Short answer. LiftMaster battery backup on the 87504-267, 87802, 98022 and 98032 uses the 485LM 12V battery. A green battery LED is normal. Orange means it is running on the battery, and red with a beep means replace it. A full charge takes 24 hours. LiftMaster puts battery life at roughly 1 to 2 years and says to use only the 485LM. Unplug the opener and wear gloves and eye protection to change it.
Which openers carry LiftMaster battery backup
The LiftMaster comparison chart lists battery backup with the 485LM on the 87504-267, 87802, 98022, 84602, 84504R and 81602. The 98032 takes two 485LM batteries. The 8365W-267 and the other AC chain units have none. The light duty commercial LJ8900W is listed as battery backup capable with the 485LM as an add on.
Every manual says the same thing in capitals. Use only LiftMaster part 485LM.
What the battery LED is telling you
| LED | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Solid green | Battery fully charged |
| Flashing green | Battery charging |
| Solid orange while the motor runs | Running on battery power |
| Flashing orange while the motor runs | Battery low |
| Solid red with a beep | Battery will not hold a charge, replace it |
A green LED that flashes forever and never goes solid is a different story. The code chart calls it 3 and 3, a charging circuit fault on the logic board. A new battery will not fix that.
How long it lasts in an outage
For the 87504-267 and 87802 the manual says a fully charged battery gives up to 24 hours of normal operation. For the 98032 it says up to 20 cycles in 24 hours, or 30 hours. Recharge after the power returns takes up to 24 hours.
On battery the opener runs slower and beeps about every 2 seconds, with the lights off. Timer-to-Close and remote close stop working, and so does the camera on the 87504-267 and app control through myQ. An 841LM lock unlocks when the door opens on battery and stays off until power is back. All normal.
Testing it yourself
The manual test is simple. Unplug the opener. The battery LED goes solid orange, or flashes if the battery is low. Open and close the door with the remote or wall control. It may run slow if the battery is not fully charged. Plug it back in and check the LED is flashing green, which means it is charging.
The maintenance schedule says test it every year and consider replacing it so the door works in an outage. We agree, and we would add this. Test it in October, before the windstorms, not the night the lights go out.
Changing the 485LM
On the ceiling units the battery sits behind the control door panel. Unplug the opener and open the panel. Slide the battery part way in. Connect red to positive and black to negative. Push it home and close the panel.
On the 98032 it is a holder with two batteries. Remove the lower door. Connect the black wire to battery 1 and the jumper to its red terminal. Slide it in, then do the second one. Keep the long antenna routed down through the small opening in the holder.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Never put an old one in a fire. Check local rules for disposal.
Need one fitted
We stock the 485LM as an authorized LiftMaster dealer. Call (778) 873-7282 24/7. Free on-site assessment from 12180 Horseshoe Way, Unit 3, Richmond. A surcharge may apply depending on the area, quoted before we come. Battery backup on other brands is on our opener battery backup page.