Why Your Garage Door Light Is Blinking (And What You Should Do About It)

glass doors for garage

When your garage door light keeps blinking and the door won’t open, it can be frustrating and confusing. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many homeowners run into this issue. Luckily, there are a few common reasons this might happen, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going on.

What Does the Blinking Light Mean?

A blinking light on your garage door opener is usually trying to tell you something. Most of the time, it means the safety sensors are having trouble. These small sensors are at the bottom of your garage door—one on each side. They need to see each other clearly to let the door close.

If something is blocking the view or if they get knocked out of line, the garage door won’t work properly. You may even hear the motor trying, but the door won’t move.

What Can You Check First?

Before calling in help for a garage door repair, there are a few things you can try on your own:

  • Look for Obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the sensors. Even leaves, cobwebs, or a trash can could cause the problem.
  • Clean the Sensor Lenses: Use a soft cloth to gently clean off any dust or dirt.
  • Check Sensor Alignment: The sensors should face each other. If one is pointing slightly off, that could be the issue.
  • Look at the Lights: If one sensor’s light is blinking or off, it probably means it’s not lined up correctly.

Fixing these small problems might solve the issue right away. But if not, there may be a bigger repair needed.

Can You Still Use the Door Safely?

If the sensors aren’t working right, the door might not close at all—or it might close when it’s not safe. That can be dangerous. These sensors are there to stop the door if something (like a person or a pet) is in the way. Bypassing or ignoring the blinking light could lead to injury or damage.

If you absolutely must use the garage, use the manual release with care. But we recommend fixing the problem before using the door regularly.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, no matter what you do, the light keeps blinking. That might mean there’s a wiring problem or the sensor is broken. In that case, it’s best to call a pro.

We’ve handled all kinds of garage door repair issues—from sensors and openers to springs and tracks. If you’re dealing with Boise garage door repair, you can count on our experience to get things working again quickly and safely.

Keep Your Garage Door Working Smoothly

Your garage door is used every day, so it’s smart to do a quick check now and then. Watch how it opens and closes. If something seems slow or off, it could be the start of a problem. Catching it early means less stress and lower repair costs.

Don’t let a blinking light slow you down! Call us today at Garage Door Store Boise for quick, professional service you can trust—(208) 514-2871.