How to Replace Garage Door Sensors

If you're having problems closing your garage door using a garage door opener, chances are the fault lies with the sensors. Most garage door openers have infrared sensors placed near the floor on either side of the garage door. These sensors keep the door from closing if the beam between them is broken. If your opener is having problems, you may need to replace the garage door sensors.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• New garage door sensors
• Screwdriver or socket wrench
• String

1. Test the existing sensors. Make sure nothing is blocking the sensors, that the eyes are not dirty or there is no loose wiring at the sensors. Once you are sure you need to replace the sensors, purchase new ones at any home improvement center.

2. Shut off electrical power to the garage door opener. Disconnect wiring from the sensors. Remove the sensors by unscrewing mounting screws or removing the nuts holding sensors in place.

3. Install new sensors in the exact position from which you removed the old sensors. Tighten the screw or nut enough to hold the garage door sensors in place, but to allow for movement if adjustments are needed. Reconnect wires.

4. Align the sensors by pulling a string from one to the other. Make any necessary adjustments.

5. Tighten screws or nuts to fully secure sensors once you align them correctly. Recheck alignment after tightening to make sure sensors didn't shift.

6. Turn on power to garage door opener. Test garage door by closing and then putting your hand in front of one of the sensors. If the garage door stops and then opens, the sensors are working properly. If not, adjust sensor positions until door works properly.