You push the button. The door goes down. It stops when there is about a foot left to the floor. Then it goes up again. You do it again. It happens the same way. This is one of the most annoying times people face with a garage door. Most of the time, what causes this is small. It costs very little. It sits about six inches up from your garage floor.
The Usual Suspect: Your Safety Sensors
Before you book a garage door opener repair, take a look at the two small boxes on each side of the door near the floor. These are called photo-eye safety sensors. One sends out a beam that you cannot see. The other one gets the beam. If something blocks that beam, even for a short moment, the opener will think there is something under the door. It will make the door go back up. This is what it has to do.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission pushed for doors to use this reversing feature. A lot of children had died from openers that did not stop. Now, a door that goes back up is part of the safety system doing what it should, even if it seems like it overreacts sometimes.
The Simple Fix Most People Miss
Check the sensor lights
Most sensors come with a small LED. The light will stay steady if everything lines up well. If one side has a blinking light or no light, the beam is not reaching across. This tells you that there is a problem.
Wipe the lenses
This is the fix that people often miss. Dust, cobwebs, and even a mark from a kid’s hand can block the beam. Take a soft, dry cloth. Gently clean both lenses. Then try the door again. You might be surprised how often this is all you need to solve the problem.
Realign the sensors
Sensors can get hit by bikes, trash cans, and the vacuum cleaner. If this happens, loosen the wing nut and turn both sensors so they face each other. Then tighten it again. When the lights stay on, you know it is fixed. A short Medium post on why a garage door keeps going back up shows the same thing and has some photos to help.
Watch for sunlight
Low sun in the morning or evening that shines right into the sensor can make it not work right. If this is only a problem at some times of the day, sunlight could be the reason. Some people switch the sensor to the other side or put a small shield to block the sun.
Other Reasons Your Door Reverses
If the sensors look good, there are a few other things that can make a reversal happen.
Something on the floor or in the track
Leaves, ice, a toy, or dirt in the tracks can stop the door from working right. The opener sees this as a problem and reacts to it.
Close-force or limit settings are off
Openers come with dials that let you change how far the door goes and how much force it uses. If you set the close limit too low, the door will hit the floor and think it hit something, so it may go back up. You should adjust these dials slowly and only a little at a time.
Worn rollers or a damaged door
Bent panels, dry rollers, and loose hinges can make the door work harder. The opener may feel this extra strain. This can make it stop.
Wiring problems
It is common to see chewed or loose sensor wires in a garage where there are mice. If you look and find wiring that is damaged, it is time to call a professional for help.
See also: Transform Your Home into a Business Paradise
When to Call for Help
Call a technician if the sensors are clean and lined up but the problem will not go away, if you see damaged wires, or if the door is not straight. Do not remove or turn off the sensors to try to fix the issue. This is not safe and makes the whole system useless.
FAQ
How do I test my garage door’s reversal feature?
Put a 2×4 board flat on the floor under the door. Then close the door. The door should go back when it touches the board.
Can a garage door sensor go bad?
Yes. Sensors can stop working or break if they get wet. The replacement sets do not cost a lot.
Why does my garage door only reverse in the afternoon?
Direct sunlight is probably hitting one of the sensors. This is getting in the way of the beam.
Is it safe to adjust the force settings myself?
It is good to make small changes if you follow the manual. If you are not sure what to do, you should let a pro take care of it.
Conclusion
A garage door that goes back up before it closes is usually not broken. Clean the sensor lenses and look at the lights. Make sure the sensors are set in line and clear the tracks. If the door still does not stay down, or you see bad wires or a door that is not straight, you should get help from someone who works on garage doors every day. A quick look today can keep you from needing help later. Have you tried the lens hack yet?
