What Is the Garage Door Auto Reverse Feature?
- The auto reverse sensor (also called the photo-eye) consists of two infrared eyes mounted approximately 6 inches above the floor on either side of the door.
- When the door closes, if the beam between those sensors is broken (by an object or person), the opener must instantly stop and reverse the door upward.
- This garage door auto reverse action is mandated by safety codes nationwide.
How to Test Your Garage Door Auto-Reverse Mechanism
Perform this simple test every month to confirm your system works:
- Clear the Area. Remove all debris and ensure pets or children are not nearby.
- Place an Obstruction. Set a 2×4 block (or a roll of paper towels) on the floor directly in the door’s path.
- Activate the Door. Press the remote or wall button to close the door.
- Observe the Reaction:
Correct Behavior: The door should touch the obstruction, immediately stop, and reverse upward.
• Failing Behavior: If the door continues to close, reverses too late, or never reverses, the auto-reverse sensor or force settings need adjustment.
Pro Tip: Always test both the photo-eye auto-reverse and the force sensor (which reacts to resistance on the bottom edge).
How to Adjust Auto Reverse on Garage Doors
If your door closes too forcefully or doesn’t reverse reliably, adjust these settings on your opener’s motor unit:
- Locate the Adjustment Dials: Older openers have two knobs labeled “Down Force” (or “Close Force”) and “Up Force” (or “Open Force”).
- Fine-Tune the Down Force:
- Increase sensitivity (less force required to reverse) by turning the Down Force knob one click at a time toward the “+” mark.
- Decrease sensitivity (more force required) by turning toward “–.”
- Test After Each Adjustment: Repeat the obstruction test to confirm the door reverses promptly without overreacting.
- Check Sensor Alignment: Ensure both photo-eyes have solid LEDs (not flashing). Realign by gently nudging the brackets until the LEDs stabilize.
Diagnosing Auto-Reverse Sensor Problems
Even properly adjusted force settings won’t help if the auto-reverse sensor itself is compromised:
- Dirty Lenses: Wipe both sensors with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- Misalignment: Aim the sensors directly at each other—LEDs should glow solid green or amber.
- Wiring Faults: Inspect the low-voltage wires for frays or loose connections at the opener.
If, after cleaning and realignment, your photo-eyes still block the beam when nothing’s there, you may need a replacement sensor.
Why Your Garage Door Reverses Immediately (and How to Fix It)
A door that reverses immediately—even with no obstruction—can be just as frustrating as one that won’t reverse at all:
- Too-High Sensitivity: Dial the Down Force slightly toward “–” to require a bit more force before reversing.
- Unbalanced Door: If springs are too tight or loose, the opener senses resistance prematurely—call a pro to rebalance.
- Track or Roller Issues: Bent tracks or worn rollers can create drag. Inspect and lubricate your rollers; straighten minor track bends with a rubber mallet.
Does none of the above apply? Pay attention to determine if your reversing issue only occurs on sunny days. Sunlight can trigger garage door reversing:
- If your garage door won’t close and keeps reversing, the culprit might be something unexpected: direct sunlight. Sun can shine directly into the garage door photo eye sensors, causing them to misread the signal. The sensors may think there’s an object in the way—even when the path is clear—which forces the door to reverse as a safety precaution.
- To solve this common issue, we offer garage door sensor sun shields that block glare and protect sensor function. It’s a simple, affordable fix that can prevent frustrating door malfunctions.
When to Call a Professional
While many homeowners can handle lens-cleaning and minor dial tweaks, leave these tasks to trained technicians at Forest Garage Doors:
- Spring or Cable Work: High-tension components must be serviced by experts.
- Motor Drive Repairs: Belt, chain, or screw-drive adjustments beyond simple dialing.
- Sensor Replacement: Precise aligning and wiring checks for new photo-eyes.
Schedule your garage door repair service online or call us at (708) 652-9405 for a free estimate today.
