If the light on your garage door sensor is off, it means the sensor is either not receiving power or is misaligned. For safety, the door will not close. The issue is often resolved by checking the power supply and realigning the sensors.
Important! Before taking any action, unplug the garage door opener from the power outlet. Never stand under a moving door.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
- Check the sensor’s power.
Make sure the sensor is getting power. Check that the wire leading to the sensor is not damaged and is securely connected to the opener. Make sure the opener itself is plugged into an outlet. - Clean the lenses.
Dirt, dust, or spiderwebs on the lenses can block the infrared beam. Carefully wipe the lenses with a soft, dry cloth. - Check the sensors’ alignment.
This is the most common cause. The sensors must be pointed directly at each other. If they are out of alignment, one of the lights (usually on the receiving sensor) will be off. Slowly realign the sensor until the light shines steadily. - Ensure there are no obstructions.
Even a small object like a leaf or a small rock can interrupt the beam. Make sure there is nothing blocking the sensors’ line of sight.
Frequently Asked Questions
One sensor is on and the other is off, what does that mean?
If one light is on and the other is off, it usually indicates that one sensor is receiving power and the other is not. Make sure both sensors are aligned and that the beam is not broken. It’s possible one of the sensors is faulty.
The light is blinking, not steady. What is the problem?
A blinking light usually signals a temporary interruption of the beam, for example, due to a small obstruction or sunlight hitting the sensor. Check for foreign objects and clean the lenses. If the blinking doesn’t stop, the sensor may be faulty.
Do I need to call a professional?
If you have completed all troubleshooting steps (power check, alignment, cleaning) and the light still won’t come on, there may be a problem with the wiring or the sensor itself may be broken. In this case, it is recommended to contact a certified professional.
We hope this guide helped you solve the problem! If you still have questions or are unsure about your next steps, it’s best to trust the professionals. We’re always here to help.
Written by Dmytro Shevchenko, Certified Garage Door Technician in PrimeGDR.
Dmytro Shevchenko is the owner of Prime Garage Door Repair, a trusted garage door repair company serving the Chicagoland area. Based in Mundelein, IL, he leads a team of certified technicians specializing in emergency repairs, opener and spring replacement, and complete garage door installation.
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