LM8500 Wall Controller Failure.

[slodat]

My situation is a bit different.. First I already have a HomeSeer based automation system. Second, the LM8500's are installed at my shop (business). I do not come and go through these roll up doors. So, I only power up the openers (z-wave via HomeSeer) when I want to open the doors. I wanted the ability to operate the doors completely remotely, like you can with the MyQ app, without the security vulnerability the failing LM888's expose. So, I'm using the Sonoff Pro R2 as a remote pushbutton on the Chamerlain remote control after the opener is powered up. Then, the power to the opener is turned off and stays off until I explicitly turn it back on.

 

[slodat]

Detailed how I set this up in this post of my shop thread.

Here’s what I came up with.. I used a Sonoff 4 channel R2 Pro . This is a device that connects to your wireless network and has a smartphone app that controls four dry contacts.

I soldered wire to each switch on the circuit board out of a visor remote.



Threaded circuit board standoffs into the top cover and made the connections.



While the cover is off the Sonoff needs to be configured for what they call “inching” mode for 1 second. This is accomplished with DIP switches on the circuit board. This turns the relays into one second momentary contacts.

Pressing the button on the phone app is now the same as pressing the remote push button for one second.



I agree this is a problem Chamberlain should be taking care of. I’m not willing to risk one of my doors opening on its own.

This is working great.

 

[PoorOwner]

Detailed how I set this up in this post of my shop thread.

So.. ummm do you leave your wall controller disconnected permanently and just have a visor remote sitting inside the shop wired to this?

 

[slodat]

So.. ummm do you leave your wall controller disconnected permanently and just have a visor remote sitting inside the shop wired to this?

The wall controller is required for remotes to work. This is permanently mounted in the shop. I only did this to eliminate the possibility of having a door open itself and not lose functionality that I like(d) with the MyQ system. I'm otherwise really happy with the 8500's I have. All told I have four of them now and will be adding more. But I can't accept the security risk.. so, this.

 

[cspcrx]

Been following this for a while as I also have an 8500. Keep reading the concern is being gone for extended periods. Am I the only one that has a slide lock on my door that slides into the track? I use that whenever I travel.

I am still concerned about nights and away at work. Has there been an agreed upon date range that we should check our controllers for?

 

[PoorOwner]

The wall controller is required for remotes to work. This is permanently mounted in the shop. I only did this to eliminate the possibility of having a door open itself and not lose functionality that I like(d) with the MyQ system. I'm otherwise really happy with the 8500's I have. All told I have four of them now and will be adding more. But I can't accept the security risk.. so, this.

So, once I take the wall controller off the system, the remote doesn't work but it still can work with a bell button? Could one use this device to activate the bell button contacts, or simulate the contact so the door can still open wirelessly (but not thru the original remotes), just thru the app or whatever is for automations these days.

 

[slodat]

So, once I take the wall controller off the system, the remote doesn't work but it still can work with a bell button? Could one use this device to activate the bell button contacts, or simulate the contact so the door can still open wirelessly (but not thru the original remotes), just thru the app or whatever is for automations these days.

YES! I chose to keep the wall controllers. If you chose not to, you would connect the white and white/red that currently goes to the wall controller to the contact on a device like the one I used. Set it up for momentary operation. I used 1 second. Then when you operate the device, it will connect the two wires as if you had pressed the bell wire for 1 second.

 

[biggziff]

I haven't seen anyone with a 2017 or new production date controller report any issues like this. Perhaps I missed it?

 

[NitroShark]

I had 1 go out today. No open door, just kept beeping. Liftmaster is sending a new one out.

I have 5 liftmaster 888LM MyQ controls.

 

[biggziff]

I had 1 go out today. No open door, just kept beeping. Liftmaster is sending a new one out.

I have 5 liftmaster 888LM MyQ controls.

How old is it?

 

[NitroShark]

04/13 build date.

 

[biggziff]

04/13 build date.

Thanks. Hopefully, nothing built past 2016/17 will do this (according to Liftmaster)

 

[rite_accord]

The wall controllers seem to fail after 3 or 4 years of service. Only time will tell if the 2016/2017 date coded units have actually addressed the issue or not.

Until the issue's proven fixed, I'm sticking with a relay-based universal remote receiver and an (LED lighted) doorbell switch on the wall. Just too much risk otherwise.

 

[SULLY]

I have 2 LM8500's.
Installed about 2 years ago.
About a month ago I went out to the garage to find the door open.
I was aware of this problem through this post.
I then unplugged the openerer from the outlet. I had no issues with the other one.
Then a week ago that one opened on its own also. This is atour cabin so we are not there for long periods of time. Currently they are both unplugged.
Where is the date code located on the controller?

Thanks.....Sully

 

[48548]

I have 2 LM8500's.
Installed about 2 years ago.
About a month ago I went out to the garage to find the door open.
I was aware of this problem through this post.
I then unplugged the openerer from the outlet. I had no issues with the other one.
Then a week ago that one opened on its own also. This is atour cabin so we are not there for long periods of time. Currently they are both unplugged.
Where is the date code located on the controller?

Thanks.....Sully

On the back...

looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

 

[Spire]

Just to add some information to this thread.

I ordered a twin pack of LM888's off Amazon to replace my units (no failures yet, just being cautious). My originals are dated 2015.

They are dated 4/2018 and 9/2018. The 9/2018 has a round, blue sticker on both the box it came in and the back of the controller itself.

Might be a marker of a redesign, might mean nothing at all, just thought I would add some info.

 

[danb35]

I had this problem a couple of weeks ago--went out one morning to leave and the door was open, push button on the controller did nothing. Called Liftmaster and they very promptly agreed the controller had died and offered to send out a new one at no charge. The new one has, like @Spire mentions, the round blue sticker on both the box and the controller. The old (failed) one is marked with a date of 02/15.

 

[SULLY]

I have 2 LM8500's.
Installed about 2 years ago.
About a month ago I went out to the garage to find the door open.
I was aware of this problem through this post.
I then unplugged the openerer from the outlet. I had no issues with the other one.
Then a week ago that one opened on its own also. This is atour cabin so we are not there for long periods of time. Currently they are both unplugged.
Where is the date code located on the controller?

Thanks.....Sully

Just got off the phone with them. Went through the normal stuff (neibors same code, button stuck) then she says well there is one other possibility they have see a couple of times. I say to her it sounds like you are choosing your words carefully. She replays how observant of you to notice. Anyway 2 new controllers on there way. My controller is dated 11/15.

Sully

 

[Hollywood D]

Been following this for a while as I also have an 8500. Keep reading the concern is being gone for extended periods. Am I the only one that has a slide lock on my door that slides into the track? I use that whenever I travel.

I am still concerned about nights and away at work. Has there been an agreed upon date range that we should check our controllers for?

That’s what I do when I go out of town. Engage the door lock that’s attached to the garage door and track and unplug the unit.

 

[SULLY]

I guess it's fine to unplug it or bolt it when you go out of town but do you wanna take a chance of it opening up in the middle of the night even if you're home?
Not me.

Sully

 

[428PI]

I thought I had the problem when I went out to the shop and found the door was open but I believe it was because I handhold the door opener and accidentally pushed the button.

 

[like2wheel]

Just got off the phone with them. Went through the normal stuff (neibors same code, button stuck) then she says well there is one other possibility they have see a couple of times. I say to her it sounds like you are choosing your words carefully. She replays how observant of you to notice. Anyway 2 new controllers on there way. My controller is dated 11/15.

Sully

Couple of times

Maybe she was telling the truth, just didn't finish the sentence: "per hour"

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

The grim reaper of garage door openers seems to have come for one of my LM888s. I have two doors with identical openers, is it possible to trade the LM888 that seems to still be working with the one that died without doing any reprogramming? I expect the wireless stuff to open the opposite door. I would switch it right back, so do not want to reprogram.

 

[48548]

The grim reaper of garage door openers seems to have come for one of my LM888s. I have two doors with identical openers, is it possible to trade the LM888 that seems to still be working with the one that died without doing any reprogramming? I expect the wireless stuff to open the opposite door. I would switch it right back, so do not want to reprogram.

I think so... try....

looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

 

[flan]

Any opinions on reliability of the regular 8500’s vs. the 8500 elite series?

 

[biggziff]

Any opinions on reliability of the regular 8500’s vs. the 8500 elite series?

They're likely the same guts.

 

[polizei1]

Update: I've been using two 8500W's for about six months, I've had no issues (yet?)...Running one of these in conjunction with a Wattstopper DT-355 occupancy sensor to trip the lights if anyone is interested I can delve a little deeper.

The 8500W's come with a plug in light, but I didn't want to use that. Also, if you don't use the light, MyQ App doesn't/won't work.

 

[MFolks]

Hmm,near any Military bases? Seems Aircraft transmissions may affect door opening,in San Diego many years ago,certain aircraft would cause random door opening and closings.

 

[cspcrx]

I picked up a 819LMB to help monitor this. You have me paranoid that I am going to come home and find it wide open and tools gone!

 

[polizei1]

Hmm,near any Military bases? Seems Aircraft transmissions may affect door opening,in San Diego many years ago,certain aircraft would cause random door opening and closings.

I'm a 45-min drive away, they fly over every once in a while.

 

[kj_mustang]

I have 3 8500's and live 2-3 miles from a small regional airport and get flights near me all the time. I have never had a problem with one of my openers caused by airplanes.

 

[biggziff]

I have 3 8500's and live 2-3 miles from a small regional airport and get flights near me all the time. I have never had a problem with one of my openers caused by airplanes.

and you never will...

 

[flan]

This is good news:

888LM Quality Program:
We have resolved the loss of function affecting some of our LiftMaster 888LM Control Panels. These units were packed in with garage door opener models 8500 and 8500C, and/or sold as an accessory, such as MYQPCK.

While the incidents of improperly functioning units are low, we are extending the warranty for affected customers until September 2023.

For any customer who wishes to receive a replacement 888LM Control Panel for free, please use the following link to complete the form: Request Replacement 888LM. Upon completing the form, you will receive your coupon code via email for your free replacement 888LM Control Panel along with free shipping on your entire LiftMaster.com order. (Limit 1 quantity per person and open to U.S. residents only).

For help with replacing the control panel, view our support video, "How to Replace your 888LM Control Panel" click here.

 

[PoorOwner]

^^^ awesomeness.. I hope it is limit 1 quantity per opener, not customer

 

[PhantomEB]

Mine flashes the red and yellow bulbs from time to time and beeps at the same time. Doesn’t bother me unless I need to get out at the same time it’s beeping but I get complaints from Neighbour. Gonna pull it apart and see if there’s a speaker wire to cut.

 

[jon72vega]

This is good news:
Quote:
888LM Quality Program:
We have resolved the loss of function affecting some of our LiftMaster 888LM Control Panels. These units were packed in with garage door opener models 8500 and 8500C, and/or sold as an accessory, such as MYQPCK.

While the incidents of improperly functioning units are low, we are extending the warranty for affected customers until September 2023.

For any customer who wishes to receive a replacement 888LM Control Panel for free, please use the following link to complete the form: Request Replacement 888LM. Upon completing the form, you will receive your coupon code via email for your free replacement 888LM Control Panel along with free shipping on your entire LiftMaster.com order. (Limit 1 quantity per person and open to U.S. residents only).

For help with replacing the control panel, view our support video, "How to Replace your 888LM Control Panel" click here.

flan,
Thank you for posting this.
I got my replacement 888LM ordered last night.

 

[48548]

How do we know which are the defect free units? By mfg date and if so what is the cut off?

looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

 

[gnpenning]

How do we know which are the defect free units? By mfg date and if so what is the cut off?

looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

A blue sticker

 

[48548]

Hmmmm... i am pissed, i bought a few for spares that arent blue....

looking for a pebble 4766 or any 47xx pebble hinged handle

 

[428PI]

Mine has a date code of 10/16 but no blue dot. What's up with that?