You are overriding the infrared beam sensor when you hold down the wall button continuously while the garage door is closing; so, if you have to do this to close the door, it means the sensor is malfunctioning. Any transmitter, like a handheld “clicker” or outdoor keypad, will also not work to close the door if there is a problem with the sensor. One of the sensor lights will usually be blinking when there is a malfunction.

    The most common reasons are that one of the sensors has been accidentally knocked and the beam is out of alignment, or something is blocking the path of the beam between the sensors. A spiderweb with debris in it is sometimes enough to block the beam. Check for these two things first.

    It can also be caused by dirt on the sensor eyes, loose or corroded wire connections at the sensors or the motor head, or just that the sensors have gone bad and need to be replaced. We recommend unplugging the garage door opener and then replugging it back in after any repairs or adjustments to reset the system.

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  To learn more about doors and windows, see these other blog posts:

• What causes sweating (condensation) on the inside of windows in the winter? 

• Is every exterior door of a house required to have a landing outside? 

• What are the small slots at the bottom of the outside of my window? 

• Why does condensation form on the outside of some windows and not others in the morning? 

• Why is the garage door track a white tube? 

• What is the raised metal plate on the floor under the garage door?

• How many exit doors are required for a house?

• How many exit doors are required for a mobile/manufactured home? 

• Are openable windows required to have window screens? Will windows with no screens pass a home inspection? 

• Can a bedroom door open into the garage?

• What are the building code requirements for a door from the garage to the house?

• What is "low-E" window glass? 

• What does ANSI 297.1 on glass mean?

• Why is a double cylinder deadbolt lock on an exterior door a safety hazard? 

• How can I check my garage door to make sure it is safe?  

• What is an egress window?

• Does a home inspector test all the windows and doors in a home? 

• How difficult is it to change a window to french doors or a sliding glass door?

• How do you determine if a door is left-handed or right-handed?

• Why are window security bars dangerous? 

• What are the common problems you find inspecting windows?

• What is causing a foggy haze on my windows? 

• What do those numbers on the manufacturer's stickers in new windows mean?

• What does a home inspector check on an electric garage door? 

• What is the tempered label on glass at windows and sliding glass doors called?

• Do I need to have two exterior exit doors in my house? 

• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?

   Visit our DOORS AND WINDOWS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.