Do garage door opener safety sensor eyes just go bad?

HVAC & Fireplace Bucket EXPERT April 18, 2008

As with any item, they can fail but they are fairly robust and it is more common for the wiring to the sensors eyes to get damaged or pinched. Or for one of the sensor eye mounts to get bent or loosen enough for door vibration to shift it out of place so the eyes no longer “see” each other.

Being an electronic component, they do not actually wear in any way and any failure would seem sudden as there would be no noticeable decrease in performance to indicate a developing problem. Typically, they either work or not.

You can check each sensor eye for an LED light. Each should have a bright steady LED on it or it is an indicator of a misalignment of the eyes or a loss of power to one sensor.

Your Owner’s Manual and the images and links below have more information on checking and testing the safety sensors and you can submit another question here if you need further information. If that does not help locate the problem, we recommend the opener not be used until a professional can return this important safety feature to proper working condition and assure your door is closing safely.