A garage door that won’t close can be frustrating, especially when the issue seems to be related to the light being on. Many Craftsman garage door opener owners encounter a situation where their garage door stays open when the light is on but works fine when the light is off.
This issue can be caused by various factors, including sensor misalignment, electrical interference, or a faulty control board. In this guide, we’ll explore the possible reasons why a Craftsman Garage Door Opened Won’t Close If Light Is On and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.
How Does a Craftsman Garage Door Opener Work?
Before diving into the issue, it’s important to understand how a Craftsman garage door opener functions:
- Remote or Wall Button Activation – When you press the remote or wall-mounted button, the garage door opener receives a signal to operate.
- Motor and Drive System – The motor powers the drive system (chain, belt, or screw drive), which moves the door up or down.
- Safety Sensors – Infrared safety sensors at the bottom of the garage door detect obstructions and prevent the door from closing if something is in the way.
- Garage Door Opener Light – The built-in light turns on automatically when the opener is activated to provide visibility in the garage.
If your Craftsman garage door opener won’t close when the light is on, it indicates an issue with the electrical system, sensors, or control board.
Read tooo: Craftsman Garage Door Opener 1/2 HP Programming for Effortless Setup
Craftsman Garage Door Opened Won’t Close If Light Is On – Common Causes
1. Safety Sensor Interference
One of the most common reasons a garage door won’t close if the light is on is interference with the safety sensors.
🔹 How it happens:
- Safety sensors emit an infrared beam across the door opening.
- If something blocks the beam or disrupts its signal, the door won’t close.
- The garage light could be interfering with the sensor’s operation.
🔹 How to fix it:
- Check for obstructions near the sensors (dust, cobwebs, or small objects).
- Clean the sensor lenses with a soft cloth.
- Ensure the sensors are aligned properly (both should have solid green or red indicator lights).
- Try closing the garage door with the light bulb removed to see if interference is the problem.
2. Incorrect Light Bulb Type
Some LED or CFL bulbs can cause interference with the radio frequency of the garage door opener, affecting sensor signals.
🔹 How it happens:
- Certain LED and CFL bulbs emit electromagnetic interference (EMI), disrupting the opener’s function.
- The garage door opener relies on radio signals, which can be affected by these bulbs.
🔹 How to fix it:
- Replace the light bulb with a compatible incandescent or garage-door-approved LED bulb.
- Look for bulbs labeled “garage door opener compatible” to prevent interference.
3. Faulty Wiring or Electrical Issue
A wiring problem in the garage door opener may cause it to malfunction when the light is on.
🔹 How it happens:
- Loose wires can cause electrical short circuits when the light is activated.
- A failing logic board (circuit board inside the opener) can behave erratically when the light is turned on.
🔹 How to fix it:
- Inspect the opener’s wiring for loose or disconnected wires.
- Tighten any loose connections inside the opener housing.
- If the problem persists, consider replacing the logic board.
4. Power Supply Issues
If your garage door opener has an unstable power supply, it may fail to function properly when the light is on.
🔹 How it happens:
- A power surge or unstable voltage can cause the opener to behave unpredictably.
- The additional power draw from the light could overload the system.
🔹 How to fix it:
- Plug the garage door opener into a different power outlet.
- Use a surge protector to prevent voltage fluctuations.
5. Overheating Motor or Control Board
If the garage door opener light is left on for an extended period, it may cause overheating, which affects the motor or control board.
🔹 How it happens:
- Some openers have overload protection that prevents operation when overheated.
- Heat buildup can weaken electrical connections inside the opener.
🔹 How to fix it:
- Let the opener cool down before attempting to close the door again.
- If overheating happens frequently, check the ventilation around the opener and ensure it has proper airflow.
How to Fix a Craftsman Garage Door That Won’t Close When the Light Is On
If you’re facing this issue, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix your Craftsman garage door opener:
Step 1: Test the Door Without the Light
- Turn off or remove the light bulb from the opener.
- Try closing the garage door.
- If it works, the issue is likely related to the bulb or interference.
Step 2: Check and Align the Safety Sensors
- Locate the two safety sensors at the bottom of the garage door track.
- Clean the sensor lenses.
- Ensure both sensors are facing each other properly.
- If one sensor’s light is blinking, it means misalignment. Adjust until both lights are solid.
Step 3: Replace the Light Bulb
- Swap the existing bulb for a garage-door-compatible LED or incandescent bulb.
- Avoid using CFL bulbs, as they are known to cause interference.
Step 4: Inspect the Wiring
- Open the garage door opener housing.
- Look for any loose or disconnected wires.
- Tighten and reconnect any loose connections.
Step 5: Reset the Garage Door Opener
- Unplug the garage door opener for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Press and hold the reset button (if available) on the opener.
- Try operating the door again.
Step 6: Consult a Professional If Needed
If the problem persists despite troubleshooting, it might be time to call a garage door technician to inspect the opener and diagnose any complex electrical issues.
Preventing Future Issues With Your Craftsman Garage Door Opener
To avoid similar problems in the future, follow these maintenance tips:
✔ Use only compatible light bulbs (avoid CFLs and low-quality LEDs).
✔ Regularly clean and inspect the safety sensors to prevent misalignment.
✔ Ensure the garage door opener has a stable power supply and is plugged into a surge protector.
✔ Test your garage door system monthly to catch issues early.
✔ Lubricate moving parts (such as the chain or belt drive) to reduce strain on the opener.
Conclusion
A Craftsman Garage Door Opened Won’t Close If Light Is On issue is often related to sensor interference, electrical wiring problems, incompatible light bulbs, or overheating. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can identify the cause and fix the problem efficiently.
Regular maintenance and using the correct bulbs will help prevent future malfunctions, ensuring your garage door operates smoothly at all times. If the issue persists after troubleshooting, it may be best to consult a garage door repair professional.