Liftmaster LA400 Gate Operator Strange Code 93 Issues - Check the batteries first!

My mother-in-law had a single gate with a Liftmaster Operator installed in 2016. For the last several months, she claimed, the opening/closing speed had dropped off. A few weeks ago, it stopped working completely.

I got out the troubleshooting manual and immediately started to learn the error codes. I was able to get it to partially move using the "move" buttons on the control board but would get a code 93, which basically means there's some sort of obstruction causing the arm to shut itself down to protect the motor. I even shorted the power leads to the motor directly and got the same behavior. 

I disconnected the gate end of the operator and made sure the gate swung freely, which it did. So I suspected that something in the arm itself was bad. So, I ordered a new arm for around $475 with shipping and tax. 

The new arm took a few days to arrive but once it did, I was certain the gate was going to be back to brand new. Well, it wasn't. In fact, I got the same behavior and error codes from the new arm as from the old. If I could get the gate to move at all, it was for a few feeble seconds then I'd get code 93. So I suspected the control board. Long story short, I installed a new control board and got the same results.   

I found a local Liftmaster dealer and tried to get a service call. Fortunately, after describing my issues to the salesperson, he said that low backup batteries can cause a host of strange codes to show up. After thinking on it, I realized that the motor runs on DC (duh) from the batteries which are kept charged by the AC line voltage. 

Since 2 new batteries cost about $45 with shipping and tax, I went ahead and ordered them. They arrived yesterday and I installed them (note: the old batteries had 1/8" spade terminals but the new ones came with 1/4" terminals - so I had to buy new crimp on connectors for the leads.) Thankfully, the gate jumped to life and I was able to program the limits and tie up every loose end...including programming the transmitter in my mother-in-laws 2019 Lexus to work the gate. 

Here's a link to the batteries: https://batteryclerk.com/products/liftmaster-la400-residential-12v-7ah-ups-battery You need to order two. 

 

The moral of the story is...don't be a dumbass. Ask for help early and, if you're getting strange codes, try replacing the batteries before any of the more expensive pieces. 

Now I'm off to ebay to sell a 2016 control board and LA400 motor/arm!

Google Chrome tabs close when clicked on - solution

This annoying behavior started in the middle of last year and comes up a few times a week.

I'll open a new tab in Chrome using the "+" sign:

Then I try to switch between tabs by left clicking on that tab. But when I do that, the tab closes! Super frustrating!

Here's how to fix it: If using a mouse with clickwheel, hold down the clickwheel for a couple of seconds. Yes, that's it.

If you're on a laptop using a touchpad, hold down the left and right buttons simulaneously for a couple of seconds. And yes, that's it.

Hope this helps you!

Mirror, Mirror

I attended the Friday Chapel service at my daughter's school today. Why? Because she just turned 11, and because it's already the 3rd to last Friday of this school year and I hadn't been to one since January. Thankfully, she is still willing to sit next to her "old man" instead of her classmates.

The theme of today's service was "Mirror, Mirror" and I was surprised to get more out of it than I expected.

The worship leader and scripture reader touched upon several topics that resonated with me but one of the most powerful questions was "Have you ever been afraid to look in the mirror?"

Full disclosure, for some weird reason, I don't look in mirrors or windows or take (many) selfies. This has been an issue for me for as long as I can remember...dating back to middle school.  I believe it has contributed to a crippling sense of self-worth and confidence that has produced impacts in my personal and professional life.

The service continued to warn against the trappings of our superficial society, warning about the pleasures of the flesh and how meaningless things such as outward appearance are to God. The liturgist/guitarist included a rendition of Colbie Callait's song "Try" which, though from a female perspective, perfectly captured the spirit of the service.

The concluding message was that God loves us for ourselves and that maybe we should see inner selves, accept that our flaws are trivial, and truly love ourselves as well. Which is a message that I must take to heart and work on as well, even at my advanced age.