How to replace a garage door opener safety sensor
This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a safety sensor on a garage door opener. The garage door opener has two sensors that prevent the garage door from closing on a person or object: one that sends an infrared beam and one that receives the beam. If an object or person is in the way of the beam, the closing door reverses direction. If a safety sensor stops working, the remote control won't work and the motor unit lights blink when you press the remote.
Our garage door opener safety sensor troubleshooting video can help you confirm a problem with the safety sensor. If you determine the safety sensors have failed, replace the sensors using the manufacturer-approved garage door opener part.
Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace garage door safety sensors in Craftsman, Chamberlain, LiftMaster and Genie garage door openers.
This video explains how to replace the safety sensors on a garage door opener.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect the power
Use a step ladder to access the garage door opener’s power cord and motor unit. Unplug the garage door opener.
PHOTO: Unplug the garage door opener.
- 02.
Remove the sensors
Remove the wing nut from the safety sensor.
Pull the sensor from the bracket.
Cut the wires about an inch from the safety sensor, leaving enough slack in the control wire to connect the new sensor.
Repeat the process for the other safety sensor.
PHOTO: Remove the wing nut from the safety sensor.
- 03.
Connect the new safety sensor wires
Separate the control wires on the new sensor.
Connect the black-striped control wire to the black-striped safety sensor wire using the crimp wire nut.
Connect the solid white wires the same way.
Repeat the process for the other safety sensor.
Tip: If you're not using the crimp wire nuts that come with the new safety sensors, strip 1/2-inch of insulation from each wire and connect the wires using wire nuts.
PHOTO: Connect the safety sensor wires.
- 04.
Install the new safety sensors
Slide the safety sensor into its bracket and secure it with the wire nut.
Repeat the process for the other safety sensor.
PHOTO: Install the new safety sensors.
- 05.
Reconnect electrical power
Plug in the garage door opener.
- 06.
Line up the safety sensors
Align the safety sensors so the green indicator light on the receiving sensor glows steadily.
- 07.
Test the safety sensor
Open the garage door.
Place a box or similar object between the safety sensors to block the sensing beam.
Attempt to close the garage door using a remote.
The door should stay open and the motor unit lights should blink.
If the garage door opener closes the door with the safety sensors blocked, replace the logic board.
PHOTO: Test the safety sensor.
Most common symptoms to help you fix your garage door openers
Choose a symptom to see related garage door opener repairs.
Main causes: garage door opener misaligned, travel limits need adjustment, bad travel limit switches, faulty logic contr…
Main causes: garage door locked, damaged garage door tracks, up-force setting needs adjustment, RPM sensor failure, bad …
Main causes: safety sensor beams blocked, safety sensors not aligned, downforce setting needs adjustment, damaged garage…
Things to do: check garage door travel, tighten brackets and fasteners, test safety sensors, check travel limits and for…
Main causes: radio interference, weak remote batteries, sunlight interference with safety sensor beams, safety sensors n…
Main causes: faulty logic control board, bad RPM sensor, broken gears in the drive system, bad drive motor…
Main causes: neighbor's remote programmed at the same time as yours, faulty wall control wiring, bad wall control unit…
Main causes: loose fasteners, broken brackets, need preventive maintenance, worn drive gears, loose or worn belt, loose …
Most common repair guides to help fix your garage door openers
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your garage door opener.
How to replace a chain-drive garage door opener gear and sprocket assembly
Learn how to replace the gear and sprocket assembly on your garage door opener if the drive motor runs but the door won'…
How to replace a garage door opener logic board
The logic board is the brains of the garage door opener. If the remote doesn't work or the door doesn't open and close p…
How to replace a garage door opener drive chain and cable assembly
If your garage door won’t move, the chain and cable assembly on your garage door opener could be broken. Follow these st…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your garage door openers
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your garage door opener.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn how to repair broken, frayed or damaged wires in your appliances.…