How to Align Garage Door Sensors

Is your garage door not functioning properly? Are you tired of getting out of your car to open it manually every time you come home instead of simply pressing a button from the comfort of your car? If so, it’s time to take action and learn how to align your garage door sensors. Here’s why properly aligned door sensors are key to your garage door’s operation.

Proper garage door operation relies on correct sensor alignment. One sensor, known as the emitter, sends signals to the other sensor, the receiver, which triggers the closing of your garage door. However, when these sensors are not properly aligned, the receiver fails to receive signals from the emitter, resulting in a malfunctioning door that won’t close.

Tools Required for Aligning Your Garage Door Sensors

To align your garage door sensors, you’ll need the following tools:

• Electricity-resistant gloves
• Screwdriver
• String
• Level

How to Align Garage Door Sensors — A Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 — Cut the Power Supply to the Garage

Before starting the sensor alignment process, turning off the power supply is crucial. You can switch off the sensors’ dedicated switch or trip the garage fuse from your home’s breaker box. Additionally, for your safety, wear electricity-resistant gloves while handling the wires, even if they are not live. It’s always better to prioritize personal safety and avoid unnecessary risks.

Step 2 — Loosen the Screws Holding the Sensors

To begin, loosen your garage door sensors’ mounting brackets by turning the screws counterclockwise. Note that you only need to loosen the screws without completely removing them. You can slide the mounting brackets up and down in the following steps without worrying about misplacing the screws.

Step 3 — Slide the Garage Door Sensors Downward

After loosening the screws and confirming that the mounting brackets can be moved, gently slide the garage door sensor downward using your hands. Avoid using a wrench, which may cause surface marks and disrupt the sensor’s functionality. Slide the sensor down as low as possible while ensuring it remains within the mounting brackets.

Step 4 — Attach the String and Tie the Knots

Once you have slid the sensors as low as possible, tightly attach one end of a string to one garage door sensor and its mounting bracket. This step is crucial for the success of the overall operation. Then, run the untied end of the string across the garage opening and wrap it around the centre of the opposing sensor. Finally, tie a knot so the string remains as straight as possible.

Step 5 — Ensure that the String is Level

Position a level below the string and ensure it is perfectly level across the garage doorway. Press the level against the string and hold it for a few seconds. If the string is level, proceed to the next step. However, if it is not level, adjust one or both sensors by sliding their mounting brackets. Continue adjusting until the level indicates that both sensors are properly aligned.

Step 6 — Tighten the Screws

When the level indicates that both sensors are at the same level, tighten the screws securely. Ensure they are tightened enough that the garage door sensors remain in their new position even with applied force. After tightening, recheck the alignment using the level to confirm that both sensors are properly aligned.

How Do I Know If My Garage Sensors Are Aligned?

There are a couple of ways to determine if your garage sensors are properly aligned. First, check the small lights on each sensor. If both lights are green, it indicates that the sensors are in sync with each other.

Another method is to perform a test by placing an object between the two sensors. If the garage door does not open or close when the object is in place, it means that the sensors are aligned correctly. However, you need to adjust the garage door sensors if the door opens or closes.

Conclusion

Garage door sensors are a valuable innovation, but they are prone to misalignment due to where they are located. If you encounter issues with your garage door sensors, it is crucial to address them promptly. 

You can restore your garage door sensor to proper functioning with patience and the tips above.