Direct sun can shine into the receiving sensor (green light) and overpower the beam from the sending sensor (amber light), so the opener acts as if something is in the way. The door then will not close, or reverses, often at the same time each day. Fixes include realigning the sensors, swapping their sides or adding sun shields.
The two safety sensors near the floor send an invisible infrared beam across the door opening. If anything breaks the beam, the opener will not close the door or will reverse it. Chamberlain says that sunlight shining into the receiving sensor can block the infrared light from the sending sensor, and the opener then acts as if the sensors are blocked.
On the openers Chamberlain and LiftMaster describe, the door opens but will not close and the lights blink 10 times. Sun reaches the receiver only at certain angles, which is why the problem can show up at the same hours every day and vanish at night or on a cloudy day.
If none of these fit, the cause is more likely alignment or wiring. See what a blinking sensor light means.
Wipe both lenses. Chamberlain says to point the lenses directly at each other and tighten the wing nut once the green light stays steady. Both lights should glow steadily.
Chamberlain says the sensors should be no higher than 6 inches above the floor, one on each side. A sensor that has been pushed up or twisted can catch more sun.
Chamberlain's article suggests moving each sensor to the opposite side of the door. That means disconnecting power and rejoining the wires correctly, so it is a job for a technician unless your owner's manual shows the steps. It may also only move the glare to the evening.
LiftMaster sells a Safety Sensor Sun-blocker Kit, part 041B0873, that shields the sensors from direct sunlight. Check the manual for your model before ordering to make sure it fits.
Do not unplug, tape over or bypass the sensors to get the door to close. According to the CPSC, openers made on or after January 1, 1993 must have entrapment protection such as an electric eye. It is what makes the door reverse when a child, a pet or an object is in the way.
Bumped or dirty sensors, a loose wing nut, a damaged wire or an obstruction in the path look the same. Clopay says photo eyes can easily become disabled if bumped or jarred. Chamberlain's guide lists both lights off as a wiring problem with the sending sensor, and amber on with green off as a wiring problem with the receiving sensor.
If the door also seems heavy, stops partway or closes fast, the problem is not the sensors. See why a garage door will not close.
Emil Garage Doors repairs openers and sensors across Southern California, and our city pages cover California. We work on garage doors in Garden Grove, Imperial and Concord. Sensors and a tune-up are $150 to $350 in our price list, and the final price is confirmed after we see the door. Call (213) 340-4232 or use the estimate form. See opener repair and sensors and parts.
Sun may be shining into the receiving sensor and overpowering the beam from the sending sensor. The opener then acts as if something is in the path. Realigning the sensors, swapping their sides or adding sun shields can help.
The receiving sensor, the one with the green light, according to Chamberlain. The sending sensor with the amber light only emits the beam.
No. Do not bypass or disable them. They are the entrapment protection that makes the door reverse when something is in its path.
LiftMaster sells a sun-blocker kit made to prevent accidental reversal when sunlight shines into the sensors. Check your opener's manual to confirm it fits your model.
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