How to Align Garage Door Sensors

You use your garage door opener daily, and sometimes, it’s easy to forget about the sensors. If your garage door won’t close, or closes and then reverses, the sensors may be misaligned. Depending on the garage door opener brand, a flashing red or yellow LED light on the sensors also indicates misalignment. Sometimes, this light may be completely off. 

Aligning your garage door sensors for LiftMaster®, Chamberlain or any other opener brand is easy when following this step-by-step guide.  

1. Loosen the Sensors’ Screws

You’ll need a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the sensors’ mounting brackets. You don’t need to unscrew them all the way, only until they’re loose enough for you to comfortably slide them up and down. 

2. Straighten the Sensors

To reset your garage door sensors, you’ll have to slide them until they’re parallel. Doing this with your hands is best, as a tool may cause damage. The sensors will likely already be at the bottom but not working due to misalignment. Examine them to see if they’re not tilted or skewed. 

If the sensors are too high, slide them as low as possible, but not so far that the mounting brackets come loose. You can also run a string between the sensor’s mounting brackets — if needed — to align the sensors.

3. Check That They’re Straight

It’s important to check that the sensors are straight so they work properly. Use a level and place it underneath the string. If it’s not straight, readjust the sensor brackets by moving them up or down.

4. Tighten the Screws

Once the sensors are level, you can tighten the screws on the mounting brackets. The infrared beam needs to send and receive information correctly, so remember to double-check to make sure they’re even before fastening the screws. 

Troubleshooting Tips

Aligning garage door sensors using a level should have them working again. If the garage door sensors are not working and you didn’t use a level, they may still be misaligned. In this case, it’s best to try the above steps again with a level. 

If you used a level but the garage door still isn’t closing or the sensors’ lights keep flashing, try the following:

Check the Sensor’s Wires

These should run from the sensors to the garage door opener. If they’re damaged, loose or exposed, reach out to a professional. 

Clean the Lenses

Dust, grime or other dirt on the lenses blocks the infrared line. Take a clean, slightly damp microfiber towel and gently wipe each lens until they’re clean, then test them again.

Remove Possible Obstructions

Sensors can be very sensitive, and any object too close to them could prevent the garage door from closing. Check if there isn’t a toolbox or another object in the way.

Shield the Lenses From Sunlight

If sunlight directly shines on the sensors, they may mistake it for an infrared beam. Direct sunlight, especially at dusk or dawn when the sun is in line with the sensors, can cause them to stop the garage door from closing. Try moving them a few inches back into your garage, or swap their positions so the receiver, which is the most sensitive, is protected from the sunlight. 

Trusted Garage Door Services From Quality Door Company

If you’ve followed these steps and the sensors still aren’t working, it’s best to call an expert. Quality Door Company has a decades-long reputation for providing local, trusted assistance to Michigan residents. We provide comprehensive garage door services, including garage door opener repairs and quality installations of new openers. 

You can contact us online to learn more about our services or request a free estimate today.