How To Test The Garage Door Auto-Reverse Feature

Residential - Commercial - Industrial

Unlock The Secrets Of Your Garage Door's Safety! Learn How To Test The Auto-Reverse Feature And Ensure Maximum Protection For You And Your Loved Ones

You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your garage door’s auto-reverse feature. After all, it’s just a small part of your daily routine – press a button and the door opens or closes without any issues. But have you ever considered what could happen if that feature fails? Imagine the potential danger it poses to you, your loved ones, and even your pets. That’s why it is essential to regularly test and maintain this crucial safety mechanism.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of testing your garage door’s auto-reverse feature. We will show you how to:

  • Prepare for the test
  • Perform both basic and advanced tests
  • Provide tips on maintaining and inspecting your garage door

By following these steps, you can ensure that your garage door remains a safe and secure entrance to your home or place of business. So let’s get started on keeping everyone protected by putting our trust in technology that won’t let us down.

Key Takeaways

  • Testing the auto-reverse feature is crucial for ensuring the safety of you and your family.
  • Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent accidents and injuries.
  • Testing the force sensitivity and photoelectric sensors are important steps in testing the auto-reverse feature.
  • Maintaining and inspecting the garage door can prolong its lifespan and provide peace of mind.

Understand the Importance of Testing the Auto-Reverse Feature

Understanding the importance of testing the auto-reverse feature in your garage door is crucial. Regularly testing this feature has several benefits, such as ensuring the safety of you and your family.

The auto-reverse function is designed to detect any obstructions in the path of the closing garage door and automatically reverse its direction to prevent accidents or injuries. However, over time, common issues may arise with this feature, such as misalignment or sensitivity problems.

By testing it regularly, you can identify and address these issues before they become major problems. Now that you understand why testing is important, let’s move on to preparing your garage door for testing without delay.

Prepare Your Garage Door for Testing

To prepare your garage door for testing, follow these steps:

  1. Check for obstructions or obstacles in your garage that could impede the testing process. Take a few minutes to inspect the area and remove any items that may be blocking the path of the door.

  2. Perform basic maintenance on your garage door before testing the auto-reverse feature. Lubricate the hinges, rollers, and springs to ensure smooth operation.

  3. Troubleshoot any existing garage door issues to prevent complications during testing.

By taking these precautions, you will be ready to perform a basic test of your garage door’s auto-reverse feature.

Perform a Basic Test

To ensure the safety of your garage and its contents, it’s crucial to conduct a simple check-up on the functionality of your automatic door. Here are some important steps to follow for garage door safety and maintenance:

  • Inspect the sensors: Make sure they are clean and aligned properly.
  • Check the balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door halfway to see if it stays in place.

  • Test the auto-reverse feature: Place an object, like a roll of paper towels, beneath the door. Close it using both the wall switch and remote control. The door should reverse upon contact with the object.

  • Lubricate moving parts: Apply lubricant to hinges, rollers, springs, and tracks regularly.

  • Clean and tighten hardware: Remove dust or debris from tracks and tighten loose screws or bolts.

By following these simple steps for garage door safety and maintenance, you can ensure that your automatic door functions properly.

Now let’s move on to performing an advanced test to further evaluate its performance.

Perform an Advanced Test

To perform an advanced test on the garage door auto-reverse feature, you should first test the force sensitivity of the system. This can be done by placing a small object, like a block of wood, in the path of the closing door and seeing if it reverses upon contact.

Additionally, you should also test the photoelectric sensors by obstructing their line of sight with an object and checking if it triggers the auto-reverse mechanism.

These tests will help ensure that your garage door is equipped with reliable safety features for optimal functionality.

Test the Force Sensitivity of the Auto-Reverse Feature

When testing the force sensitivity of the auto-reverse feature, you should ensure that it can accurately detect even slight resistance. Start by adjusting the force setting to a lower level and then attempt to close the garage door.

Apply gentle pressure on different parts of the door while it is closing to simulate resistance. The auto-reverse feature should activate immediately upon detecting any resistance. If it does not, troubleshoot potential issues such as worn-out springs or misaligned sensors. Make necessary adjustments and repeat the test until the auto-reverse feature functions correctly.

Once you have tested the force sensitivity, you can move on to testing the photoelectric sensors that determine if an object is in the path of the garage door without interrupting its motion.

Test the Photoelectric Sensors

To test the photoelectric sensors that detect obstructions in the path of the moving door, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the sensors using a soft cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may affect their performance.

  2. Align the sensors properly so that they directly face each other across the doorway. Ensure there are no obstructions blocking their line of sight.

  3. Close the garage door and place an object in its path.

  4. The door should automatically reverse if the sensors detect the obstruction.

If any issues arise during this process, troubleshoot by checking for loose connections or adjusting sensor positions accordingly.

Regularly maintaining and inspecting your garage door will ensure its continued safe operation.

Regularly Maintain and Inspect Your Garage Door

Regularly maintaining and inspecting your garage door is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of its auto-reverse feature. Proper maintenance includes lubricating all moving parts of the garage door to prevent friction and ensure smooth operation. This will also help extend the lifespan of the door and reduce wear and tear.

Additionally, regular inspections allow you to identify any potential issues with the door that could affect its auto-reverse function. Common problems include loose or worn-out hardware, misaligned tracks, or damaged cables. By addressing these issues promptly, you can prevent accidents and keep your garage door functioning properly.

Remember, a well-maintained garage door provides a sense of security and belonging for you and your family.

Conclusion

To conclude, testing the auto-reverse feature of your garage door is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing accidents. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily perform both basic and advanced tests to check if the feature is working properly.

Remember to regularly maintain and inspect your garage door to keep it in good condition.

Interestingly, according to a study conducted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 30,000 injuries are caused each year due to faulty garage doors. Therefore, taking the time to test your garage door’s auto-reverse feature is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

We Work With All Brands

We work with all gate, garage door, fence, and access control brands and models.

Highly-Qualified Technicians

We have a team of licensed, insured & experienced technicians.

Contact Us

Alpha Gate & Door Co.
3622 Lakeridge Dr.
Grapevine, TX 76051-4627

Alpha Gate & Door Co. Truck

How To Test The Garage Door Auto-Reverse Feature

Automatic Gates

How To Test The Garage Door Auto-Reverse Feature FAQ's

How often should I perform the auto-reverse test on my garage door?

Perform the auto-reverse test on your garage door regularly to ensure its safety. Regular testing is crucial for garage door safety maintenance as it emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and ensures optimal functionality.

Are there any specific safety precautions I should take before testing the auto-reverse feature?

Before testing the auto-reverse feature, take safety seriously! Potential risks include injury or damage to property. Troubleshooting tips: clear the area, remove obstructions, and ensure proper functioning. Remember, safety first!

What are the potential risks or dangers of a malfunctioning auto-reverse feature?

Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent potential consequences of a malfunctioning auto-reverse feature. Without it, the door may not stop or reverse when obstructed, posing risks like property damage, injury, or even death.

Can I test the auto-reverse feature if my garage door opener is older or outdated?

To test the auto-reverse feature, check if your older or outdated garage door opener is compatible. If it is not, consider alternative safety tests recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper functioning and protect yourself from potential risks.

Are there any troubleshooting tips for when the auto-reverse feature is not functioning properly?

If your auto-reverse feature isn’t working properly, try these troubleshooting tips. Common issues include misaligned sensors or blocked paths. Check sensor alignment, clean the sensors, and ensure nothing is obstructing the door’s movement.

Author Bio

Terry Wooten

Terry Wooten

Terry Wooten is a distinguished professional in the realm of automated gate systems, renowned for his expertise as a Certified Automated Gate Systems Designer and Automated Gate Operator Installer. With a passion for innovative technology and a keen eye for detail, Terry has carved a niche for himself in the industry, ensuring the seamless integration of cutting-edge gate automation solutions.

A dedicated member of the International Door Association and the Institute of Door Dealers, Terry is committed to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. His involvement in these esteemed organizations reflects his unwavering dedication to professional development and the highest standards of excellence in the field.

Drawing on years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of automated gate systems, Terry Wooten has become a trusted name in the industry. His commitment to delivering top-notch services and staying abreast of the latest industry trends positions him as a leading authority in the design and installation of automated gate systems. Through his work, Terry continues to contribute to the evolution of the industry, ensuring secure and efficient access solutions for a wide range of clients.

Further reading:

How To Troubleshoot Garage Door Opener Problems

Return Back to Our Parent Service: Garage Door Repair

Leave Us A Review On Google

Alpha Gate & Door Co.
4.9
Based on 82 reviews
powered by Google
Barrett CampbellBarrett Campbell
23:46 15 Jan 25
I called Terry to help with a damaged gate and masonry column. He came out the same day to help diagnose the issue and offered a sensible solution. He got the gate system repaired quickly and I was back up and running. I will definitely be calling Terry in the future. Thank you,
Scott KirschtScott Kirscht
18:41 15 Dec 24
Excellent door and gate company. I would give them 10 stars. I had extremely tight tolerances and Terry and his crew engineered the gate down to the inch. Top of the line materials and great service. Highly recommend.
E YaegerE Yaeger
16:35 11 Dec 24
On Oct. 31 my electric gate stopped working and I called Alpha Gate and Door and talked to Lisa. She was great and based on my symptoms said she thought it was the battery and she would send Kealan out the next day. He came and replaced the battery with a 12 v 55ah battery. I asked him to rehang my reflector light on my neighbors new fence so the motion sensor would work. It had worked fine prior to that being taken down. He did that and it worked for a minute and then stopped. He rewired it and it worked once and he left. The next day I noticed the sensor was not working but I didn’t really care because my dog is too small to trigger it. I was charged $448 -$169 for the service call, $249 for the battery and $30 to rewire the sensor. I work exclusively from home as an attorney and never even use the gate during the week. A few weeks later the gate stopped operation completely and I called on Dec. 6. Lisa said she would send Kealan out. He called me and I said the gate would not open at all, the sensor was not working and the sensor was making a nonstop buzzing noise. He arrived fairly late in the day and I saw him pull into my driveway but he did not come to my door and went straight to the gate. I immediately went out there and I saw when he opened the cover that the battery charger lights were not on. He was in a very bad mood and starting ripping the battery out and said I needed a new battery. I said I guess it was because the battery charger wasn’t plugged in. I was not mad about it because that can happen to anyone. He got really mad at that point, I guess because I knew what had happened. He demanded to know whether I had unplugged it, grabbed a huge battery that would not even fit in my unit, then declared the charger had “allegedly” not been plugged in. As he was trying to force the battery in and was slamming everything around, I asked him if he had a smaller battery. He said no, it was whomever installed my gate opener’s fault because the antenna was on the left and they were usually on the right. He continued to try to force it but could not get the cover on. So he gave up and said he would come back Monday with a smaller battery. I assumed the sensor was not working because the battery had died. I heard nothing from anyone the following Monday and had had it so I called Lisa and yelled and told her the way Kealan had behaved and when was the battery actually going to be installed. She said she would talk to Kealan and I said do you have anybody else who is not a jackass who could come instead. She said she would investigate and call me back. She never called me back and apparently the next day around lunch Kealan snuck onto my property, did not tell me he was there, and put in another battery and texted me the gate was now working. I went outside to try it and the remote was not working at all. I have programmed remotes many times (I have done a lot of products liability work and handled cases with complex machinery failures and deposed a lot of engineers so I am not unfamiliar with this type of equipment) and checked it and the receiver was getting the signal from the transmitter but the control board was not opening the gate.So I called Lisa, explained he had come but not told me he was there, and that the remote was not opening the gate. I also apologized for yelling at her the day before because it was not her fault. She said she would tell him. After that call I remembered there is a reset button on the Patriot control board so I went out and pushed it and that caused the remote to work so I called Lisa and said it was working. The new battery is smaller than the one he had originally put in and retails for about $95. The motion sensor still does not work, I have done jumping jacks in front of of it to know avail. I am not bothering to call again about that because Kealan would probably get really mad again. He does NOT like his competence put into question. You decide if $249 is a fair markup on a $95 battery.
Julie BealkeJulie Bealke
00:55 09 Nov 24
We are very happy with the service we received from Alpha Gate & Door. We had a 20-year old gate that stopped working. Upon our first call, they were quick to respond, provide an estimate & schedule the work. The tech was very thorough and at the end explained all of the updates. I know that if I ever need anything else, I will call them.
Carl RobertsonCarl Robertson
13:52 26 Sep 24
I highly recommend Alpha Gate and Door. Lisa was very helpful and honest and answered all of my questions.
Jim WallinJim Wallin
20:37 25 Sep 24
I am extremely happy with the installation and operation of the our new Alpha Gate / gate opener. Their tech was very thorough and gave me an excellent walk through of the installed hardware and operation of the system. The installation of our new gate opener was completed on time and on the agreed to day of installation. I believe that I really got my moneys worth on this on this home upgrade.
Rahim FancyRahim Fancy
14:12 10 Sep 24
Excellent service on both a gate and a garage door motor update. Needed help, got it immediately, price was great, technicians were very well versed, and explained everything to me. I felt very comfortable and satisfied. Highly recommend.
Greg PresslyGreg Pressly
20:35 11 Aug 24
Great Service from Alpha Gate & Door! We have used them for almost 20 years. They are professional, honest, and reasonable. Lisa is always easy to deal with and very efficient in getting us scheduled for a service call. She is so helpful in trying to solve the problem before sending someone out - how great is that! Kealan is AMAZING as our Service Tech. He is very knowledgeable & professional and provides great tips on how to care for and maintain our gate. Kealan makes for a perfect customer experience!
DavidDavid
21:42 02 Jun 24
Excellent service from arrival time to departure. Very knowledgeable and had a lot of good suggestions for improving my gates performance.
GregBGregB
15:47 29 Apr 24
I was having issues with a noisy garage door. I called alpha gate and doors and they came out in no time and fixed the issue. I highly recommend this company
Phillip StaggsPhillip Staggs
18:43 19 Apr 24
Priyank DesaiPriyank Desai
18:06 19 Mar 24
Had to have the hinges on my gate replaced. Alpha Gate was knowledgeable and fairly priced. They conducted the repair the next day and my gate is whisper quiet now. I highly recommend them!
joe valenciajoe valencia
00:14 19 Mar 24
Alpha Gate &Door Co. , The owners are amazing I had several questions and they where quick to respond, and got me the info. I will always call them as they made me feel like family, and had me fixed up in no time. Thanks for such an amazing experience!
Brian GBrian G
00:24 11 Nov 23
I highly recommend Alpha Gate & Door Company! The entire process was incredibly quick and professional! I spoke with Lisa (she’s amazing and extremely knowledgeable) on Tuesday and she came out Wednesday with a recommendation to replace the gate opener that was faulty and couldn’t handle the weight of my gate. I received the reasonable quote the same day and their technician, Keelan, was at my house on Friday of the SAME WEEK to install. Keelan was just as courteous and professional as Lisa and did an amazing job! The install was perfect and pristine! I’ve tried working with other companies and honestly they are hands down the best! If there were 10 stars available, I would give them 10!Thank you Alpha team!
Greg McAllisterGreg McAllister
22:31 06 Sep 23
Mark WilgusMark Wilgus
22:02 18 Jul 23
I highly recommend Alpha Gate & Door Co.for your gate repair or installation needs. We were in need of a replacement system for or driveway gate. Lisa immediately understood my situation and had a perfect recommendation for a replacement. She emailed me a detailed proposal and followed up with a visit to our site. In a timely manner the technician, Kealin and his assistant George, professionally installed a complete Patriot 1 system that looks great and works perfectly. I am very pleased with all aspects of their service.
B WBURGB WBURG
14:47 20 Apr 23
Alpha Gate & Door recently replaced our 3-gate system thats used by over 250 residents and visitors on a daily basis.Terry was excellent in guiding us from the first visit to the final inspection, including his experiences on what to expect and where any likely issues would occur. With a large property, that was critical to avoiding problems that could pop up.The crews, clean up and invoicing were all done professionally.We would strongly recommend Alpha Gate & Door for your gate access needs.
Bobby BroylesBobby Broyles
14:52 21 Mar 23
These folks were great! They could have charged me for a new garage door opener, but instead they fix the one I had. Way to go!
Craig DeMossCraig DeMoss
21:32 11 Feb 23
We were having some issues with our gate opener and contacted Alpha while looking for a company to take care of it. From the first call to explain what was going on it was great. Very friendly folks! Kealan came out and has us fixed up in no time at all. Fair pricing and great service!
Bradford GardnerBradford Gardner
14:18 30 Jan 23
Called on a Saturday morning around 0800 and left a message about issue I was having. I received a call back a few minutes later and was ask to send some pictures of the gate. Once I sent over the pictures, I got another call around 1200, asking if they could come by today as a crew was finished early and could swing by to fix. The gate was fixed by 3:00 same day. Thanks for the quick response and repair. I wasn't expecting that on a Saturday morning. So far so good.
John HopkinsJohn Hopkins
23:20 21 Nov 22
Great service. They were truly experts at install. Understanding what we needed. Highly recommend. Will use them again.
richard arinirichard arini
21:19 16 Nov 22
The workmanship was very well done. Price was reasonable, the new bracket on our electric gate is an improvement from what was the original part. I highly recommend Alpha Gate and Door.
Justin HuffmanJustin Huffman
19:17 09 Aug 22
Alpha gate was incredible to work with. From beginning to end, they were responsive, flexible and provided quality work to go along with great service. We will definitely recommend!
Grant GoodGrant Good
13:15 29 Nov 21
Alpha Gate & Door installed a gate at my home. My wife and are more than pleased with the quality and workmanship of our get. The gate is heavy gauge steel with highest quality. The actuator works very well and is also highest quality. Service was great and can't recommend them enough!
js_loader

Trusted By

Gate Logos

Visit Alpha Gate & Door Co. on Google Maps

Alpha Gate & Door Co. Truck

If you have any question regarding our service, we encourage you to schedule an appointment or phone consultation with one of our staff.

3622 Lakeridge Dr.,
Grapevine, TX

Monday – Friday:
7:00am – 7pm

Alpha Gate & Door Co.
[email protected]