Fix it
Garage door sensor blinking
One sensor sends and one receives. The sending one should show a steady light whenever it has power. The receiving one shows a steady light only when it can see the sender. A blinking receiver means the beam is broken, out of line, or the sun is in it.
Do this first
Wipe both lenses with a dry cloth and look along the beam for anything in the way. Half of these are a cobweb or a bin bag.
3 of 3 are yours to fix
What it usually turns out to be
| Cause | How to tell | What happens next | Yours? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out of alignment | The receiver blinks or is dark; nudging the bracket makes it go steady. | Loosen the wing nut, aim them at each other until the light is steady, tighten without moving it. | Yes |
| Sunlight in the receiver | Only at certain times of day, only certain months. | Shield the receiver. It is a known limitation of every brand, not a fault. | Yes |
| A damaged wire | The sender light is out too, or it started after work was done in the garage. | The wire is stapled along the wall and is easy to nick. Replace the run rather than patching it. | Yes |
What it costs
$95 – $175
For a sensor pair, fitted. National guide range, checked September 2026 — get it in writing.
Exact price
Want somebody to look at it?
The range above is a guide. Tell us what you need and somebody who works your area will price it properly.
If the door will not move and a car is stuck behind it, do not wait on a form — leave the door where it is and ring somebody. Do not pull on the spring or the cable.
Your details are used to quote this job and nothing else.
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