If you are standing in your driveway wondering, “Why are my garage door sensors not lighting up?” you are not alone. When the small lights on your garage door sensor go out, your automatic garage door often refuses to close, which is frustrating and confusing.

This guide walks you through the common reasons a garage door sensor stops working, how to troubleshoot it safely, and when to call a Level Up Garage Door technician in League City, Texas for help.

How the Garage Door Sensor Works in Your Garage Door System

Your garage door sensors are usually the two small devices near the bottom of the tracks on each side of the door. They are sometimes called photo eyes.

A basic overview of how the sensors work:

• One sensor sends an invisible beam of light.
• The other sensor is the receiver that picks up that signal.
• If anything blocks the beam while the door is closing, the opener stops and reverses.
• Garage door sensors must have power, be aligned properly, and have clear lenses for full functionality.

When the sensor lights (often a green light or amber light) go out or flicker, the garage door opener may stop working correctly.

Common Reasons a Garage Door Sensor Light Is Off

You might see either sensor dark, dim, or blinking. Here are the main reasons a garage door sensor loses its light.

1. No Power Getting to the Sensors

If the sensors are not lighting up at all, they may not be getting power.

Check:

• The power supply to the garage door opener.
• The breaker for the garage circuit.
• The plug for the opener at the outlet (make sure no one bumped it loose).

If the opener is not getting power, the sensors will not light, and the garage doors will not move.

2. Loose or Damaged Electrical Wiring

A wiring issue is another common root cause. Each sensor connects to the opener with low-voltage wire or cable that runs along the wall.

Inspect the wiring:

• Look for cut insulation, staples through the cable, or loose connections at the opener terminal screws.
• Gently tug the wires to make sure the wires are intact and not ready to disconnect.
• Check for any visible malfunction signs like burn marks at a connection or on the circuit board.

If you suspect electrical wiring damage, it is safer to disconnect power to the opener and call a technician.

Sensor Issues From Dirt, Misalignment, or Obstruction

Not every problem is electrical. Sometimes sensor issues are simple to fix.

Dirty Lenses and Cobweb Buildup

If your sensor is not working because of dirt, the fix is easy.

• Spiders love garage doors, and a small cobweb or dust can block the beam.
• Use a soft cloth to gently clean the sensor lenses.
• Do not scratch the lens surface.

After cleaning, see if the indicator lights come back on solid without flicker or blink.

Misalignment or Bent Bracket

Garage doors vibrate every time they open and close. Over time, this can knock the bracket out of position and cause misalignment.

When garage door sensors are not aligned properly:

• The beam misses the receiver.
• The sensor lights may blink.
• The garage door sensor stops working correctly when you try to close the door.

To align the sensors:

1. Loosen the wing nut on either sensor.
2. Adjust until both lights are solid.
3. Tighten the nut again so the sensors stay aligned properly.

For a detailed visual, you can review tutorials like how to align garage door sensors from trusted DIY sites.

Step-By-Step Guide to Troubleshoot When Garage Door Sensors Not Lighting Up

Use this short step-by-step guide to narrow down the problem before calling for garage door repair services.

Inspect the opener and power

• Make sure the opener is plugged in.
• Confirm the breaker is on and the garage door opener is getting power.

Check both sensor lights

• Note whether the green light is on or if either sensor is dark.
• A dead light often points to power or wiring.

Look for obstruction and dirt

• Clear any box, bike, or tool that could cause obstruction at floor level.
• Wipe each sensor with a soft cloth.

Re-align the sensors

• Gently move the sensors up or down on the bracket until the lights turn solid.
• A quick reset of position is often enough for sensors to regain functionality.

Examine the circuit and wiring

• If you see frayed wire or suspect internal circuit damage, stop.
• Contact a Level Up Garage Door expert or technician.

If you have Chamberlain or Craftsman equipment, the basic troubleshooting steps are the same, though the exact sensor start behavior or blink code can vary. Check your owner manual for model-specific codes.

When to Call a Pro for Garage Door Sensor Repair in League City

Sometimes the sensor problem is deeper than dust or simple misalignment. If:

• Your sensors may light up but the door still will not close properly.
• The opener arm moves a little when you try to close the door, then reverses.
• The sensor lights never come on, even with a confirmed power source.

There could be a damaged circuit board, hidden wiring issue, or bad sensor unit. At that point, professional repair is the safest choice.

Level Up Garage Door in League City offers professional garage door repair services that include:

• Full inspection of your garage door system
• Testing and replacing faulty sensors, electrical wiring, or opener components
• Verifying safe installation and correct sensor alignment

You can trust a local expert who knows automatic garage systems inside and out, rather than guessing and risking further damage.

Expert Tips to Keep Your Garage Door Sensors Working

A few quick habits can prevent many sensor problems:

• Keep the area around the sensors clear when you try to close the door.
• Wipe the lenses with a cloth every few months.
• Avoid yanking or snagging the sensor wires when moving items around the garage.
• Watch for early warning signs like a faint flicker or occasional sensor that starts blinking before the sensors stop working completely.

These small steps help your garage doors stay dependable and extend the life of the sensors.

Ready to Fix Your Garage Door Sensor Today?

If your garage door sensor will not light up or your garage door sensor stops working again and again, you do not have to struggle with guesswork. Start with the basic checks in this guide, then reach out to Level Up Garage Door in League City if the problem persists.

Our team can quickly find the root cause, restore safe sensor functionality, and make sure your automatic garage door works smoothly and reliably. If your sensors may be failing or your sensors not working has become a repeated hassle, it is the right time to talk with a pro and get your door opening and closing the way it should.