How to Tell if the Garage Door Sensor is Bad? – Simple Steps to Fix it
A malfunctioning garage door is a hindrance. Despite having technology in place, you may have to open or close the door manually. Plus, the problem may escalate to a number of other issues.
How to Tell if the Garage Door Sensor is Bad?
One of the biggest reasons why a garage door doesn’t work properly is the sensor. A garage door sensor works to respond to your input in the remote so that the door opens or closes on its own. If there is an issue here, you will have to find out immediately and rectify it.
So, if you feel like something’s off with the garage door, it is likely that the sensor has gone bad. Before rushing to change it, though, you should be sure by conducting an assessment. The good news is that it is an easy process and you don’t really need an expert. Here’s what you should do:
Check if the Lenses are Dirty
Sensors are usually ignored for long periods of time, mostly until they start causing problems. Over time, they start collecting dirt and even cobwebs! Check to see if they are dirty. If yes, they are probably faulty. Clean them up nicely and try them. This time, you will see a definite improvement in functioning. It is the easiest way to fix the bad garage door sensor without breaking your head with tedious processes.
Check whether they Identify Objects
If an object is in the way, the garage door should not close completely. Perfectly functioning garage door sensors can sense these objects and stop the door from closing. So, start off by checking the height of the sensor so that you know what size of objects you need to test it. Place cardboard boxes that are slightly higher than the sensors and place them in the doorway, close to the sensors.
Open the door, activate the opener, and then close the garage door. If the sensor is working fine, it won’t close the door completely. The door will go down, detect the object, and come back right up. If this doesn’t happen, the sensor is working badly then it needs to be replaced.
Assess the LEDs
On the outside of every sensor is an LED light. Use electric power supply and check if they are working. A steady light indicates normalcy, while blinking indicates that something is wrong. Try adjusting the faulty sensor by tightening the screws or moving it. If this fixes the light, you are in luck. If the blinking continues, you will need expert help.
Assess all the wires
If the wires are broken or wet due to rainwater, they could cause problems. A short circuit could disrupt the entire sensor. So, if you see any anomalies in the health of the wires, you should replace the sensor immediately. If you would like a thorough check-up, you should get a complete wire assessment done.
It may not seem like it, but faulty sensors can be dangerous. The door can crush any object in the path if the sensors don’t work and stop the door immediately. Plus, it is a hindrance and can lead to frustration. Once you assess your sensors and ensure that they are working well, you should also learn how to keep the sensors safe for a longer time. Here are a few tips:
- Sensors are machines. Every machine needs to be maintained. Check them every now and then, and ensure they are working well.
- Clean them regularly.
- Check them immediately after it rains heavily, and avoid water clogging around the garage.
- If you sense that something is faulty, get to work immediately. Postponing may be tempting, but such things can cause bigger problems if we don’t rectify them immediately.
- Once in a while, get a professional to check the entire system and not just the sensors. This will further eliminate any problems and avoid unnecessary headaches.
Now that you know how to tell if the garage door sensor is bad, conduct your check now! If there is a problem, replace it and take good care of it. Educate your family members about the same so that they can also follow the same process. All the best!
