 There could be a few reasons why you have to hold down the wall control button to close your garage door but the easiest one to rule out is misaligned safety sensors.
When you hold down the button on the control panel, you are overriding the safety feature and telling the opener no matter what is in the way just close the door. Here are a few things to look for when checking the sensors: 1. Clean the sensor's lens and make sure dust, webs, and other debris is not obstructing the lens view. 2. If there are objects around the sensors that you move in an out of the garage (i.e. shovels in the winter, rakes in the summer) put them elsewhere. You may unknowingly hit the sensors and knock it out of alignment. 3.. Most, if not all, sensors have an indicator light that tells you they are functioning. One is usually green and one is red/orange. If one or both are not lit, adjust the sensors (one or both) until the lights come on. Then tightly fasten the bracket screw to make sure the sensors are secured in place. If that doesn't fix your problem, call a garage door service company for further diagnostics.
39 Comments
5/6/2019 05:45:52 pm
I didn't know that something as small as some dust or cobwebs could obstruct the lens of a garage door. Knowing that and how any misalignment of safety sensors can cause problems with your garage door, I think it's best to hire a professional installation service. My husband and I will start looking into services in our area.
Thomas Tadin
12/2/2023 05:51:16 pm
my garage door started having issues today. I cleaned the sensors, tried lining them up and I haven't had any luck. I have my right sensor is orange, and my left sensor doesn't light up. Is it possible one sensor went bad?
Mike
12/7/2023 01:02:31 pm
It is very common for one of the sensors to get a bad connection somewhere along the wire, especially if mice live in your garage. Check the wire between the opener and the left sensor for any signs of chewing or disconnection.
Mark
3/8/2024 01:21:55 pm
I had the same problem. Thanks! I noticed that one sensor had an orange light and the other none. I cleaned both and bottoms had come loose from the screw. I realigned and tightened. It worked! You’re a genius. Thanks!!!! 2/9/2021 04:58:10 am
My aunt told me that her garage door is not working as fluid as before. Thanks for pointing out that this could be a sign of a failing sensor. I'll share this with her and suggest that she contact a garage door expert if the issue persists.
DIY
3/30/2024 11:22:22 am
There are 3 simple steps any child could follow
Valerie Simon
11/13/2021 02:29:03 pm
Is it possible that installation of an Arlo video camera at waist height next to a garage door pointing to the right but toward the street could interfere with the door’s closing operation causing me to have to hold down the button until the door is closed?
Absolute Garage Doors
11/13/2021 06:44:20 pm
Thanks for inquiring. Interference is possible. Remove your Arlo and try your door again. It may be a coincidence and something is actually wrong with the door or motor. 3/8/2022 10:06:53 am
For about a week, I have had to hold down the button on my garage door in order for it to close. I was hoping the suggestion you had to move the sensors to see if the light comes on would help. Unfortunately it wasn't successful. I think I will need to call a professional door repair before it gets much more into spring and we use the garage so many times for yardwork.
Gordon Mark
1/2/2023 10:55:48 pm
Check go a broken wire coming from one of the sensors
Robert Smith
7/11/2023 01:03:51 pm
Looks like you are an industry douche bag in internet land.
Robert’s Right Hand
1/20/2024 12:35:45 pm
Looks like you’re a faggot.
Called Out
3/30/2024 11:23:50 am
Funny how in an article with simple troubleshooting steps, you get ppl like this in the comments suggesting to call a repairman 8/30/2022 07:31:45 pm
I found this article interesting. It is very informative and helpful to all the readers, especially to the ones who are experiencing the same problem that was said in this post. Thank you for sharing this blog. 12/22/2022 11:27:12 am
I haven't been able to get my garage door to close all the way, and I'm not sure why. I'll be sure to take a look at the sensor to see if that is causing it. If there's nothing wrong with that, then I should get a professional to help me out with this.
OK Braden
1/19/2023 07:54:46 pm
Looks to me like you are actually an industry professional in NY. 1/12/2023 08:29:24 am
A faulty opener can make simple tasks take up a lot more time. A quality opener helps to avoid the annoyance of malfunctions, providing a garage door operation you can count on.
Brian
1/25/2023 07:28:33 pm
Thanks for your help. That was my next move to check the wiring the sensor light will not come on.but there is some electrical tape on one of the wires.thank you
Megan
4/23/2023 03:49:25 pm
Thank you soooooo much for explaining about sensor obstructions and why holding down the wall button works. We were trying to reprogram it and that wasn’t working. Turns out my husband set a trash bag in front of the sensor! 5/23/2023 02:50:55 pm
Thank you very much! Extremely easy fix. For me was no more than a minute fix. Cleaning the sensors.
Gary
6/16/2023 09:01:30 pm
Yeah I'm not accepting an answer to call a professional.
Bill coleman
6/17/2023 06:39:22 pm
Thanks for bringing my attention to door detail of the sensors, as my door would only close using the wall unit. I didn't realize they each have a colored light on the side, and one was flashing, meaning not connecting, it was the smallest wiggle that duct tape took care of for a steady red light and all is well...
Steve Taylor
6/24/2023 02:06:08 pm
Had a "doh" moment reading this. Didn't realize that holding the wall switch would override the sensors. I have the sunlight problem here in AZ. I've tried putting the receiver sensor on the opposite side, and putting a sun shade on the sender sensor. Doesn't work during late afternoons. Overriding works! Thanks.
Jim Mras
7/8/2023 06:50:29 pm
My liftmaster must be older. There are no lights on my sensors. I cleaned and the path is clear. Per others only closes when I hold the garage button down. Beyond frustrating.
Pamela
8/26/2023 11:35:22 am
Great article! Garage door would not close and kept thinking it was the track. I cleaned it, no help. I finally found this article and realized it was the sensor. When we returned from the beach, it was knocked off when the umbrellas were put back in their place. Put the sensor back in place and no problem. Thank you! 8/28/2023 05:43:31 pm
give me a simple and short comment thats unique, personal and realistic natural based off the content on this post {{page}}
Ginger
11/2/2023 06:13:59 pm
How do you know if your clicker is bad? Everything else is fine. 12/7/2023 12:50:29 am
It sounds like there might be a problem with the garage door sensor or the control button. Check for any loose wires or connections. If the issue persists, it's best to consult a professional for a thorough inspection and fix. Safety first!
Arthur
2/22/2024 12:22:40 pm
Thank you - very helpful article and it worked for me.
Miguel
8/5/2024 10:57:52 pm
Garage door won't open or close at all even trying to hold the wall switch down. The opener light comes on and there is a click. Sensors are lined up w/ both green and orange indicator lights on. Can a resistance test with an ohm meter spot a broken wire?
Knocs Kazembe
9/18/2024 03:31:01 pm
Thank you so much guys, it worked for me. You saved me a lot of cash from hiring the garage doormen again! Thanks a bunch Leave a Reply. |
Helpful Garage Door DIY repairs and FAQsAuthorMia is the customer service coordinator. She answers all questions regarding accounts, products, services, and the blog. Archives
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