Garage door sensors are an essential safety feature, designed to prevent the door from closing when there’s an obstruction. For Meridian, ID homeowners, faulty sensors can lead to frustrating malfunctions and safety concerns.
Knowing when your sensors need replacement can save you from unexpected problems and keep your garage door operating safely. That’s why it’s important to consider Meridian ID garage door repair services when issues arise.
Frequent Reversing When Nothing is Blocking the Door
A common sign of faulty garage door sensors is the door reversing unexpectedly. If your garage door reverses before fully closing, even when the path is clear, this may indicate a sensor problem.
Sensor Misalignment: Sometimes, the sensors may be slightly out of alignment, causing them to read false positives. Adjusting the sensors so they face each other directly may solve this problem.
Internal Malfunction: If realignment doesn’t work, the sensors could have internal wiring issues that prevent them from functioning correctly. In this case, replacement may be the only solution.
Door Refuses to Close Completely
When your garage door opens but won’t close all the way, sensor issues could be the culprit. This problem is often due to malfunctioning sensors that inaccurately detect obstacles, stopping the door from closing completely.
Blocked Sensor Lenses: Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the sensor lenses, preventing them from working accurately. Clean the lenses to see if this solves the problem.
Broken Sensor Wires: If the lenses are clean and aligned but the door still won’t close, the wiring connecting the sensors may be damaged, requiring sensor replacement to restore normal operation.
Blinking Sensor Lights
Most garage door sensors come equipped with LED lights that indicate their operational status. These lights are a useful tool in troubleshooting, as a blinking or non-lit sensor often signals an issue.
Misalignment Warning: Blinking lights often indicate that the sensors are out of alignment. Adjust the sensors so that the lights remain steady when facing each other.
Power Issues: If the lights aren’t on at all, the sensors may not be receiving power. Check the wiring connections and circuit to see if there’s an electrical issue. If power issues persist, it’s time to replace the sensors.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
Garage door sensors can sometimes malfunction due to exposure to direct sunlight, which can interfere with their infrared beam. This is especially common during bright Meridian summers when the intense sunlight might cause the sensors to falsely detect obstructions.
Relocate or Shield Sensors: Some homeowners may use sensor shades or reposition the sensors to reduce exposure to sunlight. If the sensors are too sensitive to adjust effectively, consider replacing them with models that are more resistant to light interference.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Sensor Issues
Faulty sensors can prevent your garage door from operating safely and efficiently, highlighting the importance of timely Meridian ID garage door repair. From unexpected reversals to sensitivity issues, understanding these signs will help you identify when replacement is necessary, keeping your garage door functioning smoothly.
At Garage Door Store Boise, we offer professional sensor replacement services for Meridian homeowners to ensure optimal performance and safety. Contact us today to schedule a service and keep your garage door running reliably!