Why Is My Garage Door Sensor Blinking?
Garage door sensors are important in ensuring smooth and safe operation. However, if you notice that the light on the garage door sensor is blinking, it signals that something might be wrong. Sometimes, the solution might be as straightforward as moving away objects or debris near the sensors. But that’s not always the case.
Sometimes, a blinking sensor light could signal a more significant issue. For that reason, it’s important to understand how they function. In this article, we’ll talk about garage door sensors and what you should know about blinking. So, let’s start!
Why Is My Garage Door Sensor Blinking? Garage door sensors may blink due to misaligned, obstructed, or dirty sensors or a wiring issue. This blinking is a safety signal indicating malfunction, which stops the door from closing. Inspect and adjust the sensors or their wiring to resolve the problem.
The importance of a garage door and its sensor cannot be ignored, especially if you have a garage. Therefore, it’s important to be alert to any blinking signals from the sensor. Not only are garage doors used as the storage and maintenance of our vehicles, but they are also a safety mechanism.
Related Article: How to Clean Garage Door Opener Sensors?
Table of Contents
What Is a Garage Door Sensor?
Since January 1993, all garage door openers must have built-in safety eye sensors. The main purpose of these sensors is to protect children and adults from unnecessary injuries. Garage door sensors are usually set about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) from the ground.
This system consists of two sensors. One of them is a transmitter that sends an infrared beam of light, while the other sensor is a receiver that receives and reads that infrared beam of light. If some object or a person obstructs the infrared beam, you won’t see a yellow light on the transmitter, and the garage door will stop working immediately.
Given their vital role in preventing accidents, it’s clear why safety sensors are an essential part of your garage door mechanism. Prompt attention and regular maintenance are advised whenever you notice any malfunctioning in these sensors to maintain the safety and functionality of garage doors.
Related Article: Why Is My Garage Door Sensor Blinking Red?
3 Main Reasons Why Garage Door Sensor Blinking
If you find that the garage door is refusing to close and you notice a series of 10 blinks from the garage door opener’s lights, it’s important to diagnose the issue promptly. The safety sensors need to be properly connected and aligned for the garage door opener to function and move the door downwards. Here are 3 main reasons why garage door sensors might be blinking:
1. Safety Lock Is Engaged
Many garage door openers are equipped with a safety lock feature. This feature is designed to disable remote control, allowing garage door operation only from the manual switch. Because of that, you may notice that sensors on your garage door are blinking. This safety lock is particularly useful in several cases:
- When you’re out of town on vacation
- During garage maintenance activities
- If you’re working in the garage and need to keep the door open for an extended period
A blinking light on your garage door opener is a good indicator that the safety lock is activated. To resolve this, refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on disengaging the safety lock.
Related Article: Can Sunlight Affect My Garage Door Sensor? Explained
2. Photo Sensor Needs Cleaning or Realignment
If these sensors become misaligned, blocked, or dirty, you may notice your garage door opener blinking repeatedly, sometimes up to 10 times, depending on the model. For instance, models like Liftmaster, Craftsman, or Chamberlain will show a yellow light when sensors are misaligned and a green light when they are properly aligned.
To address sensor alignment or cleanliness issues, here’s what you should do:
- Find the Sensors: Look for the sending and receiving sensors, usually installed about 6 inches off the ground near the garage door track.
- Clean the Sensors: If there’s no visible obstruction, gently clean the photo-eye lens using a microfiber cloth to remove dirt or debris.
- Checking for Misalignment: If the opener continues to blink, it’s likely that the sensors are misaligned.
If, after these steps, your garage door’s light continues to blink and the door refuses to close, the problem might lie within the wiring system.
Related Article: How Long Do Garage Door Opener Sensors Last?
3. Wiring Needs Maintenance
If sensors are blinking, it might be a problem with the wiring. Garage doors are heavy, often weighing more than 300 lbs (136 kg). Therefore, it’s important to understand that a malfunctioning garage door poses a significant risk of injury to people and pets.
For this reason, seeking professional assistance for issues related to wiring, tension springs, or other mechanical aspects of your garage door is recommended.
Many garage door openers include a light indicator guide in the manual, which can help diagnose problems related to wiring. Hiring a professional to address wiring issues and conduct annual maintenance is advisable. This ensures that your garage door system continues to operate safely and efficiently.
Common wiring problems that can lead to garage door opener malfunctions include wires that are:
- Short-circuited
- Installed incorrectly
- Aged and in need of replacement
Involving a professional in these issues not only ensures safety but also prolongs the life and functionality of your garage door system.
Here is a YouTube video that explains what blinking light on garage door sensor might indicate:
Related Article: Garage Door Opener Sensor Wiring Diagram
FAQ: People Also Ask
How do I fix the blinking light on my garage door opener?
To resolve the blinking light issue on your garage door opener and restore functionality to the remote, press and hold the wall button for several seconds until the lock mode is deactivated. Additionally, persistent blinking may indicate problems with the electrical wiring of your garage door system.
Do both garage sensors need to be green?
Typically, garage door sensors are equipped with indicator lights: one sensor displays a green light indicating that the units are receiving power, while the other shows a red light to confirm that the path between the sensors is clear and they are properly aligned with each other.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a blinking garage door sensor is typically a sign of alignment issues, blockages, dirt accumulation, or wiring problems. It’s a crucial safety feature designed to prevent accidents by stopping the door from closing when the sensors malfunction. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these signals can help ensure the safe and efficient operation of your garage door. If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s advisable to consult a professional for a thorough inspection and repair.
