage door sensor systems include indicator lights that show their status. When sensors are properly aligned and functioning, these lights typically show solid green or red. Blinking lights, no lights, or mismatched light patterns usually signal a problem.
You might see one sensor displaying a solid green light while the other blinks or stays off entirely. This indicates the sensors aren’t communicating properly.
Garage Door Opener Blinks or Beeps
Many modern garage door openers will flash their main light or emit beeping sounds when the safety sensors aren’t working correctly. Check your opener’s manual for specific light patterns or beep codes that indicate sensor issues.
No Visible Obstruction, but Door Still Reverses
Even when the garage floor appears clear, your door might still reverse during closing. This happens because misaligned sensors create a “phantom” obstruction—the system thinks something is blocking the path when the real issue is sensor alignment.
What Causes Sensor Misalignment?
Several factors can knock your garage door sensors out of alignment:
Accidental bumps are the most common culprit. Kids playing, lawn equipment, pets, or simply walking too close to the sensors can jostle them out of position.
Loose mounting brackets or screws allow sensors to shift over time. Regular garage door vibrations can gradually loosen hardware.
Dirty sensor lenses or cobwebs can block the light beam, creating the same effect as misalignment.
Normal wear and vibration from years of garage door operation can slowly shift sensors out of their optimal position.
Can You Fix Misaligned Sensors Yourself?
Step-by-Step DIY Tips
Start by inspecting both sensor lights. Are they both lit and showing solid colors? If not, you’ve confirmed a sensor issue.
Gently adjust the sensors so they face each other directly. Most sensors can be moved by loosening the mounting bracket slightly and repositioning the sensor.
Clean both sensor lenses with a soft, dry cloth. Remove any dust, dirt, or cobwebs that might be blocking the beam.
Tighten any loose brackets or screws you notice during your inspection.
Test the door using your remote control. If the sensors are now properly aligned, the door should close normally.
When to Call the Pros
If your sensors appear aligned but the problem persists, you may have wiring or electrical issues that require professional attention.
For peace of mind and long-term reliability, many homeowners prefer having a qualified technician handle sensor adjustments and testing.
Why Sensor Issues Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Malfunctioning sensors put your family and pets at risk. A garage door that closes unexpectedly can cause serious injury.
From a security standpoint, an open garage door is an invitation to intruders. Sensor problems that prevent your door from closing leave your home vulnerable.
Ongoing sensor issues may indicate deeper problems with your opener or wiring that will only get worse over time.
Trust Gator Garage Doors for Fast, Reliable Repairs
When DIY solutions don’t solve your sensor alignment problems, Gator Garage Doors is here to help. Our local, expert technicians serve Austin and surrounding areas with same-day service available for urgent issues.
We provide transparent pricing, quality repairs, and friendly customer service. Our experienced team can quickly diagnose sensor problems and get your garage door working safely again.
Don’t let misaligned sensors leave your garage door stuck open. Contact Gator Garage Doors today at (512) 524-7703 or schedule service online. We’ll have your garage door sensors properly aligned and your door closing smoothly in no time.