How To Fix Garage Door Sensor Orange Light
Garage door sensors are a vital part of the safety of your garage. They ensure that your garage door opens and closes smoothly, preventing accidents and injuries. However, if you notice that your garage door sensor’s light turns orange, it can be an indication that it is malfunctioning. In this article, we will discuss how you can fix garage door sensor orange light.
Understanding Garage Door Sensors
Before we dive into how to fix the garage door sensor’s orange light, let’s take a quick look at how garage door sensors work. Garage door sensors are located on either side of the garage door, and they emit a beam of infrared light. If this beam is broken, it sends a signal to the garage door opener to stop or reverse its course. This feature prevents the garage door from closing on objects or people, ensuring safety.
There are two types of garage door sensors – the transmitting sensor and the receiving sensor. The transmitting sensor is the one that emits the beam, and the receiving sensor detects the beam and sends a signal to the garage opener.
Reasons For Orange Light Sensor
Several reasons can cause the garage door sensor orange light. Here are some of the common reasons –
Sensor Malfunction
If the garage door sensor’s light stays permanently orange, it might indicate a malfunctioning sensor. You can test this by waving an object, such as a broomstick or paper, in front of the sensor. If the light does not change, it is an issue with the sensor.
Dirty or Misaligned Sensor
Another common problem that can cause the garage door sensor orange light is a dirty or misaligned sensor. If there is any dirt or debris on the sensor or it is misaligned, it can interfere with the beam’s proper functioning, leading to an orange light.
Sunlight Interference
If your garage door sensor is exposed to direct sunlight, it can cause an orange light. The sunlight can interfere with the sensor’s beam, causing it to malfunction.
How to Fix Garage Door Sensor Orange Light
Now that we know some of the reasons why the garage door sensor orange light is on let’s discuss how to fix it.
Clean or Align the Sensor
Cleaning or aligning the sensor is an easy fix if the garage door sensor orange light is due to dirt or misalignment. You can follow these simple steps –
- Turn off the garage door opener
- Find the sensor on each side of the garage door
- Check for any debris or dirt on the sensor surface
- Clean the sensor surface with a soft cloth
- If the sensor is misaligned, adjust it carefully
- Switch the garage door opener back on
If the sensor’s orange light disappears, it indicates that the sensor was not detecting the beam correctly due to dirt or misalignment.
Check the Sensor Wiring
Another common issue that can cause a garage door sensor orange light is faulty wiring. You can follow these steps to check the wiring –
- Switch off the power of the garage door opener
- Find the wires at the back of the sensor
- Inspect the wires for any signs of damage or loose wires
- Check the wiring that goes to the garage opener as well
- If you find any damaged wires, replace them with new ones
- Secure any loose wires
- Turn the power back on and test the sensor
Adjust Sensor View
If the sunlight is causing the garage door sensor orange light, you can adjust the sensor’s view to avoid the direct sunlight. Follow these steps to adjust the sensor view –
- Turn off the garage door opener
- Find the sensor on each side of the garage door
- Observe the reflection of the sun and note the time range when it occurs throughout the day
- Adjust the sensor’s view by rotating it until it is not exposed to direct sunlight
- Turn the garage door opener back on and test the sensor
FAQs
Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about garage door sensors.
How do I know if my sensor is faulty?
If your garage door sensor has a permanent orange light, it is an indication that it might be faulty. You can test it by waving an object in front of it while the garage door is closing. If the door does not reverse direction, it indicates that the sensor is not working correctly.
How do I align the sensors?
To align the sensors, locate them on either side of the garage door. Use a level tool to check if they are aligned with each other. If they are not aligned, adjust them until they are level with each other.
Can I fix the garage door sensor myself?
Yes, you can fix most garage door sensor issues by yourself. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable, it is always better to seek professional help.
Conclusion
By following the simple steps mentioned above, you can resolve the garage door sensor orange light issue and ensure that your garage door functions correctly and safely. It is essential to maintain garage door sensors regularly to prevent accidents and injuries. If you have any concerns about your garage door sensor’s functionality, it is best to seek professional help.