Why is My Garage Door Sensor Blinking Red?

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how garage door sensors work before overviewing four typical issues (and fixes) that may be causing your garage door sensor to blink red.

You’ll also get tips on what you can do to fix your garage door sensor for optimal garage door operations—and why Uplift is the best place to call when you have a garage door or remote repair or maintenance issue.

How Do Garage Door Sensors Work?

Designed to detect obstacles and prevent garage doors from closing on them, garage door sensors play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient garage door operations. When your garage door sensor is blinking red, it's an indication that something may be amiss.

Before exploring the potential reasons behind red blinking lights on garage door sensors, it's helpful to understand how these sensors operate.

Most modern garage doors are equipped with photoelectric sensors, which consist of two units installed on either side of the door. Typically, these are positioned near the ground. One sensor emits an invisible beam of light while the other receives it. If an obstruction (or perceived obstruction) interrupts this beam, the sensor signals the garage door opener to stop or reverse its operation.

The goal? To prevent accidents or damage from occurring to people, pets, cars, and other objects.

Common Garage Door Sensor Problems

Several issues can trigger garage door sensors to blink red, including the following:

1. The Sensor Lens is Dirty

One of the most common problems that causes a red blinking light on garage door sensors is shockingly simple: a dirty lens.

Dust, dirt, or cobwebs can interfere with the successful transmission of the infrared beam. In turn, this can trigger the red indicator light.

On a similar note, receiving garage door sensors can also be blocked.

2. Your Sensor is Blocked

If your garage door’s sensor path is obstructed, the infrared beam may not reach the receiving sensor.

This one may be familiar to you if you are a parent: Kids ride their bikes into the garage or drop their gear off inside, and suddenly you’re dealing with a blinking red light. In this case, it’s likely that the sensor path is obstructed.

Along with backpacks and bikes, other common sensor obstructions include tools, storage boxes, and seasonal items stored in the garage.

3. Issues With Wiring

Faulty or damaged wiring are also among the “usual suspects” that cause red blinking lights on garage door sensors. Wiring issues may result from exposure to the elements, pests, or general wear and tear over time.

4. Physical Damage

Similarly, accidental impacts and environmental factors can cause physical damage to your garage door sensors.

Everything from backing your car into the garage to an unexpected hail storm can lead to cracks, dents, or misalignments. All of these seemingly cosmetic issues trigger the red blinking light by disrupting the infrared beam.

What You Can Do to Fix Your Garage Door Sensor

1. Clean Your Sensor

If you suspect that dirty sensors might be to blame for your blinking red light, carefully inspect them for any dirt, dust or other debris. Clean them using a soft, lint-free cloth.

But why wait for a problem to occur when you can adopt a proactive approach? Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent debris accumulation and keep future malfunctions at bay.

2. Clear the Sensor Path

Be sure to clear the area around the sensors and remove any objects that may be blocking the infrared beam. (An easy rule of thumb? The sensors should have a clear line of sight to each other.)

By maintaining an unobstructed sensor path, you can prevent unnecessary interruptions in the garage door's operation.

It can also be helpful to educate all family members about leaving clearance around the sensor block to avoid recurring problems.

3. Order a New Sensor

If you suspect wiring problems, it may be safer and more practical to replace the entire sensor instead of attempting to repair faulty or damaged wiring.

This is where partnering with a reputable local garage door repair company comes in. An experienced garage door expert will inspect the condition of your wiring, sensors, remote, and door in order to make informed recommendations regarding whether a repair or replacement is the better option.

4. Call a Garage Door Expert

In general, it’s best to consult a garage door expert if you’re unsure what’s causing the issue and/or if it appears to be a complex problem, such as damaged wiring or extreme physical damage. Professionals have the knowledge, experience, and tools for assessing and resolving issues.

In many cases, this is the superior way to promote the smooth, safe, and reliable functionality of your garage door system.

What to Do If Your Door Won't Close

If you are dealing with a blinking garage door sensor, it’s likely that your garage door is stopping mid-way and won’t close. Here’s a roundup of helpful tips for troubleshooting this problem:

• Check for obstructions. Ensure there are no obstacles in the garage door's path. This includes both between the sensors and on the ground level.
• Inspect the sensors. Verify that the sensors are clean and in alignment with each other.
• Test your remote control. If using a remote control, check the batteries and experiment with using the remote from varying distances. If the door responds to the remote, this is an indication that your sensors are the issue.
• Disconnect the opener. If persistent problems occur, try disconnecting the garage door opener from the power source. Manually operating the door can help you determine if you’re dealing with a sensor or remote issue.
• Consult a professional: If the problem persists or if you're uncertain about the cause or how to go about fixing it, seek help from a garage door repair and maintenance company. Not only will this lay the groundwork for optimal performance moving forward, but it can also minimize the risks associated with trying to do the repairs yourself.

Uplift Garage is Here to Help

If you’re experiencing issues with your garage door, sensors, or remote in the Chicagoland area, Uplift Garage can help. Our team of experts has the skills to efficiently diagnose and address everything from common garage door problems to the most complex jobs.

Looking to avoid future problems? We also offer a comprehensive and convenient yearly maintenance plan.

Whether your garage door sensor light is blinking or you have another garage door service or maintenance need in Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, or McHenry counties and surrounding areas, schedule your complimentary consultation with Uplift today.