Your garage door refuses to close, but the safety sensors look perfectly aligned. The lights are on, the sensors are facing each other, and nothing seems out of place—yet the door still goes back up or won’t close at all.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common garage door problems homeowners face, especially in areas with humidity, dust, and frequent power fluctuations.
In this SEO-optimized troubleshooting guide, we’ll explain why your garage door won’t close even when the sensors are aligned and how to fix the problem step-by-step.
1. Check for Sensor Obstructions (Even the Small Ones)
Even if your sensors look aligned, something extremely small may be blocking the infrared beam.
Common hidden obstructions:
- Dust or dirt on the sensor lens
- Spider webs
- Leaves or debris blowing in
- Pollen buildup
- Small toys or tools near the tracks
Fix:
Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth and remove any debris around the tracks.
2. Verify the Sensor Lights Are Solid (Not Flickering)
Just because sensors face each other doesn’t mean they’re working.
What the lights mean:
- Solid lights = sensors are aligned and communicating
- Blinking lights = weak signal or wiring issue
- No light = sensor not receiving power
Even a tiny vibration can misalign them enough to break the beam.
Fix:
Gently adjust each sensor until BOTH LEDs remain solid without flickering.
3. Check for Loose or Damaged Sensor Wiring
Humidity, lawn equipment, pets, or simple wear can cause wire damage.
Signs your wiring is the problem:
- Sensors flicker when the door moves
- Lights turn off randomly
- Opener clicks but door won’t close
Fix:
Inspect the wires running from the sensors to the opener. Look for:
- Cuts
- Pinched sections
- Frayed insulation
- Loose connections
Reconnect or replace damaged wires.
4. Make Sure the Opener Is Not in “Lock Mode”
Most modern openers have a Lock or Vacation Mode that prevents remotes from operating the door.
If this is accidentally turned on, the garage door will not close, even though sensors look fine.
Fix:
Press and hold the LOCK button on the wall control for 3–5 seconds until the indicator light stops blinking.
5. Check for Sunlight Interference
Direct sunlight hitting one of the sensors can overpower the infrared beam.
Signs of sun interference:
- Door only fails to close during daytime
- Happens during bright afternoon sunlight
Fixes:
- Slightly angle the sensors
- Add a sun shield (small cardboard or 3D-printed cover)
- Install sensors on swap sides so the receiver is shaded
6. Verify the Door Tracks Are Not Bent or Misaligned
If the garage door track is bent, the door may start to close but then reverse—making it look like a sensor issue.
Check for:
- Gaps between rollers and track
- Dents
- Bowed track
- Loose brackets
Fix:
Tighten loose hardware.
Call a technician if the track is bent—fixing it incorrectly can cause the door to fall.
7. Test the Opener’s Force or Travel Limits
If the opener thinks the door is hitting an obstacle, it will reverse—even with sensors aligned.
Signs this is the issue:
- Door reverses halfway down
- You hear grinding or resistance
- Happens more in humid or cold weather (door expands)
Fix:
Adjust the downforce or travel limits according to the opener manual.
8. Sensor Brackets May Be Loose or Vibrating
Even perfectly aligned sensors won’t work if the brackets are loose.
Check for:
- Brackets that shake when touched
- Sensors moving when door vibrates
- Screws not tightened
Fix:
Tighten screws and secure brackets firmly.
9. Faulty Sensors (Even If Lights Look Fine)
Sometimes, sensors simply go bad—even when the lights stay on.
Common causes:
- Internal circuitry failure
- Moisture buildup
- Long-term wear
- Small internal cracks
Fix:
Replace both sensors as a pair for best accuracy and compatibility.
10. The Garage Door Opener Logic Board May Be Failing
If you’ve checked everything and the door STILL won’t close, the real problem could be the opener’s circuit board.
Signs of a failing logic board:
- Random beeping
- Door opens but won’t close
- Intermittent sensor issues
- Wall button works only sometimes
Fix:
A logic board replacement is needed—this requires a technician.
When to Call a Professional
You should contact a garage door technician when:
- You’ve cleaned and aligned sensors but the problem persists
- Wires look damaged
- The opener shows error codes
- Door reverses halfway
- You suspect a logic board or motor problem
- Tracks or springs look unsafe
Trying to fix complex issues without training can be dangerous.
Final Thoughts
If your garage door won’t close even when the sensors are aligned, the problem is usually something small—dust, wiring issues, sunlight, a loose bracket, or travel limit settings.
Start with simple fixes, and if the issue continues, it’s best to call a professional to ensure your system is working safely.