How to Fix the Orange Light on a Garage Door Sensor

Published Date: Nov 24, 2025

Seeing an unfamiliar light on your garage door system can be confusing. If you’ve noticed the orange light on a garage door sensor, it usually means the sending sensor has power, but the receiving one isn’t picking up the signal. Many issues with garage door sensor lights start with alignment, dirt, or wiring problems. On this page, we’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process to restore that steady green light and get your door moving again. Let’s look at how to fix the orange light on a garage door sensor step by step. And if it still won’t work — that’s where Up & Down Garage Doors comes in with expert garage door opener repair.

Step 1. Clean the Sensor Lenses

Dust, cobwebs, or debris are often the reason for a solid orange light on a garage door sensor. These sensors rely on a clear line of sight between each other to work properly.

Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently clean each lens.
Avoid harsh cleaners that could scratch or fog the plastic.

This simple fix can get your door back on track quickly — especially if you haven’t cleaned the sensors in a while.

Step 2. Remove Any Obstructions in the Sensor Path

Even a small object can interrupt the beam between the garage door safety sensors, causing the orange light to appear.

Look for boxes, tools, or other items near the door track.
Make sure nothing is loosely hanging or swinging near the sensors.

If the path is clear but the light remains orange, the issue might be alignment.

Step 3. Check and Adjust Sensor Alignment

Misaligned sensors are one of the most common reasons for an orange light on a garage door sensor. These sensors need to face each other perfectly to create a steady infrared beam. If they’re even slightly off, the signal can break, and the door won’t close.

Loosen the brackets and adjust the sensors until they face each other — use a level if needed.
When aligned, the orange light on the garage door sensor should turn green.

For step-by-step instructions, alignment tips, and how to handle tricky setups, check out our full guide on how to align garage door sensors.

Step 4. Inspect the Wiring

Loose or damaged wires are another common culprit behind a persistent garage door sensor orange light.

Look near the terminals for frayed or pinched wires.
Make sure each connection is tight and seated properly.

If you’re dealing with a LiftMaster sensor amber light, the problem may also lie in the sensor’s internal board.

Step 5. Test the Garage Door Sensors

After cleaning, adjusting, and checking wires, test the system. Open and close the door using the remote to see if the garage door sensor lights change from orange to green. If the light stays orange or the door doesn’t respond, the sensors may be defective.

Need help doing a full diagnostic? Here’s a great guide from Up & Down Garage Doors: how to check and test your garage door sensors.

Are Your Garage Door Sensors Compatible with Your Opener?

If you’ve replaced a sensor and the orange light on a garage door sensor still won’t go away, compatibility might be the issue. Many homeowners assume sensors are interchangeable, but in most cases, they’re brand-specific. For example, some openers — like those from Chamberlain — are only compatible with their own sensor models.

Before buying a new sensor, it’s important to confirm it matches your opener. For guidance on identifying the right sensor and what wiring types to watch for, check out our full article: Are Garage Door Sensors Universal.

When DIY Doesn’t Work — Call the Pros at Up & Down Garage Doors

If you’ve tried the steps above and the garage door sensor is orange, not green, it might be time to bring in a technician. Problems inside the opener or sensor unit may not be visible or safe to fix on your own.

Whether it’s rewiring, sensor replacement, or a full system inspection, Up & Down Garage Doors is here to help with fast, friendly service. With years of trusted experience across the U.S., we’re ready to help you stay safe and keep your garage door running smoothly.

Don’t wait for a bigger issue. Contact Up & Down Garage Doors today for reliable, local garage door services you can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the garage door sensor light orange?

It usually means the sensor has power but isn’t detecting the signal from its partner — often due to alignment or something blocking the beam.

Why is my garage door sensor blinking red?

A blinking red light could indicate a wiring issue, dirt on the lens, or a misaligned sensor.

Why is the LiftMaster garage door sensor orange light still on?

If cleaning and alignment don’t fix it, the sensor may be faulty or have an internal electrical issue.

What should I do if both garage door sensors are not lighting up?

If neither sensor shows a light, there may be no power reaching them. Check for loose wires, disconnected terminals, or a tripped breaker. If power is present and the lights are still off, the sensors may need replacement.

Why is my Chamberlain garage door sensor showing an orange light?

It usually means the sensors are misaligned or something is blocking the beam — clean and realign to reset the light.

You’re in your garage and notice the small lights on your garage door sensors, but they don’t match. You’re wondering, “Should garage door sensors both be green?” Quick answer: not always. On many LiftMaster and Chamberlain openers, the receiving sensor shows solid green when it “sees” the beam, and the sending sensor glows amber. If either light blinks, the photo-eyes may be out of alignment or a bracket was bumped. Up & Down Garage Doors explains what the colors mean and how to troubleshoot common problems.

How to Install Garage Door Safety Sensors: A Complete Guide

Garage door safety sensors stop the door when something’s in the way to protect people, pets, and your car. If your existing sensors are damaged, replacing them is a common DIY task. The basic process involves mounting the two sensor units — a sender and a receiver — on both sides of the door tracks, typically no higher than six inches off the floor. Then run the low-voltage wires up to the opener and perform a final alignment. This guide from Up & Down Garage Doors shows how to install garage door sensors step by step so this safety feature works the way it should.

How to Reset Garage Door Sensors: Safe DIY Methods

Boxes everywhere, bikes leaned against the wall — you’re mid-garage cleanout when you hit Close. The door starts down, pops back up, and the opener’s status light starts flashing. That’s classic photo-eye behavior: the two little sensors near the floor (one sender, one receiver) lost alignment. Before you touch brackets or start guessing, try a quick garage door sensor reset — a safe power cycle that often clears a momentary glitch on the opener’s logic board. In this guide, Up & Down Garage Doors explains how to reset garage door sensors the right way, what each LED pattern means, and when a simple reboot turns into an alignment or wiring fix.