Chamberlain Whisper Drive Garage Door Opener FAQ’s

The Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door opener was one of the most popular Chamberlain openers ever produced. The reason for this was the trend towards quieter openers, and the Whisper Drive did not disappoint with its silent DC motor and belt drive operation.

While the Chamberlain Whisper Drive was a decent opener, it wasn’t without its faults. In this article, we are going to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door opener.

What Type of Garage Door Opener is the Chamberlain Whisper Drive?

The Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door opener came in a few different configurations. While all the Whisper Drive models included a rubber drive belt and their Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS), the type of motor and circuit board used changed as time went on.

Purple learn button on Chamberlain garage door opener.
Purple learn button on Chamberlain garage door opener.

Earlier Whisper Drive models used the standard AC motor, starting capacitor, purple button circuit board, and manual travel limits. These models were a little louder than later models because AC motors have an electrical hum when running.

Black and purple buttons on Chamberlain Whisper Drive Opener. Image Credit
Black and purple buttons on Chamberlain Whisper Drive Opener. Image Credit

Later iterations of the Whisper Drive garage door opener started to include DC motors with transformers, no capacitors, and purple and black buttons on the circuit board. The two buttons were used to program the electronic limits, since they did away with the manual limits.

What Model is the Chamberlain Whisper Drive?

While this is not an exhaustive list of all Whisper Drive garage door opener models, it is some of the most popular models we have come across while doing repairs in the field.

  • 248754
  • HD520EVP
  • HD600CD
  • HD700D
  • LW3500EV
  • WD832KD
  • WD962KD
  • WD962KLD
  • HD900D
  • HD900DS (promotion that included a surge protector)

How Much Horsepower is the Chamberlain Whisper Drive?

The Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door opener came in a few different variants. Earlier models were rated at 1/2 HP and included the standard AC style motor, which is the older motor that hums louder when running.

Newer models that came along later incorporated Chamberlains DC motor with travel module, which is much quieter. This also included the 3/4 HP model, which included a battery backup in case of power outages in the home.

It’s important to note that newer DC motors are not rated in horsepower like older copper wound AC motors. Newer DC motors are rated in newtons.

Which Remote Does the Chamberlain Whisper Drive Use?

Chamberlain 950CD remote. The LiftMaster 371LM is the same remote.

Most Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door openers featured a purple learn button on the circuit board. The purple button openers used the 315 MHz frequency, which required the Chamberlain 950CD or LiftMaster 371Lm remote.

The final models of the Chamberlain Whisper Drive openers that were produced before they were discontinued have a yellow learn button. These openers used the 891LM remote.

The LiftMaster 380UT universal remote can be programmed to all green, orange, purple, and yellow button Chamberlain and LiftMaster openers. It features two buttons which allow you to control two different openers with different color learn buttons.

The Chamberlain and LiftMaster remotes are the same remote, but with different branding. They are interchangeable between the brands.

Which Keypad Does the Chamberlain Whisper Drive Use?

Chamberlain outside keypad.

The Chamberlain Whisper Drive openers will use the Chamberlain G940EV-P2 or LiftMaster 878LM outside keypad. These are the newer universal keypads that program to all Chamberlain, Craftsman, and LiftMaster openers with a green, orange, purple, or yellow learn button.

You can also use the Chamberlain KLIK2U-P2 or LiftMaster 387LM universal keypad made by Clicker. I am not a fan of this keypad because it is harder to program, and many homeowners get confused when using it because there is no enter button. The “0” key is used as the enter button.

How Do I Program My Chamberlain Whisper Drive Remote or Keypad?

To program a remote to your Chamberlain Whisper Drive opener, you will need to first locate the purple learn button. Once you find it, PRESS AND RELASE the purple button. This allows you 30 seconds to program your accessory.

Within 30 seconds, PRESS AND RELASE the button you want to program on your remote and the light on the opener will flash, confirming you have programmed the remote. You can now press that button on the remote to make sure it activates the opener.

To program a keypad, you will need to enter your four-digit code and PRESS AND RELASE the enter button. This needs to happen within 30 seconds of pressing the purple learn button. Once the keypad is programmed, the light on the opener will flash to confirm.

Is myQ Compatible with the Chamberlain Whisper Drive?

Later Chamberlain Whisper Drive models released did have myQ built in, but they required you to purchase the Chamberlain internet gateway to connect the unit to the internet. These units will feature a yellow learn button and are most likely discontinued and no longer sold.

Older Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door openers that have the purple learn button can be connected to the internet using Chamberlains Smart Garage Control accessory. This allows you to connect any Chamberlain opener that has safety sensors to the internet, so you can control it from your smartphone.

How Do I Reset My Chamberlain Whisper Drive Opener?

There will be a couple of ways you can reset your Chamberlain Whisper Drive opener. If your unit is acting weird like going up or down too far, try unplugging the opener to reset it. Many times, if you unplug the unit for a minute or so, it will reset the circuit board and things will go back to normal.

If you are trying to reprogram a remote, keypad, or vehicle, you will need to locate the purple learn button on the Motörhead. It will be on the side of the motor where the wires are connected to the circuit board.

To clear out the circuit board to remove everything that is programmed, you will need to hold down the purple learn button until the LED light goes out. This will remove all accessories and vehicles you have programmed, which is good in case a remote was lost or stolen.

Why Is My Chamberlain Whisper Drive Opener Beeping?

Some Chamberlain Whisper Drive openers were equipped with a battery backup that would power the unit in case of power outages. If your garage door opener is beeping once every 30 seconds, the backup battery has to be replaced.

The backup battery is located up inside the Motörhead behind a door that is being held on with one screw. If you choose to replace the battery, all it takes is disconnecting and reconnecting a black and red wire after swapping the batteries.

New backup batteries can be purchased online anywhere garage door replacement parts are sold.

Chamberlain Whisper Drive Circuit Board Issues

Earlier Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door openers with DC motors have been known to have some weird circuit board issues. These are the units with the black and purple adjustment buttons on the Motörhead.

The most common issue we would come across is the electronic travel adjustments would not program or hold their setting. This would cause the opener trolley to get stuck because it would go up or down too far, which ultimately ended up damaging other parts.

We have diagnosed several in the field with Chamberlain support, and on several occasions the issues weren’t resolved. Whisper Drive openers with DC motors have motors, travel modules, transformers, and a few circuit boards.

The process of elimination replacing parts trying to figure out what’s wrong can get costly. In most cases, we end up replacing the unit.

Chamberlain Whisper Drive Belt Issues

Stripped drive belt on garage door opener exposing steel belting underneath.
Stripped drive belt on garage door opener exposing steel belting underneath.

Most Chamberlain or LiftMaster belt drive garage door openers will need service around the ten-year mark as the belt starts to wear. This is due to normal wear and tear, as the cogs on the belt may start to come off, therefore exposing the steel belting underneath.

If your Chamberlain Whisper Drive opener starts to have circuit board issues which causes the trolley to hit the stop bolt, your belt could be damaged in the process. The stress put on the belt as the trolley goes up or down too far can start to crack the rubber and knock off the cogs on the belt.

If that is the issue you are experiencing, you most likely will need to replace your unit. The cost to have a circuit board and a drive belt replaced will be expensive and if your unit is over ten years old, it’s best to replace it.

Which Drive Belt Does the Chamberlain Whisper Drive Use?

Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door openers are going to use the 41A5250 drive belt assembly. This particular model of belt is specifically designed to fit Chamberlain openers.

There is a variation of this belt which is the 41A5434 that is offered in the LiftMaster brand, but it won’t work on the Chamberlain opener unless it is modified. It is important to consult the owner’s manual for your particular garage door opener to make sure you get the proper belt.

Chamberlain Whisper Drive Manuals

Chamberlain vs. LiftMaster Openers

While there are some differences between Chamberlain and LiftMaster openers, the belt drive openers were the most similar. This is because the belt parts used on both brands are nearly identical, except for the end pieces.

If you’re in the market for a belt drive garage door opener, you can’t go wrong with either brand. If you’re looking for a chain unit, LiftMaster pulls ahead with its stronger rail and 100% chain drive to make it a superior unit.

Conclusion

There are many questions to be answered about the Chamberlain Whisper Drive garage door opener. There were several models and configurations released in the Whisper Drive series at a time when quiet openers were all the craze.

The Chamberlain Whisper Drive series has since been discontinued as they are now offering newer designs that incorporate, Wi-Fi, cameras, and LED lighting. If you’re having issues with your Whisper Drive opener, now may be a great time to take advantage of some of these new convenience features.

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