If your garage door only closes when you press and hold the wall button, it usually means the safety sensors are not working properly. This failsafe design prevents the door from closing on people, pets, or objects. The issue is common for homeowners across the U.S., including Illinois, especially with older systems or when sensors get dirty or misaligned.
Main Reasons a Garage Door Only Closes When Holding the Button
- Sensor misalignment
The two photo-eye sensors on either side of the garage door track need to be perfectly aligned. If one is even slightly off, the system thinks something is blocking the beam. Indicators: a blinking or unlit LED on one of the sensors. - Dirty or blocked sensors
Dust, dirt, moisture, or cobwebs on the sensor lenses can block the infrared beam. This triggers the safety override, requiring you to hold the button to force the door down. - Damaged or loose wiring
Wires connecting the sensors to the opener may become frayed, chewed (often by rodents), or corroded in humid Illinois basements and garages. If the opener cannot detect a signal, it assumes there’s an obstruction. - Sunlight interference
Direct sunlight shining into a sensor, especially during certain times of the day, can disrupt the infrared beam. This is more common on south- or west-facing garages. - Failed sensors
If your system is old, the sensors themselves may simply have stopped working.
Emergency Way to Close the Door
If you need to close your garage door immediately, the built-in solution is to press and hold the wall-mounted control button inside your garage. This bypasses the safety feature temporarily, but only works while you continue holding the button. The opener requires you to be present so you can confirm the area beneath the door is clear.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check sensor lights
Look for steady green (or solid light depending on brand). If blinking or off, realign until solid. - Clean the lenses
Gently wipe sensors with a cloth to remove dust and cobwebs. - Inspect wiring
Look along the track and on the opener itself for loose or damaged wires. - Test with sunlight
If the issue happens only at certain times of day, try shading the sensor from direct sunlight.
When to Call a Professional
If alignment, cleaning, or wiring checks don’t fix the issue, it’s time to call a certified garage door technician. For Illinois homeowners, frequent weather shifts (freezing winters, heavy rains, summer humidity) tend to cause recurring alignment or corrosion issues. Professionals can replace faulty sensors and ensure your opener complies with federal safety requirements.
FAQ
Why does the wall button work, but the remote doesn’t?
The remote does not override the safety sensors, while the wall button does (if held continuously).
Is it safe to just hold the button every time?
No. This bypasses safety and increases the risk of crushing injuries or property damage. It’s intended only as a temporary emergency solution.
Do I need new sensors or a new opener?
Most often, replacing the sensors solves the issue. Replacing the opener is only necessary if it is very old or the logic board is failing.
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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