You have to keep your garage secure, and one way to do that is by installing sensors on your garage door that stop it from closing if something is obstructing its path. However, these sensors can sometimes be a nuisance when they detect an obstruction that isn’t there or when they start malfunctioning. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to safely bypass your garage door sensors without compromising security.
Clear the Sensors
Ensuring the cleanliness of your garage door sensors is a crucial step in maintaining their functionality and preventing malfunctions. Over time, dust, dirt, and other tiny particles can accumulate on the sensor lenses, resulting in impaired performance or even complete failure. To address this issue, use a microfiber cloth to gently clean the surface of each sensor lens, removing any debris that may be obstructing the laser beams. Additionally, it’s essential to keep the area surrounding your sensors free from clutter. Items in the path of the sensors can interfere with their ability to detect obstruction. Regularly inspect the area around your garage door sensors and clear away any objects to ensure that there are no obstructions impeding their performance.Sun Block
Surprisingly, direct sunlight can sometimes interfere with the functioning of garage door sensors. The sun’s rays can affect the sensor’s ability to detect the infrared beams they rely on for proper operation. To determine if sunlight is causing the issue, try standing in front of the sensor and blocking the sunlight to create temporary shade. Then, you can try to close your garage door again. If the door closed when you blocked the sun, it’s safe to say that the sunlight affected the sensor’s performance. A long-term solution might involve installing shades or other protective measures to shield the sensors from direct sunlight.Reset Settings
Restoring your garage door system to its factory settings can be an effective way to resolve sensor-related issues. By resetting the system, you can eliminate any software or setting errors that may be causing the sensors to malfunction. To perform a reset, consult your garage door opener’s user manual for specific instructions, as the process may vary depending on the make and model of your system. Once you complete the reset, test the garage door sensors to see if their performance has improved. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance to diagnose and repair the problem. However, in many cases, a simple reset can restore your garage door sensors to their optimal functioning state.Sensor Rewiring
Rewiring your garage door sensors can override the door, and this can be an effective solution to sensor issues. To do this, you’ll need to access the unit controlling the garage door opener and then identify the wires. By altering the wiring configuration, you can resolve any issues affecting the sensor’s performance. However, you must exercise caution when handling electrical components, and if you’re unsure about the process, consult a professional. After rewiring, test the garage door sensors to ensure that they are functioning correctly.Remove Sensors
If all other methods have been unsuccessful in resolving the sensor issue, you may consider completely removing the garage door sensors. To do this, first unscrew the nuts holding the sensors in place. Next, carefully cut the wires connected to the sensors, ensuring that you don’t damage any other components. Once you’ve disconnected the sensors, you can remove them. This method effectively eliminates the garage door sensors from your system, but you should only consider it as a last resort when other solutions aren’t working.Manual Operation
You can still operate your garage door by switching it to manual mode. To do this, locate the ceiling motor—there should be a chain hanging from it. This chain is typically part of the emergency release mechanism. Pulling on this chain disengages the motor and converts the door to manual operation. Once the door is in manual mode, you will need to open and close it by hand. Still, remember that manually operating the door means that safety sensors are inactive, so exercise caution when using the garage door to avoid accidents or injuries. Keep in mind that garage doors can be quite heavy, so you must use proper lifting techniques and avoid straining yourself. If the door feels too heavy or difficult to lift, stop immediately to prevent potential injuries. In such cases, it may be best to seek professional help to address the issue with your garage door sensors or motor, ensuring that your garage remains functional and safe to use.Press and Hold the Garage Door Button
If you don’t want to completely disengage your sensors, you can try pressing and holding the garage door opener button to temporarily bypass them. This action can often override the sensor system and prompt the door to start closing. While holding the button, keep an eye on the door as it moves downward. Once the door shuts, you can let go of the button. It’s important to note that this method is a short-term fix and not a permanent solution, as it bypasses the safety features provided by the sensors. To ensure the long-term safety and functionality of your garage door, you should address the underlying issue with the sensors. By following these steps, you can safely bypass your garage door sensors without compromising security. However, keep in mind that these sensors are there for a reason, and you should continue to use them at all times. Some of these tips will help you rework your sensor system and get it working again, while others will bypass it completely. Either way, if you can’t get your garage sensor system working on your own, you should call a professional to fix it for you. If you’re having issues with your garage door or its safety sensors, let the top Pittsburgh garage door company take care of you. At Steel City Garage Doors, we’re here to help you all day, every day! Keep your home, family, and garage secure with properly functioning garage door sensors.
