Troubleshooting Photocell Problems

The key indicator that your photo cells are not functioning properly will be a door that reverses when you try to close it and the only way to get it down is by holding the wall button down the whole time while the door is closing.

Try these tips.  If you still cannot get your door to work please give us a call at 414-321-0500

All garage door openers manufactured after January 1, 1993 include the federally mandated Safety Sensor Reversing System®. These sensors are found four to six inches above the garage floor and protect the door opening with an invisible beam. If there is any problem with the safety sensors, the light bulb on the opener will flash 10 times and the garage door will not close unless constant pressure is applied to the wall button.

There are a few different things that can cause this type of problem, which are listed below with corresponding solutions (For LiftMaster Operators):

• Clear any obstruction from between the safety sensors. Loose leaves, trash, and dirt on the lens of the sensor itself are all examples of things that can obstruct the sensor's signal.
• Check each sensor for a steady glowing indicator light. If both indicator lights are on, or if one indicator light is flickering, the sensors may be slightly misaligned. To check for misalignment; obstruct the beam of the sensors so that they cannot see each other. When the beam is blocked, the indicator light on one of the two sensors will temporarily go out. This is the receiving sensor. Remove the obstruction and loosen the wing nut on the back of the receiving sensor. Adjust the receiving sensor until the green indicator light goes out, if not already out, then realign until the green light is bright and steady, then re-tighten the wing nut. This usually takes a couple of attempts before it is back in alignment.
• If an indicator light is out on one or both sensors, check for a possible loose or shorted wire. Sensor wires are attached to the white and black terminals on the back or side panel of the overhead motor unit. Check that they are securely connected to each terminal. Also check the wires for any breaks, especially anywhere they are spliced together.

After any adjustment to the sensors, the opener itself, or the garage door, both safety systems must be tested:

• Press the remote control push button to raise the garage door. Place a box or similar object in the path of the door. Press the remote control push button to close the door. The door will not move more than one inch, and the opener lights will flash.

The garage door opener will not close from a remote control if the indicator light in either one of the sensors is off (alerting you to the fact that the sensor is misaligned or obstructed).

• With the door fully open, place a 1-½ inch board (or 2x4 laid flat) on the floor, centered under the garage door. Operate the door in the down direction. The door must reverse upon striking an obstruction. If the door stops on the obstruction, it is not traveling far enough in the down direction. Refer to your owner's manual for instructions on increasing the down limit adjustment, along with more information concerning the safety reversal test.

WARNING: Without a properly installed safety reversal system, persons (particularly small children) can be seriously injured or killed by a closing garage door. If the opener closes the door when the safety-reversing sensor is obstructed (and the sensors are no more than 6 inches above the floor), call us and we can have it adjust by our trained door systems technician.

Genie openers work pretty much the same way, you will just have a red light that flashes when it is not receiving the signal. Check your owner manual for instructions.

If you have any additional questions, please feel contact us at 414-321-0500 or visit our website at www.AdvanceOverheadDoor.com