Door won't close?
Sensors fixed today.
Faulty safety sensors are the most common reason a garage door reverses or refuses to close. Required by federal law. We replace and align sensors same-day throughout Alabama.
Upfront pricing before work begins.
What sensor problems look like and how we fix them
Safety sensors protect your family from a closing door. Here is how to read the signals and what we do to restore protection.
What sensor LED lights are telling you
Each safety sensor has a small LED indicator light. On a working system, the sending sensor (usually amber) stays solid and the receiving sensor (usually green) stays solid. A blinking or dark LED on either sensor means the beam is broken, misaligned, or the sensor has failed. Until both lights are solid, the door will not close from the remote or wall button.
Before calling, try wiping the sensor lenses with a clean cloth and checking that both sensors face each other directly. If that does not solve it, the sensor or its wiring needs professional attention.
The wall button override is a temporary workaround, not a fix
Most modern openers allow you to hold down the wall button to force the door closed when sensors are blocked. This is a temporary diagnostic tool, not a solution. Operating the door with bypassed sensors removes the protection that prevents the door from closing on a child, pet, or vehicle. Sensor repair should happen the same day.
A door that only closes when you hold the wall button is a door with a sensor problem. We diagnose and resolve sensor issues on the same visit as roller replacement, cable repair, and most other services.
Smart opener apps report sensor errors before you notice
If your opener is connected to a smart home app (MyQ, Chamberlain, Genie Aladdin), you may receive sensor error alerts before the door stops working entirely. These early warnings let you schedule a service visit before the door refuses to close. We service and align sensors for all major smart opener brands.
Sensor replacement is also a good time to consider upgrading to a smart opener if your current unit is over 10 years old. Ask us about smart opener installation during your service visit.
Sensor issues often appear alongside: worn rollers, cable problems, and off-track repairs.
Door reversing on its own? Let us diagnose it.
We determine if it is a sensor, alignment, or opener issue and fix it same day.
How sensor replacement works
From the call to a closing, safe door - here is the full process.
Call and describe
Describe the problem - which LED lights are blinking, whether it reverses immediately or mid-travel, and whether it closes when you hold the wall button. This helps us arrive with the right universal or OEM sensors.
Diagnose and replace
We test the existing sensors, wiring, and alignment. If sensors are salvageable through cleaning and alignment, we do that first. If the sensor itself has failed, we replace the pair and route the wiring cleanly to the opener unit.
Test auto-reverse and verify
We test auto-reverse by blocking the sensor beam during a closing cycle - the door must reverse immediately. We also test the physical auto-reverse by placing a 2x4 flat on the floor under the door. Both must pass before we leave.
Sensor questions answered
Why won't my garage door close?
Most often it is misaligned or dirty safety sensors. Sensors must face each other perfectly to allow door closing. Dirt, spider webs, or bumped sensors cause closing problems. We can realign or replace sensors same-day.
Are safety sensors required by law?
Yes, federal law requires all garage door openers manufactured after 1993 to have safety photo-eye sensors. These prevent the door from closing on people, pets, or objects.
Can I bypass the sensors?
Never bypass safety sensors. They prevent serious injuries and deaths, especially to children and pets. Bypassing sensors voids your opener warranty and violates federal safety requirements.
How do I know if sensors need replacement vs. realignment?
If sensor lights are blinking or off, they may just need realignment or cleaning. If lights will not come on at all or sensors are visibly damaged or corroded, replacement is needed. We can diagnose during service.
How long do safety sensors last?
Safety sensors typically last 10-15 years. Outdoor sensors exposed to weather may fail sooner due to moisture corrosion. Most sensor failures are from physical damage or wire problems, not sensor age.
How do I get a quote for sensor replacement?
Safety sensor replacement costs vary for a complete pair including installation. Universal sensors fit most openers. OEM brand-specific sensors cost more. Call us for a quote specific to your opener brand.
Sensor service across all of Alabama
Same-day service from 8 hub cities statewide. From Huntsville to Mobile - sensors diagnosed and replaced on site.
Door closing again. Same day.
Sensor replacement, alignment, and auto-reverse testing. Full safety restored before we leave.
Statewide Alabama. Licensed and insured.
Licensed and insured. Serving Alabama since 2010.
Sensor Replacement Throughout Alabama
Professional service in 31 cities across Alabama. 8 regional hubs with statewide coverage.
Same-day service • Under 60 minutes response at hub locations
Serving 150+ ZIP codes across Alabama, from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast
