What the sensors do
Since 1993, every garage door opener has two photo-eye sensors mounted near the floor on each side of the door. They shoot an invisible beam across the opening; if anything breaks it, the door won't close (a safety feature to stop it from closing on a person, pet, or car). When they misbehave, the door reverses or refuses to close — often with a blinking opener light.
The fixes (in order)
- Clear the beam — move any bin, bike, or cobweb blocking the path near the floor
- Clean the lenses — wipe both photo-eyes gently; dust and grime block the beam
- Check alignment — both sensors have a small LED; if one is off or blinking, gently adjust its bracket until both glow solid
- Check the wiring — a loose or pinched sensor wire will stop them working
When to call
If the beam is clear, the lenses are clean, both LEDs glow solid, and the door still won't close, the issue is likely the wiring, the opener's logic board, or a force setting — time for a technician. A door that won't close is a security issue, so don't leave it overnight; we offer same-day and emergency service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my door start to close then reverse?
That's the safety reverse from a blocked or misaligned sensor (or, less often, a force setting). Clean and realign the photo-eyes first — it fixes most cases.
Can I bypass the sensors?
No — they're a required safety feature. If they're faulty, fix or replace them rather than disabling them.
Need a hand with your garage door? We offer same-day repair and spring replacement across Chester County. Call (610) 632-5206 for a free quote.