How to Test Your Garage Door Auto Reverse Feature

The auto reverse feature protects people and pets. If the door touches something on the way down it should stop and go back up. Test it often.

Test the safety sensors

1. Open the door fully.
2. Place a cardboard box in the path of the sensor beam. The sensors sit on each side of the door near the floor.
3. Press the close button.
4. The door should not close. The opener light may blink.
5. Remove the box. The door should work again.

If the door closes with the box in the way the sensors need attention. Check that the lenses are clean and aimed at each other.

Test the contact reverse

1. Open the door fully.
2. Lay a 2×4 board flat on the floor in the center of the door path.
3. Press the close button.
4. When the door touches the board it should stop and go back up.
5. Remove the board.

If the door does not pass

Stop using the automatic close. Close the door by hand with the wall button held only when you can see it. Do not adjust the force settings without the opener manual. Call a technician if the door still fails.

How often

Test both once a month. Test after any repair or adjustment. Test after an opener is installed.

Why this matters

A door that does not reverse can hurt a child or pet. It can also damage a car. A good test takes five minutes. See our guide to opener repair if the test fails.

Related guides: why a door can reverse by itself.