Garage Door Safety Sensors | How to Align

What Safety Reversing Sensors Do

Garage door safety reversing sensors stop and reverse the door if something crosses the invisible beam while the door is closing. These sensors are mounted on both sides of the garage door opening, no higher than 6 inches (15 cm) above the floor. Each sensor has a small LED light to indicate power and proper alignment:

• Amber LED = sending sensor
• Green LED = receiving sensor

 
Example of sensor placement in a garage. Your sensors may not look exactly like this but should be installed no higher than 6 inches above the floor.

Step 1: Check for Common Issues

Before adjusting sensor alignment:

• Confirm installation: If not installed, see your owner’s manual for setup steps.
• Remove obstructions: Make sure nothing is blocking the sensor beam.
• Check LEDs: If one or both lights are off or flashing, continue with alignment steps.

Note: Any garage door opener or replacement logic board manufactured after February 3, 2022, will no longer have this feature.

Step 2: Identify Sensor Type

For the latest model 041-0136 (released in 2021):

• Square LED light
• Hole through the sensor for mounting bolt
• Sticker on the back of the receiving sensor (green LED)

Step 3: Align the Safety Reversing Sensors

1. Locate both sensors on each side of the garage door, mounted to the tracks.
2. Loosen the wing nut on the receiving sensor (green LED).
3. Point both lenses directly at each other.
4. Tighten the wing nut once the green LED glows steadily.
5. Confirm both LEDs are solid. This means the sensors are aligned.
6. Test the door using the remote or wall control.

To view a video with these instructions demonstrated see Video - How to Align the Safety Reversing Sensors

Diagnostic Codes for Sensor Issues

If your garage door opener shows error codes:

• Security+ 2.0 models with arrow lights:

  • Up arrow flashes 4 times
  • Down arrow flashes 6 times
    → Sensors are misaligned or obstructed. See Diagnostic Codes for Garage Door Openers with UP and DOWN Adjustment Arrows for more help.

• Security+ 2.0 models with LCD display:

  • Error code 4-6 Sensor momentarily obstructed
    → Sensors are misaligned or obstructed.

• Other openers (Learn button):

  • Learn button flashes 4 times every 10 seconds
    → Sensors are misaligned or obstructed. See Diagnostic Codes for Garage Door Openers for more help).

Diagnose Wiring or LED Issues (Model 041-0136)

Additional Support

• 41-0136 Safety Sensor Installation Instructions
• How To Troubleshoot The Safety Reversing Sensors When One LED Is Off Or Flickering 
• How To Troubleshoot The Safety Reversing Sensors When Both LEDs Are Not Lit.