Garage door not moving?
Before you panic about having to replace it, take a breath. Nine times out of ten, it comes down to one simple issue: misaligned sensors.
These small safety devices have a big impact when it comes to protecting your family and property. When they’re working correctly, you barely notice them. But when they’re not? You definitely do.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to align garage door sensors step by step, so you can get back to your day.
Positioned near the bottom of each side of your garage door frame, your garage door sensors work as an invisible safety net. They create an infrared beam across the door opening that acts like a layer of security. When anything interrupts that beam, whether it’s your child’s bike or a curious cat, the sensors immediately signal the door to stop or reverse.
This safety feature helps prevent accidents and protect against any potentially serious injuries or damage. When these sensors fall out of alignment, your garage door loses this protection and can become unreliable. Your door might stop mid-close, reverse unexpectedly, or refuse to move at all.
For South Florida homeowners, properly functioning garage doors are a must during the hurricane season. If your home has a garage, it’s typically the largest opening on your home’s exterior, and its doors need to be very secure. When hurricane warnings hit, the last thing you want to discover is that your garage door won’t close properly because of sensor issues.
Florida’s strict building codes require permits for garage door replacement and service precisely because these systems must be able to stand up to heavy wind loads and protect your home’s structural integrity.
Your garage door won’t close completely or closes halfway and then reverses: This happens because the sensors think something is blocking the path, even though nothing is there.
You notice flashing or blinking lights on one or both sensor units: Steady lights indicate proper alignment, while blinking lights signal a problem.
Your garage door opener runs but the door doesn’t move: The opener receives your signal, but the safety sensors prevent the door from operating.
Before you begin, always remember to handle wiring carefully, especially in older systems, and avoid forcing damaged brackets since this could create bigger problems.
Now let’s walk through how to fix garage door sensor alignment.
Unplug your garage door opener from the electrical outlet or flip the breaker to cut power to the system. This protects you from accidental door movement while you work.
Find your sensors positioned at the bottom of the garage door tracks, typically 4–6 inches above the ground. Check that the mounting brackets aren’t loose, bent, or damaged.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dirt, dust, spider webs, or other debris from the sensor lenses. This simple cleaning step often resolves many alignment issues immediately.
Carefully loosen the mounting bracket screws so you can adjust the sensor positions. A piece of string can be used to create a visual reference to make sure that the sensors are properly aligned. Both sensors should point directly at each other with the string touching each lens.
Place a bubble level against each sensor to confirm they’re perfectly level and facing each other. This extra step can help make sure that the alignment will hold over time and not budge.
Hold the sensors in place, tighten the bracket screws, and restore power to your opener. Activate the door to test its movement. Both LED lights should glow steadily without blinking to signal proper alignment.
If you’re still experiencing issues, try making small adjustments to the sensor positions while watching the LED response. Sometimes a tiny nudge in the right direction can make all the difference.
LiftMaster systems use specific indicators that make troubleshooting easier once you know what to look for.
Green and Amber LED Indicators: LiftMaster sensors have color-coded lights for quick diagnostics. The receiving sensor displays a solid green light when properly aligned, while the sending sensor displays a yellow one. When these sensors are misaligned, you’ll see the lights blink instead of remaining steady.
Real-Time Feedback: One handy LiftMaster feature is that the LED lights respond instantly to alignment changes. You’ll see the amber light on the receiving sensor go from blinking to solid as soon as it detects the beam. This real-time feedback is a great guide to follow as you make adjustments.
High Sensitivity: LiftMaster sensors are extremely precise. Even a slight bump or loosely secured bracket can throw off alignment. Be patient, and follow the alignment steps carefully, keeping an eye on the LEDs to guide you.
If your sensors continue flashing after you’ve aligned them, your door still won’t work properly, or you notice damaged brackets or wiring, we’re just a call away. Our experienced, family-run team is here to help keep your home safe and your garage door running smoothly.
Call us at 954-942-8550 or send us a message to schedule your garage door service visit!
At Allied Doors, we’re dedicated to keeping your garage door operating smoothly and safely, from installation to hurricane preparation. Family-owned and proudly serving South Florida for over 50 years, we operate from the Keys to Vero Beach. More than just a service provider, we’re your family in the garage door business.
Count on us for all your garage door needs! Learn more about us here.
