When your opener light starts blinking and the door refuses to close, the opener is telling you something is wrong. On most brands it points to the safety sensors, which in Hamilton are often blocked by snow, ice, leaves or a bumped bracket.

A blinking garage door opener light usually means the safety sensors are blocked, dirty or misaligned. Clean the lenses, clear snow or debris from the beam, and bend the brackets until both sensor lights are solid. If it keeps blinking, the wiring or opener board may need service.

5 Common Causes

How to Fix It Step by Step

1. Check both sensors near the floor.
2. Wipe both lenses.
3. Clear snow, ice or anything in the beam.
4. Bend the bracket until both lights are solid.
5. Check the wires for damage.
6. Turn off the lock button.
7. Test by closing the door.

Related: garage door sensor repair and opener repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when my opener light blinks 10 times?

On many LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers, 10 blinks means the sensors are not seeing each other.

Why is my opener blinking and not closing?

The sensors are blocked or misaligned. The door will not close until the beam is clear.

How do I close the door if the sensors are broken?

Press and hold the wall button until the door fully closes, and get the sensors fixed soon.