Liftmaster 3800 transmitter issues?

[Kirkz28]

Hi all - looking for some input.

I have 2 3800 openers. I have hardwired switches for each door, plus a keyless entry pad (and remotes in each vehicle of course) - all of which are Liftmaster products. For a while now, one of the two openers refuses to accept the code that has been programmed into the wireless entry pad on an intermittant basis (I'm lucky if the opener will respond 1 in 10 times). At the same time, the same opener refuses to acknowledge any of the vehicle remotes unless you are parked right outside the door. The unit has no trouble with the hardwired switch, which makes me think the transmitter/receiver in the one opener is on the blink.

I have reset the code, but it made no difference. I don't think it is a battery issue as the same remotes and keypad work just fine for door #2 - heck, I can open door #2 from halfway down the street.

The keyless entry pad is installed on the centre post, between the two doors, so it shouldn't be an issue of distance from the opener.

The units are still under warranty, but before I call in the big guns I just wonder if anyone else has had the same trouble.

 

[jstroede]

A couple of things to check. First, on the opener with the problem, do you see the antenna wire coming out of it? Is it intact and not damaged? Secondly, have you tried operating the problem opener with the remotes from the other door?

John

 

[Kirkz28]

John, yes the antenna wire is there and appears undamaged, but I am going to get up on the ladder again tonight to confirm nothing has changed.

And yes, I have tried using all the remotes on the problem door - same issue no matter what remote I use, which again makes me think the problem is with the transmitter/receiver in the door opener itself.

Thanks!

 

[jstroede]

If it is under warranty, then I would call them. It probably needs a new circuit board.

John

 

[Kirkz28]

Yeah, that's the plan for tomorrow morning. Just want to double check the antenna first.

Thanks again!

 

[Viz]

At the same time, the same opener refuses to acknowledge any of the vehicle remotes unless you are parked right outside the door.

I have 2 new 3800's. I had the opposite situation, if I so much as bumped my keychain remote in my jacket pocket (for example, while buckling my seat belt in the driveway), the door opened. I didn't like the "distance" the unit was able to receive the signal, so I coiled the antenna wire (it was essentially straight). Now I have to be within 5 feet or so of the door before it recognizes a wireless signal. (I need to do some tweaking on the antenna to get just a little more distance).

So, see how the antenna wire looks compared to your other one. Perhaps it's a reception issue ?

Viz

PS - Do you have any of the wireless interior lights installed ? If so, are they working when the door does open ?

 

[Kirkz28]

I have 2 new 3800's. I had the opposite situation, if I so much as bumped my keychain remote in my jacket pocket (for example, while buckling my seat belt in the driveway), the door opened. I didn't like the "distance" the unit was able to receive the signal, so I coiled the antenna wire (it was essentially straight). Now I have to be within 5 feet or so of the door before it recognizes a wireless signal. (I need to do some tweaking on the antenna to get just a little more distance).

So, see how the antenna wire looks compared to your other one. Perhaps it's a reception issue ?

Viz

PS - Do you have any of the wireless interior lights installed ? If so, are they working when the door does open ?

Viz - the antenna is straight. I have 2 of the wireless interior lights installed, and both work when the doors open.

I'm almost positive it's a reception issue, but just for the heck of it I'm going to replace the batteries in all the remotes and the wireless keypad so that I can say with complete certainty that isn't contributing to the problem.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I have reception issues as well. I put my 3800 in a couple of weeks ago. The lights always come on, but the distance totally stinks.... I have to practically be in the driveway before it will recognize the signal. My antenna is straight. Its not hanging down, but I have it loosely zip tied to the garage track so it is sticking up.

 

[VHF]

My antenna is straight. Its not hanging down, but I have it loosely zip tied to the garage track so it is sticking up.

Todd, that may be your problem, having the antenna so close to the metal door track. I would undo those zip ties and just let it hang down and see if that fixes your range problem.