Liftmaster 3800 problem

[SidecarMike]

I've searched this and other forums but have not seen this problem. In addition, the tech support lady seems clueless.
My garage door will open properly and close properly, one time only. To get it to do so a second time, I must disconnect the power from the unit, wait about ten seconds and plug it back in. Now it will operate once more.

In trying to diagnose the problem, I discovered that if I pull the red cord and manually raise the door, the opener will close it properly, but will not open again until I disconnect and reconnect the power.

Any ideas????

Thanks,
Mike

 

[pattenp]

I assume you have wiped the program codes clean and have redone the programming from the beginning. Is this a new opener or one with some age on it. Are you using the hardwired control to operate?

 

[SidecarMike]

I assume you have wiped the program codes clean and have redone the programming from the beginning. Is this a new opener or one with some age on it. Are you using the hardwired control to operate?

Brand new. Just opened the box yesterday. Using the hardwire. Not sure what you mean by wiping the codes, but I followed the manual to set limits and pressure.
It is on a well balanced 7 by 16 aluminum door.

 

[pattenp]

There is a process if I remember correctly to erase all codes from memory. I'd do that and start over with the programming process and see what happens.

Edit: Is the diagnostic LED flashing a certain number of flashes after the one open and close?

 

[SidecarMike]

There is a process if I remember correctly to erase all codes from memory. I'd do that and start over with the programming process and see what happens.

Edit: Is the diagnostic LED flashing a certain number of flashes after the one open and close?

Yes, it flashed 11 times after opening and closing properly. If I then press the button to open it again, it flashes 12 times.

I've also noticed that it appears to be attempting to close the already closed door. The pulley tries to rotate in the wrong direction. These are flat pulleys and the cable is between the pulley and the door.
Unit is mounted on the right side of the door.

 

[pattenp]

Not quite understanding the cable position as you describe. Does the cable feed up the back of the drum like in this picture?

View media item 20590

 

[SidecarMike]

Not quite understanding the cable position as you describe. Does the cable feed up the back of the drum like in this picture?

View media item 20590

Yes, exactly like that. My measurements are all about the same as yours with the exception that the top of the pully is about 8 inches below the ceiling and my lift motor is on the right side of the door instead of the left.

 

[SidecarMike]

It appears the problem had to do with downward pressure. I reprogrammed everything but with the door stopping about a foot off the floor. I wanted to see the bit about it trying to close before it opened. To my surprise, it opened properly and repeatedly.
We now have it adjusted to close completely and open completely.
Evidently, the downward pressure was tripping something internally that wouldn't reset until the unit was unplugged.

I'm a happy camper! Oh yeah, that is another of my hobbies.

 

[SidecarMike]

Yes, exactly like yours but mine is 8 inches below the ceiling.

 

[pattenp]

Good to hear you got it fixed. You'd be surprised the people that install the springs and drums backward and can't understand why the door opens when it should be closing and tries to close when it should be opening.