Common Reasons a Garage Door Sensor Stops Working (& How to Fix It)

How to Align Garage Door Sensors

The sensor is one of the most underrated and often unseen parts of any garage door mechanism. Because of its placement within the tracks, garage owners tend to forget about the existence of these devices. One of the few times that people remember the sensors is when there is an emergency inside the garage. Another time is when the sensors are misaligned and come out of their place.

Learning how to adjust garage door sensors is crucial in keeping the garage safe. If you’re a garage owner learning how to maintain the condition of the mechanism, don’t forget the sensors. The door sensors act as one of the primary safety measures inside the property’s garage.

Here are some methods for doing the alignment adjustment of the sensors:

Method 1: Use a string

One of the best ways to align the sensors is using a string to level both units. It’s crucial to keep the sensors aligned, especially at the beginning of how to install garage door sensor s.

Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools for the task

Prepare the tools for the task of loosening and realigning the sensors. Most sensor devices are held in the tracks by brackets, nuts, and bolts. Essential mechanical tools and equipment can help in the task, and these items are very affordable as well. Many retail stores, hardware, and stalls sell devices that can help with all-around functions at home.

Here are some tools you’ll need for the alignment of the sensors:

Screwdriver to loosen any screw in the build
C-clamp to hold the garage door
Allen wrench to loosen the nuts and bolts
Long string for the alignment
Gloves to protect you from any electrical passage

Step 2: Turn off the power supply inside the garage

Turn off the garage power supply by switching the power button inside the garage. If this doesn’t work, trip the fuse inside the garage to temporarily cut out the power inside. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves on your hands to protect you from power surges. Always prioritize your safety over anything inside the garage. The light beams from both sensors will be gone once the power is off

Step 3: Loosen the sensors along the tracks

If you want to open the garage door halfway when it’s too heavy:

Use the c-clamps. Since there is no power, you need to free the garage entrance manually.
Disengage the door with the garage door opener.

Push the door panels upward until the entire garage door is near the overhead tracks.

Hold the sides of the door panels along the tracks using the clamps. The clamps will prevent the door panels from sliding down.

Loosen the sensors along the tracks. Using the screwdriver, loosen the bracket mount of the door sensor. Ensure that it’s not too loose to remove the entire sensor. The proper force will make the sensor device slideable and easy to move along the tracks.

Step 4: Tie a string and tighten the sensors

Tie the string end to end between the two sensor devices. Make sure the string is very tight around both units, making the alignment more precise. Slightly shift around one sensor along the tracks to the desired height. The typical height distance from the floor is around 6 to 9 inches. Tighten the mounting bracket of the sensor.

Do the same for the next sensor. Pull up the sensor across the tracks and ensure that the alignment between the two sensor devices is tight. Check the alignment from afar by stepping back inside the garage or outside the driveway.

Step 5: Test both sensor units

Turn back on the power inside the garage. Turn on the sensors and check the light beams from both units. One sensor should send a yellow light. Upon detecting the sender sensor, the receiving sensor should turn green. This is the indication of fully functional door sensors along the tracks.

If none of the sensors emits the proper light beams, repeat the alignment process. If it still doesn’t work, consider how to replace garage door sensors immediately. Many services can cater to repair work or device replacement with the best sensors in the market.

Method 2: Use a ruler and a level

Another way you can align the door sensors is by using other tools. Consider a ruler and a level if you have these items at home. All the steps are the same with the string level method; however, there’s a variation. Instead of using a string, you will manually measure the height and level of both sensors.

Don’t forget to wear a pair of gloves when turning off the power source. Unscrew the mounting bracket and measure the height from the ground upward with a ruler. Keep both sensors at level with each other using the level.

Method 3: Call a professional garage door repair company to do the alignment

If you don’t have the tools for alignment, the best course of action is getting professionals to do it. Call a reliable service in the area to give you the best services and recommendations.

Sometimes, if there are damages to the sensor, replacement is the only way to ensure safety inside the garage. Investing in a new set of sensor devices for your garage can increase the safety and protection levels inside.

Give 225 Garage Door Repair a call to align the sensors in the tracks

We are 225 Garage Door Repair, and we are here to help all garage owners in town. Protection and security are some of the most significant factors for any property. It’s the reason owners have a heavy-duty garage door guarding the garage entry. With protective entries come other measures in place for guarantee.

Don’t wait until a falling door panel or a destroyed backlight becomes your cue to call services. Here with 225 Garage Door Repair, you have a guarantee that the highest quality sensors are available for your garage. If you can’t align the sensors, it’s time to invest in a new set of sensors and the installation service.