Your garage door auto-reverse system serves as a safety system that causes the door to lift again so that it does not close on a person or object. Systems that function properly prevent injuries and property damage.
Unfortunately, sometimes these systems get out of alignment, requiring a garage door auto-reverse adjustment. Find out how to check your auto-reverse system and learn more about these adjustments with garage door professionals in Palm Desert.
You can get detailed information about the auto-reverse system by contacting our team at Garage Door Medics. Find out more by calling 888-997-2423.
Assess the Problem Before Performing Any Adjustments
Before you begin adjusting any parts of your garage door system, we recommend making sure that the auto-reverse actually represents the cause of your problem. The auto-reverse system should make your garage door stop and reverse if the system detects an object in the path of the door.
The system uses sensors, usually set around calf level, to look for items in the way of the door. You can test the auto-reverse feature by placing something in front of one of the sensors, like a piece of wood or a concrete block.
Once you have the object in place, activate your garage door. It should stop and reverse almost immediately. However, you may have an issue with your garage door auto-reverse system if it responds slowly or does not respond at all. In this situation, stop your garage door manually before it strikes the item.
Get Out Your Owner’s Manual
The steps for performing a garage door auto-reverse adjustment vary based on the make and model of your door. We’ll go over the basic steps momentarily, but we also recommend that you find your garage door manual before attempting any adjustments.
Your manual should provide troubleshooting instructions specifically for your door.
How to Obtain a New Owner’s Manual
Are you unsure about the location of your garage door manual? Perhaps you bought your home recently, and the previous owner failed to provide you with a copy. In this situation, you may be able to order a replacement online or from the manufacturer.
Collect the Necessary Equipment
Your garage door manual may contain specific instructions about the tools required to adjust your garage door auto-reverse feature. All you need is a step ladder and a screwdriver in many cases.
Note that you should only make minor adjustments to your automatic garage door opener. Making significant changes could end up worsening your problem. If you feel unsure about any step of the adjustment process, we recommend that you reach out to garage door experts for assistance.
Fine-Tune the Auto-Reverse Sensitivity Adjuster
Place the ladder under the garage door motor once you have the tools necessary to handle your garage door auto-reverse adjustment. You’ll likely find the motor in the center of your garage, though the exact positioning varies.
You can touch the exterior of your garage door motor as long as it does not appear damaged. You may first need to find the release mechanism that removes the motor’s cover. Then, look for a screw or knob with a label that indicates it is the “auto-reverse sensitivity adjuster.”
Use your screwdriver (or fingers) to adjust the sensitivity. Turn the knob or screw counterclockwise, place an obstacle in front of one of the sensors again, and then turn on your garage door to see if it works. If your garage door fails to reverse, it’s time to contact the experts for assistance.
Allow Professionals to Handle Garage Door Auto-Reverse Adjustments
You do not have to try to fix your garage door independently. Garage door repair professionals can step in to assist you, taking the stress out of the repair process. Our team knows how to adjust the closing force used by your garage door to make sure it has enough power to handle reverse movement.
We take the time to make multiple adjustments to ensure your garage door has the perfect setting to reverse successfully if the sensor detects an issue. We believe all the features of your garage door should be in excellent condition to protect your family and possessions and always follow any federal laws related to garage door safety.
Working with the professionals can allow you to feel confident about the results of the adjustment. It also helps save you time, as you do not have to dig out a ladder, look for your owner’s manual, or perform the adjustments on your own.
Other Possible Issues With the Auto-Reverse System
In many cases, issues with your auto-reverse system come from problems with the closing-force setting for the door. However, this is not always the case. You may also have an issue with the sensors that detect something in the path of the door.
Issues With Dirty Sensors
Sometimes, the garage door auto-reverse sensors become covered with dirt or dust. In this situation, your garage door may refuse to lower because the system mistakenly believes something is in the way. Wiping the sensors clean may resolve the issue.
Issues With Failing Sensors
Sometimes, sensors give out and fail, especially if you have an older garage door. The sensor may stop providing information to your garage door motor, allowing the door to continue lowering even if there are things in the way, including:
- Your children
- Your vehicle
- Pets
- Bikes, toys, and other items
In this situation, we can replace the sensors for you. We test the system after we perform repairs to ensure it works properly, allowing you to feel safe using your garage door once again.
We also check the auto-reverse system during garage door maintenance appointments. Taking this step allows us to monitor the system’s condition and notify you before problems arise.
Risks Associated With Malfunctioning Garage Door Auto-Reverse Systems
Even without a properly working auto-reverse system, your garage door may raise and lower effectively. However, using a garage door without a working auto-reverse system exposes you to potential hazards.
Garage doors are heavy, regardless of whether you have a steel, wooden, or fiberglass door. If the door does not automatically stop, it could crush someone or something, leading to expensive medical bills or repair costs.
Therefore, it’s essential that you get your auto-reverse system fixed as quickly as possible after you notice a problem. While you may feel that you can pay attention before closing the door each time, accidents can happen at any time.
Get Help With Other Garage Door Problems
Issues with your auto-reverse system represent only one possible concern for property owners in Palm Desert. Your garage door system may also stop moving, slip off its track, or break in other ways.
You can get assistance addressing these issues by reaching out to garage door repair professionals. Crews can visit your property, assess the situation, and begin repairs. Our team handles all makes and models, providing you with skilled care.
We take steps to get your garage door working again quickly and handle both commercial and residential garage door systems. However, we also understand that, eventually, garage doors wear out. In this situation, we may recommend that you replace your garage door with a new model.
Contact Us for Garage Door Auto-Reverse Adjustments
Do you need help completing a garage door auto-reverse adjustment? You can reach out to our team at Garage Door Medics to get professional help in Palm Desert.
Learn more about broken garage door springs, motor issues, and other potential problems with our garage door technicians—call 888-997-2423 to set up a repair or maintenance appointment.
