10 Troubleshooting Tips for the LiftMaster LA500

If you've opened and closed your gate manually in the past, adding a LiftMaster LA500 to your home or business is a luxurious dream come true. With the press of a button, your gate opens to allow specific cars onto your property. Closing quickly behind you, you and your loved ones remain safe behind an automatic gate opener. However, like most technology, some problems could occur. Here are some simple *troubleshooting tips to allow you to discover, and resolve, any issues troubling the gate opener. 

1. Check Backup Battery - Your LiftMaster LA500 uses hardwired power to open and close, but it also draws power from a backup battery when power supplies are down. If your gate opener does not operate when the power goes out, your backup battery may have failed. Inspect the battery for any damage or loose wires. After many charging cycles, the battery must be replaced. 
2. Inspect Gate Area - If you discover that the gate will not open to visitors, inspect the immediate gate area. Any obstacles, such as fallen tree limbs, can hinder the gate's doors, effectively locking it in place. Remove any obvious obstacles to the door, including cars that drive too close to the gate. If the opener detects an object, it remains closed for safety purposes.
3. Check "Party" Option - The LiftMaster LA500 has a particular "hold open" option to allow party guests to enter a property. You set the opener to this mode, effectively holding the gate in a perpetually open state. If your door does not want to close, check this setting. Reset the gate opener, if necessary, to facilitate normal operation. 
4. Gate Too Heavy - If you recently added decorations to the gate, such as numerous holiday wreaths, the opener may hesitate during opening. Verify that the gate is not too heavy for the opener to work correctly. A newly updated gate, using a reinstalled LiftMaster LA500, may be too heavy as well. In general, this opener works perfectly for gates as much as 1,600 pounds and 18 feet long. Do not force the opener to work on extremely heavy gates. 
5. Main Circuit Board Inspection -  If your gate does not work remotely, such as from your smartphone or computer, inspect the main circuit board. Any burnt or damaged areas require repair or replacement to access the opener's operations remotely. 
6. Only One Remote Works - A faulty remote typically needs a new battery. Although the batteries last for many months, they wear out over time. Replace the battery for a fully operational remote. 
7. Electrical Power Issues - A hardwired opener may be difficult to maintain, with pinched or damaged wires. Consider converting your system to solar power for better operation. 
8. Gate Closes On Object - Adjust or replace your motion sensors. The gate opener must have a fail-safe to avoid damaging property or hurting people. 
9. Humming Sound and No Motion - Your opener's motor can overheat over time, causing extensive internal damage. A humming sound coupled with no motion indicates a new motor replacement is necessary. 
10. Shorts Out Intermittently - If your area is prone to electrical storms, add a ground rod to your opener system. Any static or lightning electricity shorts to ground, removing any intermittent issues from your gate operations. 

Download the OEM Troubleshooting 
Guide from LiftMaster

*These troubleshooting tips are designed to address some common issues with the LA500. LiftMaster provides a more extensive and comprehensive troubleshooting guide that is downloadable here. It is recommended that you follow manufacturer guidelines and regulations. If you are still experiencing a problem with your LiftMaster LA500, contact our automatic gate security experts at 1-800-676-4909.