5 Easy Tips to Adjust Your Garage Auto-Reverse Settings

Homeowners want a sensitive garage door—but not too sensitive

 Home garage halfway open
Photo: ziss / Adobe Stock
 Home garage halfway open
Photo: ziss / Adobe Stock
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Garage doors can have all sorts of wonky problems. You might find your garage door is opening itself or the garage door won't open with the remote. But when your auto-reverse feature isn't working correctly, you really have a problem. Use the following tips to adjust the settings.

1. Test the Auto-Reverse Function

The first step is to test your garage door auto-reverse functionality to see if there's a problem. 

Here’s an easy tip: Get something solid (like a cinder block) and place it under the garage door. Hit the close button and see if your garage door stops and retracts once it senses the brick. If it doesn’t, stop it manually before the door comes all the way down.

If the door doesn't reverse or seems slow to respond, this can present potential safety hazards and indicate you need to adjust the auto-reverse setting.

2. Check Your Owner's Manual

Once you've determined there's a problem, check the owner's manual. It provides a breakdown of garage door parts, components, and some detailed troubleshooting instructions specific to the garage door model you have. If you don't know where you placed yours, you can likely order a replacement from the manufacturer or find a copy online.

3. Check the Motor

If you can't find a manual and want to adjust the settings now, you can troubleshoot on your own by checking the garage door motor itself. The exact location of each motor type varies, but check above where the vehicle would be parked, usually in the center of the garage. The motor resembles a plastic box or container and is safe to touch.

Depending on your model, there should be a component that looks like a screw or knob labeled as the auto-reserve sensitivity adjuster. You can use this to adjust the sensitivity by turning the knob counterclockwise (or with a screwdriver if it's a screw).

4. Test and Retest

Once you’ve adjusted the sensitivity, perform the cinder block test again. Keep adjusting, testing, and re-testing until you achieve a sensitivity you like.

5. Consider Calling a Professional

Handyman repairing house garage door
Photo: Michael O'Keene / Adobe Stock

If adjusting the knob doesn't seem to work, this problem may be beyond your capabilities. In this situation, contact a garage door repair specialist near you. They can examine your door to determine what needs to be done and address other problems you might be having, like a noisy garage door.

Expect to pay an average of $220 to repair a garage door, although the actual cost can range anywhere between $50 to $550

You may also need to hire a local electrician to fix faulty wiring, which may cost you $50 to $100 per hour. However, it may be worth it for the peace of mind that your family and pets are safe, even when the garage door is in operation.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to garage door services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
house with blue garage door
Jan 17, 2025
Jan 17, 2025
Want to ensure your home is secure for storm season? We discuss hurricane garage door costs and which factors influence the price tag.
A boy shoots a basketball in front of home’s garage
Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
A garage door repair costs less than you might think, considering you can sometimes repair individual panels. However you can’t do many fixes yourself—learn why you need a pro.
Modern garage door
Jan 7, 2025
Jan 7, 2025
The cost of garage door spring replacement depends on the type of spring and garage door you have. Find out what other factors can quickly drive up the price.
Light cottage with garage at frosty and sunny winter
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Is your garage door frozen shut and preventing access? Use this simple how-to guide to fix the problem and take back your covered parking space.
Interior view of an empty garage
Jun 24, 2024
Jun 24, 2024
Cables facilitate the smooth and reliable operation of garage doors. Learn about a garage door cable diagram to identify all the moving parts.
Garage with snow and sleds in front
Aug 9, 2024
Aug 9, 2024
Winterizing your garage door can help you throughout the year, not only in the winter. Using this guide, you’ll learn how adding items such as insulation and even table salt can help prevent your garage door from freezing.
Share project details to get started.