Where are the sensors?
Near the floor on both tracks. Two small boxes facing each other. A steady light usually means they can see each other.
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Sensor HelpGarage door closes then reverses
It starts down, then pops back up. That is often the safety sensors doing their job — or asking for a small adjustment.
What is going on
It goes down, then comes back up
The opener starts to close, then reverses before it hits the floor — or right after it touches.
It closes only when you hold the wall button
That often points to the photo-eye sensors. The opener will close if you hold the button, but not on its own.
Sensor lights are blinking or dark
The two little boxes near the floor should show a steady light. Blinking usually means they cannot see each other.
It worked until something got bumped
A trash can, a bike, or a car mirror can knock a sensor out of line. So can a broom.
Sensors, a blocked path, or alignment
These sensors are a safety feature. They are not optional.
Photo-eyes sit near the bottom of each track. They shine a beam across the opening. If something breaks that beam — a box, a bike, even a heavy cobweb — the door reverses.
If nothing is in the way, the sensors may be dirty or pointed past each other. That is alignment. A small bump is enough.
Do not tape over the sensors. Do not unplug them so the door “just closes.” That removes the thing that keeps the door from closing on someone.
What you can check safely
Simple looks only. If you are not sure, stop and call.
Sensor and opener help in Chicagoland
Chacon Garage Doors helps with doors that reverse, sensor alignment, and opener issues across Chicagoland and nearby suburbs.
That includes Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, La Grange, Oak Brook, and surrounding communities. If the opener itself is the problem, see opener not working.
Back to the home page, or request service.
Berwyn
Cicero
Riverside
La Grange
Oak Brook
Nearby suburbs
Related help
Other common questions, in plain English.
Quick answers
The questions people ask when the door will not stay closed.
Can I tape them over?
No. They keep the door from closing on a person, a pet, or a car.
It only closes if I hold the wall button. Why?
That is a classic sensor issue. The opener will close while you hold the button, but the sensors are blocking the remote.
How do I request service?
Call (708) 355-0068 or use the Request Service form.
Let’s get the door working again.
Call now or send a quick service request. We will take it from there.