Those old garage door springs are a ticking time bomb waiting to snap and cause serious damage. Our experts will carefully replace them with heavy-duty springs built to last 10,000-20,000 cycles, using specialized winding cones for a safe, secure installation. 
A broken opener is more than an inconvenience - it's a major security issue. From motor replacements to circuit board repairs to remote reprogramming, we'll get your LiftMaster, Genie, Chamberlain or other major brand opener working reliably again. 
Don't let frayed or broken cables leave your garage door inoperable and hazardous. Our team releases spring tension then replaces cables with durable, galvanized aircraft cables cut to precision and secured with sleeves for smooth, quiet operation. 
Those tiny sensor eyes prevent accidents by stopping doors from closing on obstructions. We'll realign misaligned units, replace faulty sensors, clear debris, repair wiring and resync communication for proper safety. 
Cracked, stuck, or bent rollers make opening and closing a heavy garage door nearly impossible. We replace any problematic rollers with heavy-duty steel or nylon components and ensure a smooth, easy operation. 
A door off its track is a tangled headache waiting to happen. Our techs quickly release tension, re-align tracks, re-hang doors, and handle any needed roller, cable, or spring adjustments to restore seamless operation. 
From residential driveway gates to commercial entry systems, our skilled crew can repair any squeaky hinges, broken openers, malfunctioning safety beams, and more to keep your gate securely opening and closing. 
As a homeowner with an automatic garage door opener, you’ve probably noticed those small sensor eyes mounted near the bottom of the door tracks. While they may seem like an insignificant part of the system, those garage door safety sensors play a crucial role in preventing serious injuries or damage.
Modern garage door openers are required by federal law to have these safety sensors installed. Their job is to project an invisible infrared beam across the door opening to detect any obstructions in the path. If the beam is interrupted while the door is closing, it immediately triggers the opener motor to stop and reverse direction to avoid crushing the obstruction.
This ingenious sensor system helps prevent hazardous scenarios like a child or pet getting trapped under a closing door, items falling into the path, or a vehicle obstructing the entrance. With thousands of emergency room visits related to garage door accidents annually, it’s a safety feature worth its weight in gold.
At Garage Door Repair Aliso Viejo, we specialize in fast, affordable sensor repair, replacement and realignment services to keep your automatic system operating safely.
Types of Garage Door Sensors
While the basic functionality is the same across all sensor systems, there are a few different styles and technologies used:
Infrared Door Sensors
The most common type consisting of two sensors, one on each track. They project an invisible infrared beam between them about 6 inches off the floor and send a pulse signal back to the garage door opener motor. Interruption of that beam triggers the safety reversing mechanism.
Reed Switch Door Sensors
Instead of infrared beams, they use a magnetic reed switch. One sensor houses a magnet, the other houses the reed switch. When the two sensors are aligned, the magnetic field is unbroken. Any misalignment or separation triggers reversal of the door.
Rolling Switch Door Sensors
Less common these days but found on older garage door models. They use an electro-mechanical switch that makes physical contact. As the door travels down, it triggers a reversing lever on the switch. Prone to sticking or mechanical failure over time.
In terms of brands, we service all of the top names like Chamberlain, Genie, LiftMaster garage sensors as well as Garage Stop, Digi-Code, and other brands.
Signs Your Garage Door Sensors Need Repair
So how can you tell when those safety sensor eyes have a problem? Here are some of the most common red flags to watch out for:
- The garage door doesn’t respond at all to the wired sensors
- The door begins closing normally but then reverses directions for no obvious reason
- You hear the sensor eyes clicking repeatedly while trying to operate the door
- The sensor LED light indicator is blinking erratically or not on at all
- One or both of the sensor eyes appear cracked, damaged or obstructed
- Thesensor wires connecting the eyes to the opener motor appear cut or frayed
If you notice any of those sensor-related issues, it’s wise to discontinue use of the automatic garage door opener until the sensors can be inspected and repaired. With the door no longer reversing for obstructions, operating it normally dramatically increases the risk of injury or damage occurring.
How Professional Sensor Repair Works
For the team at Garage Door Repair Aliso Viejo, repairing or replacing faulty garage door safety sensors is one of our most common service calls. Here’s a look at our typical sensor repair process:
- The power supply to the opener motor is safely disconnected
- The sensors are thoroughly inspected for proper alignment, damage, loose wiring/connections
- Any obstructions blocking the sensor lenses or beam path are cleared away
- Damaged sensors are carefully removed and replaced with new matching units
- Sensor wiring is re-routed, reconnected, and tested
- Sensor lenses are cleaned with a soft cloth to ensure a clear path
- The sensors are then carefully realigned and aimed towards one another
- The opener power supply is re-connected and the sensors are tested
- Any minor adjustments are made to ensure smooth, reliable operation
On older sensor systems with wiring issues, the sensor wires may need to be completely replaced for safety. We also inspect and make any needed adjustments to the opener motor limits, force settings, and travel paths for proper integration with the repaired sensor system.
Basic Garage Door Sensor Troubleshooting Tips
While professional sensor repair is always recommended to ensure proper function and safety, there are a few basic DIY troubleshooting checks you can try first:
- Ensure the opener power source hasn’t been inadvertently unplugged
- Check that the sensor LED lights are on and steady (not blinking)
- Make sure nothing is obstructing the sensors’ path – even a small object can interfere
- Clean the sensor lenses gently with a soft cloth and glass cleaner
- Visually inspect sensor wires for any obvious damage or pinched wiring
- Try simply unplugging the sensors and reconnecting to reset them
If those basic troubleshooting tips don’t resolve the sensor issue, it’s wise to schedule professional garage door sensor repair service to handle it safely and properly. Don’t take risks with compromised safety mechanisms!
Why Choose Garage Door Repair Aliso Viejo?
When you need reliable garage door sensor repair in Aliso Viejo, our local team offers:
- Maximum 2-hour response time
- Same day service available
- Open weekends/holidays for emergencies
- Experienced, certified repair technicians
- Upfront, fair pricing – no hidden fees
- All work satisfaction guaranteed
- Latest sensors/safety components in stock
We believe in the utmost safety and service for our valued customers. Need sensor repair, replacement or realignment? We’re just a quick call away at (888) 506-3860.
FAQs
How much does garage door sensor repair typically cost? The average cost for professional garage door sensor repair ranges from $85 to $200. This includes labor, materials like new sensor eyes if needed, realigning existing sensors, and any minor adjustments required. Costs can be higher if extensive wiring issues need addressed.
Can garage door sensors be repaired or do they need full replacement? In some cases, the sensors themselves can be repaired through realignment, cleaning lenses, tightening connections, etc. However, if the sensors are cracked, severely misaligned, or the wiring is badly damaged, full sensor replacement is usually recommended for safety.
How do I tell if my garage door sensors are out of alignment? Signs of misaligned sensors include the door reversing erratically, the sensor LED lights blinking or not illuminating at all, or being able to visibly see that the two sensor eyes are no longer squared up and facing each other properly.
Will my garage door opener still work if the sensors fail? No, if the safety sensor system fails or becomes misaligned, the garage door opener is designed to no longer function as a safety precaution. Attempting to bypass or override faulty sensors raises the risk of the door not reversing if an obstruction is present.
How often should I have my garage door sensors checked? It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect and test your garage door’s safety sensors at least once per year as part of routine maintenance. This allows any emerging issues to be caught and corrected before total sensor failure occurs.