We have two garage doors. I know, I know – cool story, bro. But I promise this gets better. Well, it does if you’re a tech nerd or just enjoy life’s little conveniences. Sherry’s eyes glaze over when I try to tell her this stuff, so I’m talking to the remote-control-loving convenience enthusiasts out there. Anyone?
Each door came with its own remote, which we inherited from the previous owners. This guy barely worked at first, but with a quick battery replacement it works almost too well – occasionally opening or closing the door when the remote shifts in my cup holder. Did I mention it didn’t come with a visor clip? Yeah, that’s why it lives in the cup holder.
The other remote wasn’t much better. It worked more consistently, but required a duck tape wrap to keep it functioning. Classy, no? Not to mention its monstrous size meant it didn’t really fit anywhere conveniently in our car.
Improving our garage door remote situation was not high on our to-do list, but then I passed a display at Home Depot for a Clicker Universal Remote. It was $34, but the lure of simplifying to one, small, tape-free remote was too great for me to resist.
You only live once, right?
Sidenote: this YOLO skit gets quoted a lot in our house.
I didn’t really pause to think about actually programming the darn thing. And I know nothing about garage doors. What is this “dip switch” the instructions speak of? Well, a little bird (aka Google) told me it was a series of a 9 or 12 tiny switches that live in the garage door opener whose sequence of ups and downs creates a fingerprint. Match that sequence in your remote and you’ve got a match. Here’s the partially-obscured-so-you-can’t-get-into-our-garage dip switch in one of our existing remotes.
So all I had to do was replicate that switch in the new clicker.
To do so, I used the tip of a screw driver to move each switch into the correct up or down position. Note: the last 5 dip switches hadn’t been moved to reflect our code in this photo yet.
Once the dip switch was coded correctly, I just clicked the button I wanted to assign to that particular door until the door responded.
It was craaaaaazy easy to program this little thing. I got both doors programmed within 10 minutes or so. Doing the second door was the same as the first (and it didn’t undo the first door’s programming by changing the dip switches to a different sequence) so within no time I was the proud owner of one, single, double-door-operatin’ remote. Hallelujah.
And I just had to spread the word, so there you have it: a post about an easy tech update that might sound intimidating, but you can do it. Heck, I think Burger might be able to do it.
In summary: I think I might just be a remote addict (remember these?). The icing on the cake? Since it came with a clip, I was finally able to hang my garage door opener in a convenient spot on my visor. Yup, you can call me big poppa.
Okay, who else is way too excited about a little technological upgrade? Sherry couldn’t believe my enthusiasm for my new remote when I first told her about it (or when I brought it up again and again). But seriously, I’m so happy to be rid of those big ugly duct-tape-covered cup-holder-hogging remotes of the past.
Welcome to the future, guys. It’s nice here.
Haha. Sometimes it’s the small, random posts that I like the most. Probably because your humor really flies in them to juice em up. Or maybe because it really is the sweet things in life that makes it better.
Thanks Megan. I thought I might hear crickets, but I just had to talk about my garage door coup. In the words of Jessie Spano, I’m so excited, and I just can’t hide it.
-John
And he quotes Saved by the Bell? You, sir, are a keeper.
I know right? I got a good one. Although John is obsessed with Buzzfeed so I’m pretty sure he just watched a SBTB gif that gave him that line…
xo
s
You crack me up! Agreed with Megan – short and sweet but put a smile on my face.
The motor burnt out in one of our garage doors and my hubby upgraded it. I have no idea how complicated it was to do, but he programed it so I just push a button in my car to open the door.
I’m not very techy, so it blows my mind that a button hanging out exciting all on it own already now has a purpose that makes life easier. As long as I don’t accidently hit the onstar button.
I’m not gonna lie…I think this would make me a lot excited too. Especially since that would mean that our manual opening garage was automatic. :)
That’s what I thought – we have two manual garage doors, too! But hope that some time in the future we can upgrade them to automatic door and then I definitely want ONE remote control for both of them. (Although I only use the right one for my car… but you never know.)
Jule
I am inspired by this, seriously :D Here’s how this is gonna go down:
Step 1. Get a garage door opener controller thingie.
Step 2. Figure it out.
Step 3. Use Google to figure it out.
Step 4. Realize that there’s too much stuff in the garage to park in there anyway.
Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!
I installed the little garage opener keypad all by myself just like this. I know how gratifying it is haha
We watch that YOLO video at least once a week. Overkill? Nah. Best SNL vid to date.
Awesome to get a new remote that works on both doors!
Nerdy engineer moment here though: You might want to redo your pictures with the dip switches blurred out. In the first pic of the old remote, you blurred switches 7-12. In the second pic of the new remote, 1-5 are blurred. Which means your code is still figure-out-able. :(
Thanks Kate! That was a “dummy code” on the later photos. I got smart and just shot photos of the wrong code halfway through.
-John
*whew!* I should have known you were smart enough to show us a fake code!
I’m quick like a fox.
-John
It’s all good, John. This is the kind of thing that gets me all excited too. Good to know that these exist in case I ever have the luxury of two garage doors in the future. ;)
It’s the little things, John! Enjoy it! :)
I had a trip down memory lane with this post: my parents’ original garage door opener was a Genie identical to yours. I can still remember how the button felt (is that weird) and it made me smile to see it. Theirs had the clip on it, though. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the much smaller version instead of two (!) cumbersome remotes!
I totally understand – it’s the mastering of technology, combined with the simplification of everyday life that is so incredibly satisfying. It’s like you won, right?
I am about to tackle replacing the broken electronic thingy that controls the flow of water into the toilet – it’s scary to try (water! mess! oh no!) but I will feel so victorious if I can successfully remove and then install the new thingy and water once again fills the tank so we can return to flushing the toilet with the handle, instead of by pouring a pitcher of water into the tank…
We just purchased one of those remote keypads that you put outside your garage door and then you put in your chosen number and voila, the garage door opens (we have 3 kids coming home from school everyday who managed to lose about 6 house keys between them and this seemed like a much better way to get them in the house) For SEVERAL weeks now I like to just out and and punch in the code… just because I can. I can totally understand your garage-opener-geekery.
You’ve never used dip switches before? That seems surprising, since I’ve used them in many other electronics before, not just garage doors – but I can’t think of an example, so maybe I’m in a minority!
Never. Anyone else? What else are they in?
-John
We have a wireless doorbell that can play a million different tunes.. it has dip switches too! The combo you choose determines the tune it plays.
Ooh that sounds like fun! Do you change it once a month just for fun? I feel like John would…
xo
s
Haha, I definitely have heard of dip switches but can’t recall a use either. First thing that came to mind was dot matrix printers, though but nothing specific!
We got 2 new (to us) cars in our house and I thought I was the shizz for figuring out how to program their built in garage door button (on the roof console). It involved a ladder and pushing a button on the opener itself and then making it learn from the 1 remote we had (something like that), but everyone thought I was a genius!
I’ve seen them mostly in remote control cars and their remotes, the OLD OLD cordless phones and in older walkie talkies. But not used that much anymore with newer technology and smaller circuit boards/components.
I have one in the remote for the ceiling fan in my bedroom. The ceiling fan doesn’t work, of course, but that’s a story for another day. Maybe I should get on that this weekend…
It’s more like once a year, but once a month would be really fun!
I have the same kind of doorbell Lydia does. We like to make it play “Happy Birthday” on each of our birthdays and a few days before (to build excitement) and after (’cause I’m a bit lazy about switching back). The rest of the time it usually plays the theme from “The Magnificent Seven” since that’s my hubby’s favorite of the zillion (aka 60) songs the doorbell comes with.
Someday I’d like to find a doorbell that can play our own programmed tunes and not just the built-in ones. Can you imagine the possibilities?
Oh man, now that would be awesome. Mine would be a recording of Burger barking or Clara singing.
xo
s
Sometimes the tiniest things are the biggest game changers. Growing up, our kitchen had two overhead lights with two switches. One of them was located behind the fridge and the other was *inside* the pantry. We lived like that for years and when my mom finally fixed it we felt like kings in the lap of luxury!
Also, no post is too small. And I may be addicted to your website…just one more post, that’s all I need and then I’ll get back to work!
Aw shucks, thanks Allen!
xo
s
So did you make Sherry one, too?! Even if she’s not excited, I bet she’d appreciate it :) (Longtime reader, but I realize I may be mistaken in assuming you have two vehicles…)
Oh yes, we just have one car. John’s the driver slash remote lover of our relationship.
xo
s
Way cool! Makes me want a garage!
I didn’t know they were so easy to program. We only inherited one with this house. Hmm. Part of a present for hubs birthday, I think (I’ll program it before gifting). Thanks for the great idea. The keypad is a good idea, too. We have one child who has never misplaced a key and another who can’t keep hold of one.
The keypad is fantastic – it’s one of those things you don’t realize how much you will love until you put get one.
Hi John & Sherry,
When we moved into our new home last year we only inherited 1 garage door opener, but we have 2 garage doors. So only one door opens with the opener the other we have to do manually. Do you know of an easy way to get a second opener without contacting the manufacturer? Thanks!
Anyone have ideas for Kirsten? I’m not sure how you’d solve that without contacting the manufacturer or the previous owner (maybe the realtor has it? or the closing attorney?).
xo
s
Kris, The code is also set in the opener somewhere with switches so you can change the code if you want. That is assuming you have an older unit like YHL does. If it has the newere intellicode I don’t know. So if it is older just get a universal one like John and look for the code on the garage unit.
Kirsten,
You shouldn’t have to contact the manufacturer. We had the same situation when we purchased our house. We just picked up a remote at Menards (like Lowe’s/Home Depot). We have a Chamberlin brand garage door lift and we just found a remote that was compatible. (The people at the store can help you pick one out). Easy peasy!
Kirsten, The code is also set in the opener somewhere with switches so you can change the code if you want. That is assuming you have an older unit like YHL does. If it has the newere intellicode I don’t know. So if it is older just get a universal one like John and look for the code on the garage unit.
Ps – I forgot to add that our remotes were paired differently (no dipswitches). We just pushed an internal button and held it near the lift and they somehow “communicated”. I too have never used dipswitches!
Ooh high tech buggers!
xo
s
When you say “only 1 opener” are you saying only 1 remote thing that activates the garage door mechanism for the 2nd door?
Anyway, as mentioned in my post above, we were able to “teach” our built in button in our cars (an older honda accord and a ford explorer) to communicate with our existing garage door unit. I would think that the same could happen with a new remote. I would google the brand of garage door opener you’ve got and see what the manual for it says. Seems like there would be a way.
I know my husband has bought replacement “clickers” at Home Depot and just had to call the phone number on it to get it programmed. Not sure how any of that works though.
Check amazon. They sell a variety of different brands of garage door openers. We just bought a house with a garage and no opener as well. (seriously there are 4 fan remotes around here, but no way to open the garage). We have a lift master and that’s where I found some new ones. there is also a key pad to ours – just have to figure out how to reprogram.
Kirsten – I work for a garage door/opener installing company. Call a local garage door company. Most of them will sell parts to the public, and all you’ll need to do is take your existing remote with you. They should be able to match you up with a matching remote by the same manufacturer or find you a universal one. You’ll have to program it at home as each code is unique to each opener – but it’s easy peasy! (If you’re in central Indiana, I’d be glad to help you!)
Wow! Thank you everyone!
@ DavesAnngel, I’m in PA, but thanks so much for the offer!
Hands make me giggle. Been painting much?
Every. Dang. Day.
xo
s
That is cool! I get very motivated when it comes to tackling stuff that pertains to my life……programming a new t.v., device, etc. This sounded tougher without reading about your experience. “Jump Around” you know—from that song…..by House of Pain:) I wanted to throw in something since you two always have funny references from pop culture or songs………..okay bye.
GET OUTCHA SEAT AND JUMP AROUND!
xo
s
And if you have a GPS, don’t program in your exact Home address – use a different street number or whatever. That way, if someone steals your car and its keys, they won’t be able to get into your house as well.
Oh yeah I heard that tip once! So smart!
xo
s
Just a tip, you may already know or thought of this. Never leave your garage door opener in your car in your driveway. Someone can smash your car window and open your garage door and break into you house or steal the garage contents. It happened to my neighbor! Love the blog!
Great tip Leann!
xo
s
I was going to write the same thing, so glad I saw this here. Even in a parking lot, all a thief needs to do is break into your vehicle, grab the clicker, and get your address from insurance papers in your car. I keep mine in the console.
Poor John…noticed the white paint on your hands in one of those pics :(
May your trim all be white soon! Where’s that magic wand…er, paint brush when you need it?
Seriously! Maybe the man loved this project because it wasn’t paint related! Haha!
xo
s
That’s awesome! I didn’t know such a thing existed! So even though I have no use for it, still pretty cool to know if we ever need it, it’s out there waiting!
Haha, love it. I can definitely see how this is deeply satisfying. I get ya, man.
Not to be a wet blanket BUT . . be sure to always have the entry from the garage to your house locked and alarmed. A family friend’s car was stolen with registration (showing home address) in the glove box. Well, you can guess how this unfortunate story ends. So keep that door locked tight!
Eeks! Thanks BHH! We have a nice little armed door going on (all of our exterior doors and windows are armed, even the garage and sunroom ones). Peace of mind for sure!
xo
s
Unfortunately that doesn’t always stop them – a friend’s car was broken into and the remote stolen and glove box gone through. By the time she got to her house the crooks had gotten in through the garage, busted a hole in the garage ceiling, crawled across and busted a hole in the kitchen ceiling, dropped down into the house and stole most anything they wanted. I don’t think she had any motion sensors and they didn’t open any doors until they were ready to leave – so they were able to quickly load up and leave before the alarm company and/or police responded.
We have motion sensors and LOVE them! No one can slink around undetected!
xo
s
Cheryl that is crazy scary!! I guess I never thought about people busting holes in ceilings to bypass the doors/windows… I’m going to start turning on our motion sensors for downstairs after we go to bed at night and EVERY time we leave the house!
Ok this is exciting! our previous owners gave us one opener in pieces in a ziplock bag. It worked for one week then we through it away…
Is there an option for if you don’t have the old opener to get that fancy code off of? My hubby would be eternally grateful!
I wonder if the code is indicated somewhere on the garage door opener itself? Or the booklet that came with it if you have that in a folder from the previous owner?
xo
s
There should also be a set of switches on the actual opener itself (the one attached to the ceiling). Google the model type/number you have and it should show you where to find them on the unit.
Smart!
xo
s
Aw, it’s the little things John.
We have two garage doors and this remote would be so helpful. Thanks for sharing – I had no idea something like this existed!
Nothing better than some simplification! :) Our garage door opener has also seen better days – may be time for the upgrade over here, too.
I had no idea it was so easy! Might consider that as a way to replace our dead-battery-with-no-clear-way-to-open remote. After I try the hardware store, of course.
We got a new car last year that has the “clicker” buttons built into the visor itself. Amazing! Although – it took us about 6 months to actually get around to programing it. No idea how the hubs did it – but it’s awesome.
Oh my JOHN (and Sherry and Clara and Burger)!! I have a husband who has been looking forever for something like this. Guess what he is getting for his birthday! Thank you!!!
Ahhh, John, you’ve got me riled up again, thinking I might actually be able to do something with my rusty 70s garage doors that I have to open by hand (which is why I so seldom do). I’ll have to look into whether I can put an opener on them or just buy new doors.
I didn’t know things like this existed!! Same with the remote that you had on the side of your bed. That’s not surprising, my cell phone is from the ice age…it still flips open! Any one remember that kind? LOL. I hope you guys get the Nest thermostat for your house, I like tech-y posts!
I’m all too familiar with those switches. We live in a 70 unit condo building and when someone looses their remote… we all have to reprogram. PITA. But I’m glad you had fun with it ;)
the remote is great and everything…but my mind is on how great it would be to replace those doors with 2 cedar doors!!
can u hear me chanting…’do it do it forever house do it!!’
Oh man, that would be awesome. I keep saying I want doors with windows at the top. Someday…
xo
s
My BF did this to our’s when we moved as my garage door opener was labelled “Mom” and his said “Dad” which kind of creeped us out at our young childless age. That and mine had no clip and no button, just an exposed board to press on. I didn’t really inquire what went into switching them, I was just excited when a new one ended up in my car!
I’m totally inept, but super pumped about tech stuff. Today, I became the proud owner of a, wait for it….automatic trash can. Fo’ realz. It senses you are there, opens and closes after you put in your trash. Talk about a Hallelujah moment. At lunch, I didn’t even have to tell my kids to throw their trash away. It really is the small things. Congrats on your new toy! I totally feel ya’.
LMAO #BigPoppa !!!
my fiance goes NUTS for garage door openers. you are not the only one. promise.
My favorite techy upgrade was going from our old turn dial thermostat to a programmable one. Not a lot of money – but makes a big difference in our energy bill and comfort level. :D
The tech upgrade I want to make – but not ready to spend the money. At least one keyless entry to our house. Unfortunately I have locked myself out enough times – to REALLY – wish I had one. lol
feeling stalkerish, but since i know you have an altima, why don’t you just ditch the remote altogether and program the garage buttons on the mirror. my husband had a 2007 altima (just upgraded to the 2013, yipee!) and there were 3 buttons of the rear view mirror you can program. same with my rogue. love not having a remote!
although we did replace our garage opener when we moved in…ours was from the 60s, it had the two buttons you had to press at the same time and no safety eyes – i was terrified it was going to crush my foot one day!
I wish ours had that! I don’t see any buttons so maybe that’s an upgraded feature? Ours is a base model I think. Fancy buttons do sound amazing though!
xo
s
I love simple fixes to make life easier!
I think you can change the code on the actual opener.
I saw something on TV (a long time ago)about how your neighbor could open your door if he had the same make & model of opener as you do –so you should change the factory-set code to a new one.
I understand all of this excitement about a garage remote. I got excited when I was able to get rid of mine and program it in the car mirror. YOLO :)
I appreciate these small victories sooo much! I actually programmed our garage remote’s second button to just turn the lights on the opener on / off (and not open the door). It has actually come in handy a number of times!
When my husbands new van (yep – he is the van driver of the family) came with built in garage door openers, you would have thought it was the coolest invention on the block.
Very cool – and very easy, too! Though, I have to admit, my eyes glaze over when my husband starts tech-yakking, too. Anyway, I know you only have one car, and just one remote, BUT, we found that having an extra remote comes in big time handy. We give it to neighbors who are watering our plants or need to tuck our garbage cans away, etc. when we are on holiday. Or we give it to friends/house-sitters who may be coming in to check on the house while we are away (we stash a key in the garage so they can get in.) It’s a lot less awkward than asking for your key back and they can simply toss the remote back in the garage on their last day at the house before the door shuts completely. Just thoughts – great job, John!
This is super exciting to me because I have two garage door as well, but ZERO remotes!!! Well, technically I have one non-functional remote and the tiny humans long ago lost the other one! Sounds like a trip to the store is in order as soon as the rain lets up!! It’s the little things!! :)
It really is those little things. When we finally replaced our near death car with a new one (same model, 12 years newer) the thing I still am in love with is the NFC key – no key turning, no clicking, no anything. It just stays in my purse and like magic the doors open, the trunk opens, and the car turns on. Now if we can just get the same thing for our house… (which they make, but we can’t shell out the $ right now).
Lol my eyes glaze over when the hubby gets all excited about stuff like this too, but whatever makes you happy. This actually is a helpful post because we have two garage doors as well with similar openers that we inherited. Guess I should get on that or tell him to do it :)