Garage door sensors might be small, but they play a big part in keeping your garage door working safely. They stop the door from closing if something is in the way. That’s a big deal—especially when kids, pets, or your car are nearby. But when those sensors break or stop working right, your whole garage door system can act up. That’s when you need garage door sensor repair.
If your garage door won’t close, keeps going back up, or flashes a warning light, your sensors could be the problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to repair garage door sensors, what to watch out for, and when it’s best to call a pro.
What Do Garage Door Sensors Do?
Garage door sensors are all about safety. You’ll find them a few inches off the ground, one on each side of the garage door. They send an invisible beam between each other. If anything blocks that beam, the garage door won’t close.
That means the sensors can stop your garage door from closing on a person, a pet, or a toy left in the way. It’s a smart feature—and required by law for garage doors in the U.S.
But these sensors can get dirty, misaligned, or just wear out over time. When that happens, it might look like your door has a mind of its own. That’s where garage door sensor repair comes in.
Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Might Be Broken
If something’s not right with your garage door, your sensors might be to blame. Here are the most common signs that it’s time for garage door sensor repair:
- The garage door won’t close all the way.
- The door starts to close but opens again.
- You see flashing or blinking lights on one or both sensors.
- One or both sensor lights are completely off.
- You have to hold the wall button to close the door.
- The door seems to work fine sometimes but not always.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to check the sensors first before looking at other parts of the system.
How to Repair Garage Door Sensor Issues
Let’s say your door isn’t closing right. Before you call for help, there are a few things you can try yourself. Most garage door sensor problems are simple to fix.
1. Clean the Sensors
Garage sensors can get dusty or dirty. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe off both lenses. Be sure to remove any spider webs, dirt, or leaves.
2. Remove Obstructions
Even small items like garden tools or rocks can block the sensor beam. Make sure nothing is in front of the sensors.
3. Check the Alignment
The sensors need to face each other perfectly. If one gets bumped or twisted, it can throw the whole system off. Loosen the wing nut holding the sensor in place, adjust it, then tighten it once the light stays on.
4. Inspect the Wiring
Look at the wires going to each sensor. If they look loose, frayed, or disconnected, this could be your problem. Wiring issues are best handled by a technician.
5. Test the Door
After cleaning and adjusting the sensors, try closing the garage door again. If it works normally, you’ve solved the issue!
Still Having Trouble?
If none of the above steps fix the problem, it’s time to call the pros. Some issues—like faulty circuit boards, internal sensor failure, or wiring problems—need professional tools and experience.
Our team at Overhead Door Company of Bellingham knows how to find the problem fast. We’ve been fixing garage door sensors and systems for years, and we always make sure it’s done safely
There are a few common reasons why your garage door sensors might stop working:
- Dirt and debris: Dust can block the sensor beam.
- Vibration: Over time, regular use can knock the sensors out of line.
- Sunlight: Bright sunlight can interfere with the sensor beam.
- Water damage: Rain or snow can cause corrosion.
- Wear and tear: Like any device, they don’t last forever.
Knowing why your sensors fail can help you prevent issues in the future.
When to Replace Your Garage Door Sensors
Sometimes, a repair just isn’t enough. Here are signs that it might be time to replace your sensors:
- You’ve tried cleaning and aligning but still have problems.
- The sensor light doesn’t come on, even with power.
- Your sensors are more than 10 years old.
- Wires are damaged or corroded.
Replacing sensors is often quick and affordable. A technician can do it safely and make sure your door is working perfectly again.
DIY vs. Professional Repair
You might be able to fix simple issues like cleaning or alignment on your own. But if the problem is electrical, or if you need new parts, it’s safer to bring in a professional.
Here’s a quick guide:
DIY Fixes:
- Cleaning lenses
- Aligning sensors
- Removing small obstructions
Call a Pro:
- Wiring issues
- Replacing sensors
- Repeated sensor failures
- Broken mounts or brackets
Cost of Garage Door Sensor Repair
Wondering how much it costs to repair a garage door sensor?
Most repairs cost between $75 and $150, depending on the issue. If the sensor needs to be replaced, it could be a bit more, but it’s still one of the more affordable garage door repairs.
Keep in mind that fixing sensor issues early can prevent bigger, more expensive problems down the road.
Here are a few quick tips to keep your garage door sensors working their best:
- Clean them every few months
- Check alignment if the door acts up
- Keep toys, tools, and clutter out of the sensor path
- Schedule a yearly tune-up with a garage door pro
Maintenance goes a long way in avoiding surprise breakdowns.
Need Garage Door Sensor Repair Fast?
You shouldn’t have to deal with a broken garage door sensor on your own. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full replacement, we’re ready to help.
Overhead Door Company of Bellingham has helped homeowners across the region with garage door sensor repairs, and we’ll make sure your door is back in action—safe and working like new.
Fast Service
Friendly Technicians
Trusted Local Experts
How much does it cost to repair a garage door sensor?
Garage door sensor repair typically costs between $75 and $150, depending on the issue. If a full replacement is needed, it may cost slightly more but remains affordable compared to other garage repairs.
How do I fix garage door sensors?
Start by cleaning the sensor lenses with a soft cloth, removing any obstructions, and making sure the sensors are properly aligned. If that doesn’t work, inspect the wiring or call a professional.
Can I replace garage door sensors myself?
Yes, you can replace them if you’re comfortable working with wires and tools. However, for safety and reliability, many homeowners prefer having a technician handle the job.
How do I realign my garage door sensors?
Loosen the mounting brackets, adjust the sensors so they face each other directly, and tighten them once both lights are solid (not blinking). A steady light means they’re correctly aligned.
📞 Call (360) 734-5960 now!
🛠️ We’re ready to fix your garage door sensor today!
Don’t wait—contact us now and get your garage door working right!
