Garage door reverses when closing?
When a garage door reverses while closing, the opener's safety system has detected an obstruction. The cause is almost always misaligned photo-eye sensors, dirty lenses, or a force-limit setting that is too sensitive.
When a garage door reverses while closing, the opener's safety system has detected an obstruction. The cause is almost always misaligned photo-eye sensors, dirty lenses, or a force-limit setting that is too sensitive.
Common Causes
- 1 Photo-eye sensors not aligned (LEDs blinking instead of solid)
- 2 Sensor lenses dirty with cobwebs, dust, or moisture
- 3 Force-limit on opener set too sensitive (after door changes)
- 4 Track binding causing door drag the opener interprets as an obstacle
What to Check First (DIY)
- Look at both photo-eye sensors near the floor, both should show a solid LED
- Wipe both lenses gently with a soft dry cloth
- Loosen wing nuts and adjust sensors until both LEDs are solid
- Test by closing, door should travel all the way without reversing
When to Call a Pro
If both LEDs are solid and the door still reverses, the opener force limit needs recalibration. Same-day pro fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my door reverse just before fully closing?
Almost always sensor alignment. Even if both LEDs look on, a slight misalignment causes intermittent beam-break right as the door reaches the floor and the sensor angle changes.
Do I need to replace the photo-eye sensors?
Rarely. Cleaning and re-aligning solves 90%+ of cases. Replacement is only needed if a sensor is physically damaged or the wiring is severed.
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