Dust and grit can pile up in the tracks, coat the rollers and cover the safety sensor lenses, and then the door can jerk, stick or refuse to close. Disconnect the opener, wipe the track and rollers, wipe both sensor lenses with a dry cloth, check alignment, and lubricate lightly. Never grease the track or bypass a sensor.
Why dry, windy areas need cleaning
The NOAA state climate summary for Texas notes large east to west variations in rainfall. In drier parts of the state, wind can carry dust and grit, and a garage door has tracks, rollers and sensor lenses that collect it.
Grit in the track makes the rollers drag. A film on a sensor lens can weaken the infrared beam between the two sensors, so the door reverses or will not close. Chamberlain says a blocked or misaligned sensor is the reason for its 4-6 error code.
Clean in this order
You need a soft dry cloth, a vacuum with a brush, a bucket of warm water with mild soap and a lubricant your door maker names. Pick a calm day.
Disconnect the opener
Close the door, then pull the red release handle so the opener cannot move it. Unplug the opener if you are unsure.
Vacuum the track area
Pull loose dust and grit out of the inside of both tracks with a brush attachment. Do not reach into the spring or cable area.
Wipe the track and rollers
Use a damp cloth with mild soap, then dry. The rollers should turn freely. If one does not, note it for a technician.
Wipe both sensor lenses
Use a clean dry cloth on each lens. Chamberlain describes an amber sending light and a green receiving light. Both should be steady.
Check alignment
The lenses should face each other at the same height. Chamberlain says to loosen the wing nut on the receiving sensor, aim the lenses at each other and tighten when the green light holds steady.
Lubricate lightly
Use a metal lubricant on the rollers, hinges and curved track sections as Garaga advises. Wipe off any extra.
Reconnect and test
Reconnect the opener and run the door several times. Watch it close, and stop at once if it jerks or tilts.
Sunlight shining straight into the receiving sensor can also make the door act as if it is blocked, according to Chamberlain. If the problem comes at the same hour each day, check for sun on the lens.
What to avoid
- Never put grease on the track. Garaga says rollers should roll in the track, not slide, and grease holds dust.
- Do not spray lubricant on the sensor lenses or the tracks until you have wiped them clean.
- Do not bypass, tape over or disable a safety sensor, even for a day. It is the safety feature that stops the door on a child, a pet or an object.
- Do not touch the springs, cable ends or the bracket at the bottom of the door. They are under heavy tension.
Wind and the door itself
The National Weather Service says straight-line winds in strong thunderstorms can exceed 100 mph, and that sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph can cause isolated damage. After a windy day, look at the door from outside and inside for gaps, a bent section or a track that has shifted before you use the opener.
See tornado and straight-line wind safety for a garage door for what to do before and after a severe storm.
When to call a technician
Call if a roller will not turn, the door tilts or sticks even after cleaning, a sensor light stays off, or the door is heavy by hand. Those are signs of worn rollers, a bent track, a failed sensor or spring trouble. See garage door repair and opener repair. Rollers, sensors or a tune-up are $150 to $350 depending on the number of rollers, the sensor type and the door size. The final price is confirmed after we see the door.
Who to call
Emil Garage Doors repairs garage doors, springs, cables and openers and installs new doors in Texas, including Abilene, Amarillo and Midland. Call or send your details with a short video of the problem.
Questions people ask
Why does my garage door reverse before it closes?
A blocked, dirty or misaligned safety sensor is a common cause. Chamberlain ties its 4-6 error to blocked or misaligned sensors. Clear the beam, wipe the lenses and check both lights.
How do I clean garage door sensors?
Wipe each lens with a clean dry soft cloth, and check that both lights are steady. If they are not, loosen the wing nut on the receiving sensor and realign.
Should I grease my garage door track?
No. Garaga says to never put grease on the tracks. Clean them, and put a metal lubricant on the rollers, hinges and curved sections.
Can I turn off the sensors if they keep acting up?
No. Do not bypass or disable them. Clean and realign them, and call a technician if that does not work.
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More guides
Sources
- NOAA NCEI and NCICS: Texas State Climate Summary (rainfall variation, Gulf moisture, tornado counts and season)
- Chamberlain Group support: Error code 4-6, safety sensors blocked or not aligned
- Garaga: Maintenance for tracks, hinges, rollers and springs (what to lubricate, never grease the tracks)
- National Weather Service: Wind safety (straight-line winds and damage thresholds)