It’s been a long day. You pull up in front of your garage, press the open button on the remote, and you wait for the door to open. And then you wait some more. You press the button again, but still nothing happens. You realize that there’s something wrong, but it can’t be the remote, as you just changed the batteries. You realize with a sinking heart that you’re going to have to reprogram your LiftMaster/Chamberlain garage door opener.
Relate to the story but wish you were stuck outside garage doors that look like the picture above? They can be yours! These are the North Hatley LP Design, Moka Brown color, with 8-lite Orion windows.
Okay, so maybe you didn’t get stuck outside your home. Instead, maybe you bought a new LiftMaster/Chamberlain garage door opener and decided to install it on your own. On the other hand, maybe your opener died, and you had to replace the logic board. Whatever the case, you now find yourself faced with the prospect of reprogramming the opener and unsure how to go about doing it. Don’t worry! It’s a simple process and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
A Word of Caution First
Reprogramming your LiftMaster/Chamberlain garage door opener can be dangerous. Follow these tips to help keep yourself safe during the process:
- Precision Matters: Always ensure that your adjustments are accurate, as they will affect the door’s travel and can interfere with the safety reversal systems.
- Force: Watch for dirt, grime, ice, and other obstructions that cause the garage door opener to use too much force during opening and closing, as this will affect the safety reversal system.
- Age: For older garage doors, avoid using force adjustments if the door is binding during operation.
- Test: Never assume that your job is done after reprogramming. Always test the door to ensure that both safety reversal systems are working.
- Safety: Before driving a vehicle into the garage, make sure that the door opens fully and remains open.
A garage door without functioning safety systems is incredibly dangerous. Operating your door in this condition could cause serious injury or even death. This is particularly true for small children. If you don’t have the experience or expertise required, make sure to contact a certified LiftMaster/Chamberlain installer to do the job for you. Do not take unnecessary risks!
Without a well-functioning safety reversal system, people, especially small children, could be SERIOUSLY INJURED or KILLED BY A CLOSING GARAGE DOOR. If you are not a skilled and experienced handyman or handywoman, you should NOT do this yourself. Contact certified LiftMaster Chamberlain installers and technicians near you.
A certified LiftMaster Chamberlain installer reprogramming a garage door opener.
A 12-Step Reprogramming Guide for LiftMaster/Chamberlain Openers with MyQ Technology
- Close the door and make sure that it remains engaged. The trolley should be near the door, not the opener.
- Locate the adjustment buttons on the opener. Their location will vary based on your model. Use the image below to help you find yours.
- Locate the square, black button. Press and hold it. Once the Up Arrow begins flashing or you hear an audible beep from the unit, you can let go. Your opener is now ready to set the open position.
- Press the Up or Down Arrow and hold it. The door should open fully. This is the open/up position.
- Press the square, black button once more and release it. Your light should flash twice, and the Down Arrow should also flash. This indicates that the open position is locked in and you’re ready to program the closed position.
- Press the Down Arrow and hold it. The garage door will close. Hold the button until the door is fully closed.
- Press the square, black button and release it. The light will flash twice, and the Up Arrow will begin flashing. This tells you that the down position is locked in and you can begin force programming.
- Press the Up Arrow and release it. When the door begins moving, the Down Arrow will flash.
- Now press the Down Arrow and release it. The door will close.
Important Notes
- If you notice that the opener light flashes five times during this process and your opener has MyQ installed, it means that programming has timed out.
- If you notice that your light flashes 10 times during this process, it means that there is a problem with the safety reversing sensors. They are either blocked or misaligned.
- Once you’ve rectified the problem with the sensors, complete a full open/close cycle with the door to complete programming.
- Don’t press the round, yellow button at any point. It is only used to program accessories.
- Test your safety reversal system. Not sure how to do that? Here’s a handy guide that tells you exactly what’s necessary.
- Close the garage door. You can use your smartphone, the remote, or the wall-mounted keypad.
- Make sure that the garage door reverses as soon as it contacts the 2 x 4 you laid down when following the reversal safety system test in step 10.
Replacement: A Better Option with Aging, Unsafe Garage Door Openers
Unenthusiastic about the reprogramming process? Is your garage door opener aging and unsafe? It’s important to know about two critical innovations introduced by LiftMaster/Chamberlain – one that occurred in 1993 and a second that took place in 2012.
Before we explore those advances, though, let’s touch on a very real possibility. What if your garage door opener was made before 1993? If that’s the case, you should not worry about reprogramming it. In fact, you should replace it immediately. It’s an incredible safety hazard.
Beginning in 1993, the US and Canadian governments have required that all new garage door openers include two reversal safety systems.
Before 1993, few rules had to be followed. All manufacturers did their own thing, and that left a lot of room for error. And there were no mandates that required safety systems to be put in place, which led to a growing number of accidents involving children.
Understanding the 2 Reversal Safety Systems on Your LiftMaster/Chamberlain Garage Door Opener
- Mechanical: The first reversal system is mechanical. If the door is closing and encounters an object, it immediately reverses.
- Photoelectric: The second system is comprised of two photoelectric eyes, one on each side of your garage door. One eye transmits an infrared beam that the other receives. If the beam is broken while the door is closing, the opener stops and reverses immediately. Note that to work correctly, the eyes must be installed about six inches from the floor and must be correctly aligned.
Kids aren’t particularly safety conscious, despite parents’continued warnings. Thanks to advances like the two safety reversal systems, garage doors no longer present lethal threats to your children.
Still not convinced that your garage door opener needs an upgrade? Take a few moments to learn about how photocell safety beams work, as well as the urban legend about planes opening garage doors, which is actually true.
If your LiftMaster/Chamberlain garage door opener was made after 1993, you might be feeling pretty safe at the moment. However, we still haven’t gotten to the second milestone. Back in 2012, Security+ 2.0 was introduced.
To make sure your garage door opener has rolling code technology, look for the label on your Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Craftsman garage door opener.
Beginning in 2012, Chamberlain/LiftMaster garage door openers have been equipped with Security+ 2.0. This system uses rolling code technology to help prevent thieves from simply finding the code your opener remote uses and then entering your home. Instead, your opener and remote use a new code every time the door cycles. This offers over 100 billion possible code combinations and defeats thieves using stolen remotes to gain access to homes.
Help! How Do I Find When My Garage Door Opener Was Made?
Use the image above to locate the information sticker location on your particular garage door opener model.
Not sure when your garage door opener was manufactured? That information should be on the opener itself. You’ll find a sticker that contains a lot of important information, such as the model number and serial number. Those are important details to know, particularly if you need to call in the call specialists.
Look on the sticker for “MFG Date”. This will be followed by a year and tells you when the opener was manufactured.
Do you have a Chamberlain garage door opener, but not one with the LiftMaster logo? Check out this FAQ for further details to help you find the date.
Is It Outdated? Replacing It Now Is Essential! But. How?
If your garage door opener is outdated and aging, it’s time to replace it. However, that can be a daunting process if you don’t know much about it. How do you even choose the right model for your needs? Here’s a handy guide to simplify the process.
Start by answering some simple questions:
- Is the celling of your garage low?
- Do you have a cathedral ceiling, instead?
- Do you want to be able to install ceiling-mounted storage?
- Do you have windows located over the garage door?
These factors should influence your decision. There are others you’ll need to think about, too.
Elegant and modern are just two of the words you could use to describe this Vog Design with top-mounted windows. Those windows are the reason a LiftMaster 8500W garage door opener was installed. A residential jackshaft-style opener offers flexibility and the ability to install a garage door opener to the side of the door, instead of overhead. It even includes a remote 1500-lumen light that can be installed anywhere inside the garage.
Where is your garage located? If it’s near the living room or below a bedroom, then you’ll certainly want to ensure that it opens and closes quietly.
That means you’ll want to avoid garage door openers that use inherently noisy chains. Instead, you should choose a belt-driven garage door opener, as they are virtually silent.
It’s tempting to think that we’re exaggerating the situation, but that’s not the case. It takes just one night of sleep disturbed by a noisy garage door opener to regret not taking expert advice. (Love this single garage door? This is the Prestige XL Design, Chocolate Walnut color, with Pinhead windows)
So, what belt-driven models should you consider? There are two options to think about:
This garage door opener replaces the 8550. It uses a rubber belt and a silent drive system and comes with quite a few other perks that you’ll love, including:
- A battery backup
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- MyQ app
- A built-in camera to see what’s happening in your garage
- Two-way audio
Would you rather have something a little lower-tech? No problem! Check out the LiftMaster 84501. It also uses a rubber belt drive and comes with the MyQ app. However, it doesn’t offer the battery backup.
Connect with the Experts to Get All Your Questions Answered
Most people never purchase a garage door opener, and if they do, they only purchase one. That makes it something of a gray area. Don’t let unfamiliarity push you into making the wrong decision, though. Garage door openers are big investments, and they may require modifications to your garage for installation, so it’s important that you make the right choice here.
With a smart, informed decision, your garage door will last up to two and a half decades. In addition, they can add to the utility of your garage and even the curb appeal of your home. Getting the right garage door opener means speaking with the experts, though.
At Automated Door Systems, overhead doors and garage door openers are our livelihoods. They are what we focus on. With a quick discussion, we can pinpoint your needs and goals and make informed suggestions.
Get in touch with us by calling at 416-239-7777 (Etobicoke) or 519-829-3777 (Guelph)!
Already know what garage door/garage door opener you want?
Get a quote by email.
Need a bit more inspiration to make a better decision?
Take the time to explore our residential photo gallery. You can also use our Design Centre and upload a picture of your garage and then try different garage doors on to see how they fit and look.
Add new comment