Garage Door Repair Livonia MI When functioning correctly, the auto-reverse mechanism detects obstructions in the path of the closing door and automatically reverses its direction to prevent accidents or damage.
If your garage door is not properly reversing when it encounters an obstruction, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to fix the auto-reverse feature on a garage door:
1. Understand the Auto-Reverse Mechanism: Before attempting any repairs, it’s important to understand how the auto-reverse mechanism works. Typically, modern garage door openers are equipped with two main types of auto-reverse features:
- Mechanical: This type of auto-reverse mechanism uses physical pressure sensors or resistance to detect obstructions in the door’s path. When the door encounters an obstruction, it applies resistance and automatically reverses direction.
- Photoelectric: This type of auto-reverse mechanism uses infrared beams to detect objects in the door’s path. When the infrared beam is interrupted by an obstruction, it triggers the door to reverse direction.
2. Test the Auto-Reverse Function: Start by testing the auto-reverse function of your garage door to determine the nature of the problem. Place a sturdy object, such as a block of wood or a cardboard box, in the path of the closing door and activate the door to close. Observe whether the door detects the obstruction and reverses direction accordingly. If the door does not reverse, or if it reverses inconsistently, there may be an issue with the auto-reverse mechanism that needs to be addressed.
3. Check the Safety Sensors: The most common cause of auto-reverse failure is a misalignment or malfunction of the safety sensors. Locate the safety sensors mounted on either side of the garage door opening, near the floor. Ensure that the sensors are clean, aligned, and free from obstructions such as dirt, debris, or cobwebs. Use a soft cloth to clean the sensor lenses and adjust their alignment if necessary. Most sensors have indicator lights that illuminate when properly aligned.
4. Test the Sensor Alignment: After cleaning and aligning the safety sensors, test their functionality by activating the door to close. Wave your hand or a broomstick in front of one of the sensors to interrupt the infrared beam while the door is closing. Observe whether the sensor detects the obstruction and causes the door to reverse direction. Repeat this process for the other sensor to ensure both are functioning correctly. If the sensors are not working properly, there may be wiring issues or sensor malfunctions that require further inspection and repair.
5. Inspect and Adjust the Force Settings: If the safety sensors are functioning correctly but the door still fails to reverse, it may be due to improper force settings. Most garage door openers are equipped with adjustable force settings that control the amount of force exerted by the door when closing. Locate the force adjustment controls on the opener unit and consult the owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the settings. Gradually increase the force settings until the door reliably reverses when encountering an obstruction.
6. Lubricate Moving Parts: Lack of lubrication can cause friction and resistance in the garage door mechanism, affecting the auto-reverse function. Inspect the rollers, tracks, hinges, and springs for signs of wear or corrosion. Apply a lubricating spray or garage door lubricant to these moving parts to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Be sure to wipe away any excess lubricant to prevent buildup and attract dirt and debris.
7. Test and Monitor: After completing the necessary adjustments and lubrication, test the auto-reverse function of the garage door again to ensure it is functioning correctly. Repeat the obstruction test with a sturdy object in the door’s path to verify that the door reliably reverses direction when needed. Monitor the door’s operation over time to ensure continued functionality and address any issues promptly.
8. Seek Professional Assistance: If you’re unable to fix the auto-reverse feature on your garage door or if you encounter persistent issues despite troubleshooting efforts, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance. A qualified garage door technician can inspect the door, identify the underlying cause of the problem, and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments to ensure the safety and functionality of the door.
Garage Door Repair Livonia MI By following these steps and addressing any issues promptly, you can restore the auto-reverse mechanism and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your garage door operates safely and reliably.
Brothers Garage Door Service
29522 Wentworth St, Livonia, MI 48154, United States
1-734-292-0971