What to Do If You Notice a Garage Door Sensor Blinking Red?

A garage door is the heaviest moving part of your property. You can’t undervalue its functions because once it starts malfunctioning, it can be really troublesome. You may sometimes see your garage door sensor blinking red; it indicates sensor misalignment. You can realign them yourself, but other issues require professional help.

What Does Blinking Red Garage Door Sensor Indicate?

A red blinking light on a garage door sensor usually means there’s either an obstruction or a misalignment. These sensors use an invisible infrared beam to detect anything in the door’s path. If this beam is broken or disrupted, the sensor signals the garage door opener to stop and reverse the door, which shows a red blinking light. Following are some common issues that can cause the blinking light:

• Obstructions: The easiest fix is to remove any objects in the door’s path. Even small items or debris can trigger the sensor.
• Misaligned Sensors: The sensors must be properly aligned to work together. If they get bumped out of alignment, the infrared beam won’t connect, causing the red light to blink.
• Wiring Problems: Over time, wires can become damaged, loose, or disconnected, affecting the sensor’s function.
• Dirty Lenses: Dust and dirt can build up on the sensor lenses, blocking the infrared beam.
• Malfunctioning Sensors: If none of these issues are present, the sensors may be faulty and need replacement.

Easy Solutions for Garage Door Sensors Blinking Red

• Check for Obstructions: Look around the garage door sensor for anything that might be blocking it. Remove any debris, objects, or spiderwebs that could interfere with the sensor. It’s important to keep the sensor’s path clear to prevent issues with the garage door closing.
• Verify Sensor Alignment: Proper alignment is essential when one sensor shows red and the other shows green, or if the garage door won’t close. Misaligned sensors can’t communicate properly, which causes the red blinking light. Make sure the sensors are facing each other without any obstacles and adjust them as needed.
• Clean the Sensor Lenses: Dust and dirt on the sensor lenses can block their function, causing the red blinking light. Clean the lenses carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid using rough materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the sensors.
• Inspect and Test Wiring Connections: To fix the red blinking light, check that all wiring connections are secure and in good condition. Loose or damaged wires can affect how the sensor works. Look over the wiring carefully and repair or replace any faulty parts. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for detailed instructions, or consider hiring a professional for help.
• Reset the Sensor: If you see a blinking red light or a flashing green light, resetting the sensor might help. Check the manufacturer’s manual for the exact steps to reset it, which usually involve cutting off the power, waiting a moment, and then turning it back on. This can reset your garage door opener and sensor, potentially fixing the problem.

Wrapping Up

A garage door sensor blinking red indicates many issues, as mentioned earlier. Trying to fix them yourself can make the situation even worse. Therefore, calling an experienced garage door professional is a good idea.

Call our garage door professionals at Garage Door Service Master. With years of experience in building custom garage doors and repairing broken parts, we promise you will receive excellent results. Dial any of the following numbers to reach out:

(832) 391-8827
(832) 838-9090
(713) 769-8365