8 FLASHES
Motorlift Capacitor or Start Circuit Failure

Opener runs briefly then stops; light flashes eight times and door may not move or only move slightly.

Advertisements

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Failed start capacitor, Loose capacitor terminals, Damaged motor start winding, Faulty control board start circuit

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the opener. Capacitors can store dangerous charge; discharge only if you are trained. If unsure, contact a technician.

Steps to check:

  • Locate the capacitor: Inside the Motorlift opener housing, find the cylindrical or oval capacitor connected to the motor with two or more wires.
  • Inspect visually: Look for bulging, leaking, or cracked casing. Any visible damage means the capacitor must be replaced.
  • Check connections: Ensure the spade connectors are tight on the capacitor terminals. Re-seat any loose connectors.
  • Replace capacitor if suspect: Obtain a Motorlift-compatible start capacitor with the same microfarad (µF) rating and voltage. Swap the wires one at a time from old to new to avoid miswiring.
  • Test operation: Reassemble the cover, restore power, and run the opener. If the 8-flash error is gone and the motor runs normally, the repair is complete. If not, the motor or control board may also be faulty.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Motorlift Start Capacitor
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements