When your garage door opener fails to operate properly, it may be a sign that the sensors are bad. They are located at the bottom of the entrance and are responsible for sending corresponding signals to the installed system.
So, if you can’t get into or out of the garage, the most likely reason for that is a faulty sensor. It must be replaced immediately because this may lead to dangerous situations. Hence, it’s imperative that you get it checked right away. Several companies offer garage door sensor replacement services at a minimal cost, with Fix Garage Doors CA being our top recommendation.
However, if you are reluctant to call the professionals on a whim you have, then these signs below will help you confirm the malfunction. Keep reading to know more.
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Signs To Look For
Here are a few signs that can indicate that the sensor is not working up to its best optimal condition:
Frequent False Alarms
If you have a security system, you know that false alarms are frustrating. But do you know that this could signal a bad sensor?
When triggered, it sends signals to the panel. The control panel then assesses the situation and determines whether or not to trigger the alarm. For example, if multiple calls from the same sensor are received, it may determine that there is a malfunction.
There are several reasons for those false signals. It could be caused by dirt or damage. Another possible option is that something in the environment is causing interference, such as dust or electromagnetic waves.
If your security system triggers false alarms more often than usual, it’s essential to check the sensors.
The Door Won’t Close All the Way
A properly functioning garage door is key to the security of your home. If it doesn’t close, it’s a sign that something is wrong with the sensor. You could injure someone or damage your car if it works incorrectly.
It could also let pests in and allow drafts to come in. Therefore, remember to always check and replace faulty parts.
The Door Opens by Itself
When the opening system works on its own, it’s a sign that the sensors are going bad.
It could signify that your home is not as secure as you thought. For example, if the door is opened by itself, someone could have easily entered your home without you knowing. Therefore, it is a huge safety concern, putting you and your family at risk.
If you are facing such an issue, you should immediately check the sensor to see if it is working correctly.
Strange Noises Coming From the Sensor
If you hear strange noises from the unit, it’s a sign that something is wrong. There are several possible causes for these unusual noises.
One possibility is that the sensor is picking up on movements that are too small for you to hear. Another possibility is that it is picking up on vibrations from nearby machinery or traffic.
This small detail is an essential part of the garage door opener system; if it’s not working correctly, it can cause many problems. So the best action is to troubleshoot it as soon as possible.
Troubleshooting the Problem
There are a few things you can do to solve the issue. First, check to make sure the sensors are correctly aligned. They should be pointing directly at each other and no more than six inches apart.
Next, check the batteries. If they are dead or low on power, it will prevent the sensors from working correctly. Replace the batteries in both detectors and try again.
If the issue persists, replacement is the final solution. This is a fairly simple process, but if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can always call professionals. They’ll help you without additional headaches.
How to Test the Detectors?
After troubleshooting the issue, check whether the sensor is working well. Here are the steps you can take:
- Open your garage door fully, then close it.
- Locate the sensors on either side of the entrance near the bottom. You should see a light on them, typically red or green.
- Cover the lens with your hand or a rag on one of them so the light is blocked.
- The other detector should now have its light turned off or change color to indicate that it is not receiving any signal from the first one.
- If this does not happen, check if anything obstructs the lens, such as dirt, cobwebs, or small animals nesting near them.
- Once you have confirmed that both devices are unobstructed and working correctly, you can test them by opening and closing the door while standing near each sensor to see if their lights change accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have problems with the device, it is most likely due to some issues like the sensors being out of alignment, something blocking their view, or dirt. To fix the problem, simply realign both parts, remove the obstruction, clean the lens, or call a professional for help.
