How do I program a newer remote to work with my older garage door opener?
I have a Sears garage door opener model # 139 245660, serial # E018624 with a remote 41A4579. The door will open with the actual wired-in opener but not the remote. I have replaced the battery and the green indicator light suggests it is working. I have contacted the Sears outlet store in Ottawa to locate instructions for programming the remote but they were unable to find any information regarding that particular model. I have also tried online, with no success. Outside of purchasing a new system, do you have any positive suggestions regarding the reprogramming of the remote? Thank you and thanks for the Sears Manage My Home Helpful Hints.
Expert
Maestro
It looks like you might have the wrong remote for your opener. The 41a4 series remotes are designed to work with older openers but only those between about 1993 and 1997 that use a Smart Button for programming.
It looks like your model opener still uses a set of dip switches in the opener for programming rather than the newer style Smart or Learn Button. In order for a remote to work with a dip switch type opener the remote would need its own set of dip switches that can be set to match the opener.
Parts are getting scarce for this age opener but the 41a3 series remotes use dip switches and were intended to work with openers like yours from around 1984 to 1992. Since they are a universal application there are a couple of different styles with different buttons or features but you are looking for a Sears part number that starts with a 41a3 and the packaging should state that it is a dip switch style. Liftmaster also makes the same remotes which will work but they refer to them as the "61 series" remotes. You can see their parts listings and programming instructions at
If you cannot locate one of those remotes anymore then your only option would be a conversion kit that would allow the opener to program and operate similar to one with a Smart Button. Both Sears and Liftmaster offer a couple of different kits like that. The only option past that would be replacing the opener altogether.
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