Liftmaster 8500W - New Model, Fixed Controller!?

[polizei1]

Just wanted to put this out there as this is a new release. I'm building a house and just had two Liftmaster 8500W's installed. After talking to the installer, these are brand new units and come with the 880LMW controller. According to him, the issues with the older 880LM's have been resolved with this new controller.

As these are brand new, time will tell if LM actually fixed the issue, but I'm sure you guys having issues may want to inquire whether these are reserve compatible.

These things are SUPER quiet, I'm quite ecstatic that I have the new model, I didn't even know these were released!

https://www.liftmaster.com/for-homes/garage-door-openers/elite-series/model-8500w

 

[pogrelis97]

What was the issue with the old models? I have two and hadn't heard of any issues?

 

[polizei1]

The controllers are known to fail, which leads to the garage doors opening and closing on their own, at random times. There's a lot of threads on here about it, just search.

 

[Zick]

The controllers are known to fail, which leads to the garage doors opening and closing on their own, at random times. There's a lot of threads on here about it, just search.

Well that would ****!
Been thinking about getting one of these but have to wait and see if the issue is fixed now.

 

[rangda]

Assuming you are talking about the wired controllers, I had 2 8500w's installed in my still under construction garage. One of the wired control units failed (blank display buttons do nothing) in less than a week. Still waiting on a replacement.

 

[polizei1]

Assuming you are talking about the wired controllers, I had 2 8500w's installed in my still under construction garage. One of the wired control units failed (blank display buttons do nothing) in less than a week. Still waiting on a replacement.

That's not a good sign! I hope it's just a bad controller, especially considering the whole thing stopped working. The older units still worked, but they would intermittently open/close the doors on their own at random.

Keep us updated! Mine just got installed yesterday and the second one isn't even hooked up yet, so I can't offer much.

 

[Jeepster04]

After all of the threads thats been posted here Im amazed that people still buy these things. There was a thread not long ago about the new updated controllers not fixing the issue...

 

[polizei1]

Well, when you do a high lift track, you don't have a choice.

This is labeled under a different name, so I'm hoping the controller has been revamped to eliminate the issue the old controller had.

 

[kwschumm]

Well, when you do a high lift track, you don't have a choice.

This is labeled under a different name, so I'm hoping the controller has been revamped to eliminate the issue the old controller had.

Sure you do. I'm installing a liftmaster commercial jackshaft opener.

 

[like2wheel]

After all of the threads thats been posted here Im amazed that people still buy these things. There was a thread not long ago about the new updated controllers not fixing the issue...

Agree.
And given the nature of the problem, I'm amazed at the loyalty to these units by the posters on this board.
I need a couple openers for my new barn, but the last thing I want is my doors to open themselves when I'm away.

Seems like a liftmaster 8500 & spray foam insulation are a requirement to hang around here

 

[rangda]

And given the nature of the problem, I'm amazed at the loyalty to these units by the posters on this board.

In my personal case I didn't know about any of the issues when I had the 8500's included in the builder's quote. I was not a member here at the time and my initial searches didn't show much in the way of problems.

I "upgraded" to 8500w's just before the actual install in the hope that it would mitigate problems. FWIW they've been wired up for ~3 weeks now and the doors have yet to open by themselves (that I am aware of).

For the door with the bad controller it works fine via remote. I haven't pushed hard for a replacement controller yet as the garage isn't done (waiting on trim, paint, and breaking through the house wall), and even when it is my car won't come out of storage until the driveway is done and that is at least a month off.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

After all of the threads that's been posted here Im amazed that people still buy these things. There was a thread not long ago about the new updated controllers not fixing the issue...

No offense but, so in all of the threads you describe, is it a hundred people that have issues, 2-300 people, 500 maybe, even at 500 this is one tiny cog in the universe in the what millions of these sold, a national crisis, dont think so! Mine has not failed, do I own lift master company shares, hell no, but in the grand scheme of things life goes on. Its not like anyone was killed or thousands of dollars lost, I do totally get it, but then I don't. {rant over}

 

[gnpenning]

No offense but, so in all of the threads you describe, is it a hundred people that have issues, 2-300 people, 500 maybe, even at 500 this is one tiny cog in the universe in the what millions of these sold, a national crisis, dont think so! Mine has not failed, do I own lift master company shares, hell no, but in the grand scheme of things life goes on. Its not like anyone was killed or thousands of dollars lost, I do totally get it, but then I don't. {rant over}

It's not just a few hundred here. It's a very common problem along with a few other problems with this model of opener. Tomorrow I'm going on a job with 3 _3800 and 1_8500. We are replacing two absolute encoders. 1_3800 and 1_8500 very common problem from day one. The 8500 is getting a new wall controller.

You can take all the other Liftmaster products and combine them, you would have less problems than the 3800/8500 alone.

I'm very happy for the people that have never had a problem with them and are happy. When they work they work great. Sadly they have a high failure rate.

Any customer I've had with issues I'm positive they haven't reported problems here or on Amazon. I'm don't doubt most dealers are the same way. This is more a diy crowd. Sure some have paid to have others install for them but will fix it themselves down the road. Look at the wall controller thread. What percentage are calling a door company to fix the problem.

I would love to never see anyone ever have a problem again. Until then you won't see one on my doors. I hope the new version is the solution. The sad part is the 3800 had less problems than the updated 8500.....

 

[Skunkape]

So, the million dollar question is... What would the folks that do this for a living recommend? I'm looking to get a jackshaft opener, and this thread has definitely caught my attention!

 

[gnpenning]

Liftmaster has other jackshaft openers. J33, mj50 are 2 options. Both are commercial openers.and not as quite. They really should be used with solid spring shafts since you are putting a sprocket on the shaft. You should use high lift tracks or pusher springs. Some will tell you to elevate the track or put less winds in the spring to make the door heavy. I don't trust these methods. I warranty my work. When the cables bird nest it is ugly and on a night or weekend, the coldest day of the year and you are dressed up and in a hurry to get there. You need weight on the cables so the.jackshaft doesn't turn faster than the door is coming down. Making the door heavy makes the opener work harder than it was designed to do. The $40/$50 you pay for pusher springs is cheap compared to a new opener or the time spent to fix a birds nest. Most birds nest will damage a cable as well. Many will leave it until it breaks. Which I'm happy to come straighten the door and lower, plus put on new cables. Do it right a save money up front. Cry once.

I really wish they would get this worked out. If they would the 8500w would be great. I have a door of.my own I would use one... the concept is great. The reliability doesn't match.

 

[[email protected]]

How can u tell if u have the new controller boards. I just ordered a 8500 from amazon. The manaftured date is 1/18/2018.

The model on the side of the box is 8500. I don’t see a w on the box anywhere. Just want to make sure I have the updated model b4 I install the thing

It was purchased through amazon through 365 garage door parts.

I haven’t even opened the box.

 

[gentzel]

Just want to make sure I have the updated model b4 I install the thing

The 8500W isn't a slipstreamed update, it's a new model (albeit very similar to the 8500) and retails at a higher price. It opens/closes a bit faster, has the battery backup incorporated rather than being an add-on, and has a fancier wall switch (with a display). I believe it also has the Internet Gateway integrated, but not 100% sure of that one.

 

[[email protected]]

Where would you buy one. I searched for it but couldn’t
Find it only 8500

 

[gentzel]

Many places carry it (including Amazon).

 

[ItsNemo]

No offense but, so in all of the threads you describe, is it a hundred people that have issues, 2-300 people, 500 maybe, even at 500 this is one tiny cog in the universe in the what millions of these sold, a national crisis, dont think so! Mine has not failed, do I own lift master company shares, hell no, but in the grand scheme of things life goes on. Its not like anyone was killed or thousands of dollars lost, I do totally get it, but then I don't. {rant over}

THIS, I argued the exact same thing in another thread. Ignore this gnpenning guy, he obviously has a chip on his shoulder about these openers. Probably is a dealer for a competitor to liftmaster or something.

 

[gnpenning]

THIS, I argued the exact same thing in another thread. Ignore this gnpenning guy, he obviously has a chip on his shoulder about these openers. Probably is a dealer for a competitor to liftmaster or something.

No, Liftmaster dealer. Love Liftmasters product line. The new 8500 and 8500w are all black. Yet to be seen if it will be any better. A couple pictures of some of the sales information Liftmaster sent me recently attached. 8500 still uses the 888lm control panel.

If anyone has a thread of a product that has a thread on here that has as many complaints as the wall controller thread, please post.

Any product on here that has as many complaints from as many different people as the 8500 on here that people keep recommending, please post.

You can keep ignoring this independent information, but it's still a fact, they have issues and buyer beware.

Had a job last week with even more bad ones adding to the failure count. Nemo, please tell us of your experience to justify your statements.

I am happy for everyone that had a good experience with them. Any that still chooses to buy them, I wish you the best. Just beware of the issues others have had and make an informed decision.

 

[gnpenning]

How can u tell if u have the new controller boards. I just ordered a 8500 from amazon. The manaftured date is 1/18/2018.

The model on the side of the box is 8500. I don’t see a w on the box anywhere. Just want to make sure I have the updated model b4 I install the thing

It was purchased through amazon through 365 garage door parts.

I haven’t even opened the box.

The 8500w will have the battery backup and a few other small changes. Whether or not the issues are fixed only time will tell.

What color is the opener? The last version is red and black. The newest version is black.

It is anyone's guess whether yours will be one of the good ones.

 

[like2wheel]

THIS, I argued the exact same thing in another thread. Ignore this gnpenning guy, he obviously has a chip on his shoulder about these openers. Probably is a dealer for a competitor to liftmaster or something.

Doesn't sound like it to me.
cajunfirehawk throws out fictional numbers: 500 out of millions. Millions!
And you agree with him because that's what you want to hear.

Gnpenning comes on & gives some honest factual data, & you accuse him of having an ulterior motive.

Now it's my turn to make up some exaggerated numbers.
If they sold 200,000, and 50,000 doors opened randomly, 75% of the people would think the product was great. Because everybody wants to think their sh#t is the best.
Would you think a 25% failure rate was acceptable?

Blind faith...

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I've had a couple of my wall controllers fail and it defaults to the UP position. Had them replaced under warranty with no issues. The last run I've had has been fine. I just recently called to get two more wall controllers because mine "were bad/wanted to get two replacements before the warranty expired in a few months..." She told me that as of January all wall controller units should not be affected by the known defect.

I would say that in all reality that has been my ONLY issue with the garage door openers. I believe in the 5 years of having these garage openers my wall units failed 2 times each. Both times I was home, both times I waited about a week for replacements. It's annoying AF but not nearly as annoying if we were in another country and this happened... then I'd probably rethink.

-Nigel

 

[Krzewinskibe]

for larger garages, what about the liftmaster commercial jackshaft openers? Such as the LJ8900W?

Doesn't use the fancy controllers....just a "Single button Control station" part 02-101

Manual says "not for residential use" wonder why?

 

[gnpenning]

for larger garages, what about the liftmaster commercial jackshaft openers? Such as the LJ8900W?

Doesn't use the fancy controllers....just a "Single button Control station" part 02-101

Manual says "not for residential use" wonder why?

That along with the 8950w is a new model. I haven't sold any nor have I seen any my competition has installed either. We just got a new territory rep that has a plumbing background, so he's not going to be able to be much help for awhile with that type of.conversation. I'm in a wait and see mode. It shouldn't have the wall controller issues, but I'm not sure about the other issues the 3800/8500 have had. If it works out it should be a nice step below the MJ series openers.

If you do choose to go that way periodically update us.

 

[[email protected]]

Anyone know how many amps the 8500 pulls?

 

[Doorguy]

THIS, I argued the exact same thing in another thread. Ignore this gnpenning guy, he obviously has a chip on his shoulder about these openers. Probably is a dealer for a competitor to liftmaster or something.

If gnpenning has a chip on hs shoulder about these then I must as well.
I have been installing these since they came out. They are not without issues and I warn every one of my customers about these issues before they get installed. Wall pads are definitely an issue.

 

[rangda]

Anyone know how many amps the 8500 pulls?

Quick guide for 8500w claims 1.5 amps.

 

[wstephens1249]

If gnpenning has a chip on hs shoulder about these then I must as well.
I have been installing these since they came out. They are not without issues and I warn every one of my customers about these issues before they get installed. Wall pads are definitely an issue.

Doorguy, do you have any experience with the 8950?

 

[Doorguy]

Doorguy, do you have any experience with the 8950?

Being in Canada we do not see the new products as soon as the US does.
That being said I have not installed any yet as my supplier does not have them yet. Hopefully they have corrected the wall pad issue. Keep in mind that it is still a jackshaft opener and can still have issues withe the cables coming off on standard lift doors.

 

[youwish2bme]

I've had my 8500's (3 of them) and have replaced two of the three controllers. Customer service was pretty good to work with and after the second one I told them to send me a spare. They did so I have an extra just in case. I haven't had any issues with them opening or closing on their own. Now I have not closed the web app and stuck the phone in my pocket to look outside and see that I have pocket opened / closed a door. I have had mine for at least three years and I still recommend them to friends when they ask about them. Not having a motor hanging in the middle of the ceiling is a greater benefit even with some minor issues from the 8500's. Just my opinion.

HITCH

 

[bjcouche]

Just because they are coming out with a newer product doesn't necessarily mean that it will be any more reliable than the previous model. There is a saying among design engineers:
"If it isn't broke, then it doesn't have enough features yet".
Meaning that the more features that you add to a product, the higher the potential for failure. Too often the addition of an unnecessary feature causes failures in the core function in the product. So if Liftmaster is releasing a newer product with MORE features baked in, then I would guess they are releasing a new product in order to add more features, not necessary to resolve issues with the previous models. Appliances and consumer electronics are simply not designed to last as long as they were 20 years ago. Now you are supposed to throw it in the trash as soon as Apple comes out with a new color every year.
Brian

 

[akatsuki]

Hmm. I am really wanting a jackshaft for the quiet operation and space saving.

The only other maker i can find is zap. Never heard of them before.

 

[midas]

Just stumbled upon this post by chance...I have three 8500's. One unit I had for about six years now and the controller failed twice. Two other units I have had for four years now and one of those has also had the controller fail twice...which was just two weeks ago. It just so happened to be the unit that operates the door where my lift is at. At the time I had a mini cooper all the way up and the door cleared it when it opened. However, if I had a truck on the lift it would have been a different story. I got pissed and called liftmaster finally, all they ended doing was sent me a new controller. But I did suggest that they get with their dumb *** engineers/programmers to make it at least an option to make the door either fail safe or fail secure in a event like this(to at least prevent the door from opening).

Now for the new 8500w's (which the liftmaster rep suggest I look into), if they have the same problems, with the control boards (or capacitors) or whatever it is...I am thinking the entire opener would need replacing instead of the controller...no?

For what its worth, I couldn't be without these door openers after having them for so long. I still suggest them like crazy, but I also point out this downfall...which is a pretty big deal.

 

[NitroShark]

When they fail, do you still get a WIFi message saying the door is open ?

 

[midas]

Nope, at least I didn't...my last one failed at 11pm, didn't know it was open until i left for work in the morning. Was like 10 degrees too, poor little 5000 watt heater was on all night...made me think about moving some of my liquids to warmer areas.

 

[Jack_Toepfer]

I guess I'll install mine upside down so that it fails in the down position.

OR

I need to find a "better" product... cause I need a jackshaft model. The commercial one is only supposed to be used like 3-4 times I day I think I read...

 

[kwschumm]

I guess I'll install mine upside down so that it fails in the down position.

OR

I need to find a "better" product... cause I need a jackshaft model. The commercial one is only supposed to be used like 3-4 times I day I think I read...

There are other commercial jackshaft openers available.

Here's one from Genie rated at 15 cycles per hour.

http://commercial.geniecompany.com/gcl-mj.aspx

 

[ishiboo]

So, the million dollar question is... What would the folks that do this for a living recommend? I'm looking to get a jackshaft opener, and this thread has definitely caught my attention!

I have two friends in the overhead door business.

The garage door on my barn has a Liftmaster commercial unit due to their feedback/experience with the 8500s.