Home Garden

How to Close a Garage Door With a Failed Motion Sensor

Garage door openers are a useful time-saving addition to many modern homes and new garages. Motion sensors located below the garage door automatically reverse the mechanism if objects are detected in the door's path, preventing damage to people and property. You might need to manually close the garage door while you wait for replacement sensors in the event of a fault. Disengaging the carriage or trolley allows you to temporarily disconnect the opener.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand underneath the track running from the center of the garage door to the motor and locate the trolley release arm.

    • 2

      Pull the handle firmly downward or toward the opener motor (depending on your model) to release the door from the mechanism.

    • 3

      Release the handle and move the door closed by hand. Some models automatically re-engage when the door is opened. You may have to release the door each time you want it closed.