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The garage door automatically stops closing and reverses when objects pass through the photo eyes.
This helps prevent dangerous garage door accidents including small children or unleashed pets running under the door.
Garage door openers are standard in most homes today and are so often taken for granted…right up until something goes wrong!
One of the most common garage door service requirements involves the ‘photocells’. So, what can a homeowner check on their own?
1. Check the lenses of the sectional doorphotocell for dirt, insects, or spider webs. Yes, even these small obstructions can cause the photocell to ‘see’ an obstruction and act as if there is someone or something in the doorway, resulting in a ‘no close’ condition. Remove any dust, insects or webs with a soft, damp rag. Try the door again, it should close.
Note that with dust, insects or webs the indicator lights on the photocell may still be in the OK mode even though the photocell reacts as if it is blocked.
2. If the garage door photocell indicator lights are blinking normally there is a physical blockage, an alignment issue or a photocell failure involved. What might cause an alignment issue?
2.1 Should your photocell be blinking check first for a physical obstruction. Simply remove the obstruction and see if the indicator lights return to steady light and try the door again.
2.2 Should there not be a physical obstruction check the alignment of the devices. Simply move one of the adjustable devices or flexible brackets around gently to see if you can produce a steady indicator light condition on the photocells.
2.3 If neither of these actions solves the failure to close condition there may be a photocell failure involved. This will require a replacement photocell and/or possibly a replacement circuit board.
3. If the indicator lights are simply ‘out’ or not lit on the photocell device you may have a wiring issue, a faulty photocell or a faulty circuit board.
3.1 First, visually inspect the wiring between the photocell device and the powerhead unit for the opener system. If the wiring is damaged it is most typically near the photocell end as it is only a few inches above floor level and might be pulled, cut, or otherwise compromised more easily than at the motor end.
Should you find damage you should call for service, or, if you are handy enough, replace the damaged wire to see if the indicator lights will return to the normal steady ok status. Once the problem is corrected, try the door opener system to see if it functions properly.
3.2 If the wiring appears to be undamaged most probably you will need new parts. Be prepared with the brand and model of your opener system before you call for service or parts.
In most cases replacement photocells and circuit boards are available.
