Garage door openers have come a long way, and they now include useful features like indicator lights to let you know when there is a problem. Sometimes the issue is obvious, but it’s finding the solution that proves to be a problem.
A blinking garage light may simply notify you of the issue, but more advanced systems can help you narrow down your diagnostic process. You still need some deductive reasoning, but you may be able to fix the issue on your own.
Keep reading as we explain the most common reasons your garage light is blinking, how to interpret specific codes, and how to fix these issues.
Most Common Reasons Garage Light is Blinking
Flashing lights often warn of:
- An engaged garage door lock
- Misaligned or obstructed safety sensors
- Wiring issues
This usually happens when a garage door will not close and instead reverses and opens up again.
Pay attention to any secondary systems and specific ways your garage door acts up, such as not opening or closing. These can help you pinpoint the problem, but they’re also great to pass on if you recruit professional help for the repair.
Garage Door Lock is Engaged
Checking for an engaged lock is easy and costs nothing more than a few minutes of your time. This locking feature prevents you from opening the door remotely while someone is working on the opener or from accidentally pressing the button and setting it off.
If this is the case, the opener light will blink continuously while you try to use your remote. Check to see if the button on your wall control or manual keypad input can get through and open your garage door.
To disengage your lock, push down the lock button on the wall control for a few minutes to unlock. If this doesn’t work, consult your manual for specific instructions.
Safety Sensors Not Properly Aligned
Your safety eyes are another major part of keeping your unit functional and safe. If they cannot communicate properly, they will assume the situation is unsafe and prevent function until the problem is fixed.
The sensor usually includes a unit with an amber light and a unit with a green light. The amber light stays on all the time, but the green light will appear dim, flicker, or turn off if there is an alignment issue.
Start by cleaning off both the light lenses of the receiving sensor and the sending sensor using a soft, lint-free cloth. This ensures that there is no dust or dirt on the lens to interfere with the signal.
Check each sensor to make sure it is firmly attached. Over time, the shaking from opening and closing your garage door can loosen the fasteners and lead to misalignment. Tighten these if needed.
If you still experience alignment issues, you can reset the units by turning the green light away completely until it turns off. Wait for about ten seconds, then align the sensor with the sending eye. Once you have a strong, green light, secure it in place.
Wiring Issues
If you suspect wiring issues, you should seek professional help. There are a few things you can check on your own, but electrical problems often require a trained eye and hand to remedy.
Turn off the power to your unit before further inspection of sensor wires or other electrical connections, and use insulated gloves when handling these materials. Loose for any loose connections, and tighten these up if possible.
Ensure proper installation of your safety sensor wires. Your white wires should be twisted together and fastened in the white terminal of your motor unit, while the white wire with gray stripes should sit in the gray terminal.
If you make any changes, check your door again to see if the blinking lights continue. If so, a professional will do more in-depth troubleshooting to determine what needs to be done.
Garage Light LED Indicators
Most garage door opener brands, including LiftMaster, Chamberlain, and Craftsman, use these LED lights to hint at what the issue is. These can help you pinpoint the issue in a more timely fashion.
Your manual will help you decipher these light codes for your unit, but most LED light indicators follow the same general guide.
(Note that some LiftMaster garage door openers, mainly those with a belt drive, use blinking arrows in their self-diagnosis system.)
One Flash
A single blink warns you that your garage door sensor wires are disconnected.
To remedy this, check the wiring from your motor unit to these sensors. Reconnect any loose or disconnected wires, and repair or replace them if you see signs of damage.
Two Flashes (One UP Flash and 2 DOWN Flashes)
Two blinks on your control unit tell you there is a short in your sensor wires.
Discontinue the use of your garage door opener until you can repair the affected wiring. In most cases, it’s best to replace the broken wires to prevent recurrence or further issues.
Four Flashes
If your indicator light blinks four times, you need to realign your sensors. Follow the process listed above until your green receiving light comes on bright and strong.
One UP Flash and One DOWN Flash
This error code occurs when your sensors malfunction or have been removed from the unit.
This may indicate an issue in the wiring or alignment of these safety sensors. Make any appropriate repairs and align the units if needed.
If a unit truly has been removed, find an appropriate replacement and make sure you install it correctly. Do not use your opener until you have a working safety system in place.
One UP Flash and Four DOWN Flashes (Also One UP and 6 DOWN)
While this error may indicate safety sensor misalignment, it may also warn of an obstruction in front of the sensors. If the signal light is obstructed the green receiving light will not come on.
Make sure nothing is blocking the path of the signal light, and clean the lenses if the problem persists.
Conclusion
A blinking garage light is a useful feature that can save you the hassle of calling a professional for every small issue, but you should know when to hand the work over.
Minor changes like reconnecting wires or realigning sensors can have the door opening and closing again, but don’t hesitate to hand it over for more serious concerns.
Let us know if this helps you figure out why your garage light is blinking or ask your questions in the comments!
