Garage Door Sensor is Yellow Instead of Green: Causes and Solutions

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t pay much attention to your garage door sensor. However, if you happen to notice that the sensor is yellow instead of green, it’s time to take action. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of a yellow garage door sensor and provide solutions to fix the issue.

Introduction

Garage door sensors are an essential part of your garage door system, designed to prevent the door from closing when there is an obstruction in the way. These sensors are typically located near the ground on either side of the garage door opening, and they emit an invisible beam that connects the two sensors. When the beam is interrupted, the garage door will not close, preventing accidents and injuries.

However, if you notice that one or both sensors are yellow instead of green, this indicates a problem. The yellow light is a warning that the sensors are not aligned correctly, dirty, or malfunctioning, which can prevent the garage door from functioning correctly. Let’s explore the potential causes and solutions to fix the issue.

What is a Garage Door Sensor?

Before we dive into the causes of a yellow garage door sensor, it’s essential to understand how these sensors work. As mentioned earlier, the sensors are located on either side of the garage door opening, and they emit an invisible beam of light that connects the two sensors. When the beam is broken, the sensors detect the obstruction, and the garage door will not close.

Each sensor has an LED light, which is typically green when the sensors are aligned correctly. However, if the sensors are not aligned, dirty, or malfunctioning, the LED light will turn yellow to warn of an issue.

Why is My Garage Door Sensor Yellow?

There are several reasons why your garage door sensor may be yellow instead of green, including:

Misalignment

One of the most common causes of a yellow garage door sensor is misalignment. Over time, the sensors can become misaligned due to accidental bumps or vibration, causing the beam to break and the LED light to turn yellow.

Dirty or Damaged Sensor

Another common cause of a yellow garage door sensor is a dirty or damaged sensor. If the sensors are covered in dirt, dust, or debris, this can obstruct the beam and cause the LED light to turn yellow. Similarly, if the sensor is damaged, this can prevent it from working correctly, causing the LED light to turn yellow.

Sunlight Interference

Finally, sunlight interference can also cause a yellow garage door sensor. If the sun is shining directly on one of the sensors, this can interfere with the beam and cause the LED light to turn yellow.

How to Fix a Yellow Garage Door Sensor

Fortunately, fixing a yellow garage door sensor is typically straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. Here are some potential solutions:

Realignment

If the sensors are misaligned, the first step is to realign them. This involves adjusting the sensors until the LED light turns green, indicating that they are aligned correctly. To do this, use a level to ensure that the sensors are even and adjust them until they are both at the same height.

Cleaning or Replacing the Sensor

If the sensors are dirty or damaged, cleaning or replacing them may be necessary. To clean the sensors, use a soft cloth to wipe away any dirt, dust, or debris. If the sensor is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Contact a professional garage door technician to help with the replacement.

Adding Sun Shields

If sunlight interference is the cause of the yellow garage door sensor, adding sun shields can help. These shields can be purchased from a hardware store and installed over the sensors to block the sunlight.

Conclusion

A yellow garage door sensor is a warning that something is not right with your garage door system. Misalignment, dirty or damaged sensors, and sunlight interference are all potential causes of this issue. Fortunately, fixing a yellow garage door sensor is typically straightforward and can be done with a few simple steps, such as realignment, cleaning or replacing the sensor, or adding sun shields.

Don’t ignore a yellow garage door sensor as it can prevent your garage door from functioning correctly and potentially cause accidents or injuries. If you’re unsure of how to fix the issue, it’s always best to contact a professional garage door technician to help.