It’s a frustrating scenario. You get home after a long day at work, pulling up into the driveway. You press the open button on your door opener remote and wait. Nothing happens. The garage door remains firmly shut. You press the button again, harder this time, but still nothing. What’s going on? You might even get out of the car, thinking that the batteries in the remote are weak and you need to get closer to the opener, but it does no good. Your heart sinks as you realize the truth – you’ve got to reprogram your LiftMaster or Chamberlain garage door opener.
Did you relate to the story we just told, but can’t keep your eye from traveling to the stunning garage doors in this image? These are the North Hatley LP Design, Moka Brown color, with 8-lite Orion windows.
Okay, so maybe you don’t encounter such a frustrating situation. Perhaps you’ve bought a brand new LiftMaster / Chamberlain garage door opener and decided to install and program it yourself. You might have even handled some repairs on your own, like replacing the logic board, and now you need to reprogram the opener. This handy guide will give you all the information you need.
Are You Ready for This Task? Consider These Facts Before Beginning
Before reprogramming your LiftMaster Chamberlain garage door opener yourself, here is life-saving information you must consider:
- Can you be accurate enough? Imprecise adjustments can interfere with and even affect the safety reversal system.
- Is there anything in the tracks affecting the required force required to close the door? If so, it will interfere with the safety reversal system.
- Do you have an old, outdated garage door? Don’t use force adjustments to prevent it from binding in the tracks.
- Never use a reprogrammed garage door opener without first testing the safety reversal system.
- Double-check that the door opens and closes fully. Otherwise, it might damage taller vehicles entering the garage.
Remember – the safety reversal system is designed to prevent people, particularly children, from being seriously injured or killed while the door is closing. If you do not have the experience or skill to correctly adjust the door, contact a certified LiftMaster/Chamberlain technician to do it for you.
It’s also important to remember that garage door springs are under immense pressure and that they can be very dangerous to work on. While DIY reprogramming is possible, it’s always safer to contact the pros.
A certified LiftMaster Chamberlain installer reprogramming a garage door opener.
Programming the Travel in Your LiftMaster/Chamberlain Garage Door Opener with MyQ in 12 Simple Steps
- First, make sure your garage door is closed. However, do not disengage the trolley. It should remain toward the front of the garage, close to the door.
- Locate the adjustment buttons on the garage door opener. Note that these may be in one of several locations. Use the images below to locate the buttons on your specific model.
- Press the square black button. Hold it until the up arrow flashes. You may also hear a beep. Once this occurs, you can set the door in its open position.
- Press the up arrow and hold it until the garage door is fully open. This is the up position.
- Press the square, black button once more and then release it. Watch for the opener light to flash twice. The down arrow should also flash. This indicates that you have locked in the open position and can now program the closed position.
- Press the down arrow and hold it until the door is completely closed.
- Press the black, square button and release it. The lights will flash twice again and the up arrow should also flash. This indicates that the closed position is locked in and you can now enter force programming mode.
- Press the up arrow and release it. When the door goes up, the down arrow will flash.
- Press the down arrow and release it. The door will close. This wraps up your programming, although there are a few more steps.
Important Notes
- If your garage door opener has MyQ and the light flashes five times, it means the system has timed out and you’ll need to begin again.
- If the lights flash 10 times during this process, it means that your safety sensors must be adjusted or that there is an obstruction that must be removed.
- Once you’re finished, run a full cycle (up and down) of the garage door using the remote to finalize programming.
- Do not use the round, yellow button during programming. This is only for garage door accessories.
- Not quite finished! Always test your garage door safety reversal system. Not sure how to do that? Follow the steps from US Inspect to ensure it’s done correctly.
- Close the garage door with any method (remote, keypad, or smartphone app).
- Verify that the garage door reverses when it encounters the 2x4 laid in its path in step 10.
Aging Opener? Consider a Replacement Instead of Reprogramming
Aging garage door openers can be incredibly dangerous.
Does that claim sound pretty dramatic? Worried that we’re pushing you to purchase something you don’t really need? We get it, but this is too important a topic to ignore.
If your garage door is too old, it’s missing two critical safety improvements that debuted in 1993 and 2012, respectively.
Wait a sec, you say. My garage door opener was made before 1993, so none of what you’re saying applies to me. You’re right. Skip the reprogramming and go straight to the replacement of your garage door opener. It’s a huge safety hazard and here’s why.
In 1993, both the US and Canadian governments began requiring that all garage door manufacturers include two reversal safety systems. Before this, there were no regulations or rules. All manufacturers were free to do as they wished, which resulted in a growing number of accidents, injuries, and deaths, particularly to children.
Understanding the 2 Reversal Systems on LiftMaster/Chamberlain Garage Door Openers
- The Mechanical System: The first system is mechanical and forces the opener to reverse if the door encounters a physical object/resistance while closing.
- The Photoelectric System: The second system is made up of two photoelectric eyes, one installed on each side of the garage door. One acts as an emitter and sends an infrared beam to the other, which is the receiver. If the beam is broken while the door is closing, the garage door opener automatically reverses.
As you can see, these children are laughing and playing despite the warnings from their parents about doing so near the garage door. Thanks to the photoelectric eyes, they are safe if the door begins to close – they will break the beam and the door will reverse without any injuries.
Are you still not convinced how important it is to replace that outdated garage door? Get the information you need about photocell safety beams to change your mind, and dig into myths to discover which urban legend about planes opening garage doors is actually true!
Was your door manufactured after 1993? That’s great. You have two important safety solutions. However, that still leaves the 2012 advent to cover.
In 2012, Chamberlain/LiftMaster introduced the Security+ 2.0 system.
If this label isn’t on your Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Craftsman garage door opener, you lack a key element to protect your home.
Beginning in 2012, all Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman garage door openers have been equipped with Security+ 2.0. This system uses rolling code technology to ensure that a new code is used every time the garage door opens and closes. Why is that important?
Simply put, before this, garage doors just cycled through a handful of codes. That made it possible for thieves to drive through subdivisions and use garage door remotes to see which doors opened. Then they could get in and out, taking your stuff with them.
How Do I Find the Manufacturing Date for My LiftMaster/Chamberlain Opener?
Use this image to locate the sticker for your garage door opener.
All LiftMaster garage door openers should have an information sticker. This will contain critical information, such as the model and serial number, as well as the manufacturing date. This will be labeled as “MFG Date.” You’ll want all of this information when you contact your local garage door specialist for a tune-up or repairs, too.
Do you have a Chamberlain garage door opener that’s not a LiftMaster? Explore this FAQ to find more information about the location of your manufacturing date.
It’s Time to Replace the Opener, But How?
Not sure how to choose the right garage door opener? Worried that you won’t be able to find your way with all the choices available? Here’s how to simplify the process quickly and easily. Ask yourself:
- How low or high is the ceiling in the garage?
- Will you want to install ceiling-anchored storage at any point?
- Does your home feature windows over the garage door?
Elegant and modern, this Vog Design overhead door also contends with two windows installed above it. In this situation, a wall-mountedLiftMaster 8500W is the right choice. Jackshaft-style openers leave the windows open and don’t take up any space on the ceiling, either. They can also be mounted to the right or left of the door.
Here’s something else to consider – how loud is your garage door opener? Can you hear it from the bedroom above? Does it rattle the walls in your living room?
In these situations, quiet operation is critical. That means you need to avoid garage door openers that use chains. Instead, opt for one that uses a rubber belt – they’re virtually silent and will help keep your home quiet and comfortable.
Adore this door? This is the Prestige XL Design, Chocolate Walnut color, with Pinhead windows.
So, what are your options? Actually, you’ll find two LiftMaster garage doors that use rubber drive belts.
The successor to the incredibly popular LiftMaster 8550, this garage door opener uses a rubber belt for silent operation. It also includes a lot of other features that you’ll love, including a battery backup so power outages won’t keep you locked in the garage, integration with the MyQ app, and even a built-in camera and two-way audio capabilities. With this opener, you can see what happens in the garage and even communicate with those in the space.
Want something that’s a little more low-tech? No worries! In that case, we recommend the LiftMaster 84501. It uses a rubber belt for quiet operation and offers MyQ app integration, but there’s no battery backup, camera, or audio system.
Have Questions? Ask the Garage Door Experts!
Most people don’t buy many garage door openers in their lifetime. That means you’re not all that familiar with the process, and it can be pretty challenging. However, it’s crucial that you make an informed decision here and not just rush in and buy the first opener that you find.
With the right choice, you’ll have an asset that will last you up to 25 years. It will add convenience to your life, utility to your garage, and even curb appeal to your home. So, if you’re unsure which way to go, speak with your local garage door experts.
At Middlesex Door Systems, garage doors and garage door openers represent the core of our business. In fact, they’re all that we focus on. We’ve spent years honing our expertise and working with customers just like you throughout the area. That means our team is well-positioned to provide you with the advice and guidance you need. We’ll work with you to find a garage door opener (and garage door if necessary) that fits your needs, budget, and goals.
Get in touch by calling us at 781-270-5066!
Do you already know what garage door opener or garage door you want?
Accelerate the process by getting a quotation by email.
Want a bit more inspiration before making a decision?
Take a few moments to explore our extensive residential photo gallery, where you’ll find images of the projects we’ve helped other customers create. We also recommend that you take some time to use our Design Centre. It lets you try different garage doors on by using a photo of your house. It’s the best way to see how different styles, colors, and window configurations will work with your existing aesthetic. It’s also a lot of fun!
Add new comment