How to Safely Test and Replace Garage Door Sensors

Garage door safety sensors are a small but essential part of keeping your home safe. These photo-eye sensors, located near the bottom of the door tracks, prevent the door from closing when something, or someone, is in the way. If they aren’t working properly, your door could close on a person, pet, or vehicle, posing a serious hazard.

At George & Sons Garage Doors, we often help homeowners with garage door sensor replacement in Reno and nearby areas. Here’s how to safely test your sensors, recognize when they need replacement, and keep your system working the way it should.

What Garage Door Sensors Do

Most modern openers from brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain use infrared photo-eye sensors. These small devices send an invisible beam of light between each side of the garage door. If the beam is interrupted, the door automatically stops and reverses before making contact with anything.

How to Test Garage Door Safety Sensors

Testing your garage door sensors regularly ensures they’re functioning correctly. You don’t need special tools, just a few minutes and some basic observation.

Step 1: Close the Door and Observe the Lights

Each sensor has a small LED indicator. When both lights are solid, the sensors are aligned and communicating properly. If one light blinks or turns off, the beam may be blocked or the sensors may be misaligned.

Step 2: Interrupt the Beam

Stand safely away from the door and close it using your remote. As the door moves, wave an object like a broomstick across the sensors. The door should immediately stop and reverse. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to inspect alignment or wiring.

Step 3: Test the Auto-Reverse Feature

Although this is a separate function, it’s wise to test both systems at once. Place a sturdy object, such as a 2×4, flat on the ground beneath the door. When you close it, the door should reverse upon contact. If not, schedule a garage door safety inspection in Reno as soon as possible.

Testing monthly helps prevent accidents and ensures your opener remains compliant with modern safety standards.

Signs of Faulty Garage Door Sensors

Sensors can fail for several reasons. Dust, vibration, or age can all interfere with performance. Look for these common faulty garage door sensor symptoms:

• The door won’t close or reverses unexpectedly
• The sensor lights are flickering or off
• The door only closes when you hold the wall button
• The opener blinks repeatedly, signaling a sensor issue

If you notice these warning signs, it’s time to check for garage door photo eye alignment or consider replacing the sensors.

How to Realign Garage Door Sensors

Before replacing your sensors, try a quick realignment:

1. Turn off power to the opener.
2. Loosen the wing nuts on each sensor bracket.
3. Use a level to ensure both sensors are facing each other evenly.
4. Tighten the brackets and check that both LEDs are solid.
5. Restore power and test the door again.

Often, this simple adjustment resolves minor misalignment issues.

When to Replace Your Garage Door Sensors

If cleaning and realigning don’t solve the problem, it may be time for a garage door sensor replacement. Sensors can wear out over time, especially in Nevada’s dry, dusty climate. Replacing both sensors at once is usually best to ensure even performance and long-term reliability.

Why Call a Professional for Garage Door Sensor Replacement

While testing and cleaning are simple, wiring and replacement can be tricky. Incorrectly installed sensors can lead to malfunctioning doors or even safety risks. A professional technician from George & Sons Garage Doors will ensure your sensors are positioned accurately, wired correctly, and tested thoroughly for safety.

Our experienced team provides garage door opener sensor replacement, maintenance, and full safety inspections for all major brands.

Keep Your Garage Door Safe With Help From George & Sons

If your sensors aren’t working as they should, contact George & Sons Garage Doors today for expert garage door sensor replacement in Northern Nevada. Our experienced technicians can diagnose issues quickly, replace worn or faulty components, and make sure your system operates safely and reliably.