Safety Sensor Troubleshooting: A Real Customer Case Study

The Initial Call

The customer called explaining that their garage door wouldn't close unless they held down the button. Right away, this told me we were dealing with a safety sensor issue. It's a telltale sign - when you have to hold the button, it means you're bypassing the safety sensors. The door would open just fine, but wouldn't close with the remote or with a simple button press.

The interesting part was that the customer mentioned their sensor lights were green, which many homeowners assume means everything is working properly. But here's something I've learned over years of service: even when both LEDs are lit, the sensors can still be misaligned enough to prevent proper operation.

Common Causes of Sensor Problems

In my experience, there are three main culprits when safety sensors act up:

• Misalignment - The sensors need to face each other perfectly. Even a slight tilt can cause issues.
• Wiring problems - Over time, wires can become damaged or loose.
• Obstruction - Sometimes it's as simple as dirt on the lens or something blocking the beam.

Before scheduling a service call, I always recommend that homeowners do a quick visual inspection. Look at both sensors and make sure they're pointing straight at each other - not tilted toward the driveway or the back of the garage. A slight misalignment that you can barely see with the naked eye can still prevent your door from closing properly.

What Makes This Case Interesting

This particular situation stood out because the customer owned a Chamberlain unit, which is part of the same family as LiftMaster and Craftsman openers. With these units, especially the older models, the dual green LEDs can be misleading. You might see both lights illuminated and think everything's fine, but they must be perfectly aligned to function correctly.

The Solution

While I offered the customer some basic troubleshooting steps they could try, they opted for professional service. This was probably the right call since they had just moved in and weren't familiar with the system. I scheduled a visit that included:

• Safety sensor alignment
• Full door and opener inspection
• Preventative maintenance
• Installation of a new keypad (which they requested during our call)

When to Call a Professional

While some sensor issues can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting, it's time to call a professional if:

• You've tried realigning the sensors and the problem persists
• There's visible damage to the sensors or wiring
• You're not comfortable making adjustments yourself
• The system is old and might need updating

Remember, garage door systems are complex and can be dangerous if not handled properly. While I always try to help customers save money with simple fixes, safety should always come first.

Final Thoughts

This case is a perfect example of why I love what I do. What seems like a simple problem often has nuances that only experience can reveal. If your door won't close, it could also be an emergency cord issue or other mechanical problems. Whether you're in Walnut Creek or anywhere else in our service area, don't hesitate to reach out if you're having similar issues. Sometimes a quick phone consultation is all you need, and other times it's worth having a professional take a look.