How to Open a Garage Door Manually With No Power | FIX Garage Doors CA Guide

Technically Reviewed by Oleg Chudnovski on Nov 30, 2023 | Written by Fix Appliances CA Editorial Contributors

Manually Move the Garage Door and Return to the Down Position

Garage doors equipped with an automatic opener can be a lifesaver, but what if a power outage occurs? It is very important to know how to move a garage door manually. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Disconnect the Automatic Garage Door Opener:

• Locate the emergency release cord hanging from the garage door opener motor.
• Pull the cord down and away from the door. This disengages the automatic opener, allowing you to operate the door manually.

2. Move the Garage Door to the Down Position:

• With the opener disconnected, carefully lift the garage door manually until it reaches the fully open position.
• Gently guide the door downward, ensuring a controlled descent.

3. Engage the Garage Door Trolley:

• Once the door is in the down position, reconnect the automatic opener by pulling the emergency release cord toward the door.
• You should hear a distinctive click sound, indicating that the trolley is securely engaged.

Following these steps, you can move your garage door manually and return it to the down position when needed.

How to Manually Open and Close a Garage Door From the Outside

Sometimes, you might find yourself needing to access your garage from the outside without the aid of an automatic opener. In such cases, the following steps will guide you on how to open and close the garage door manually:
1. Locate the Emergency Release Cord:

• Identify the emergency release cord hanging from the garage door opener motor. It usually has a red handle for easy recognition.

2. Pull the Emergency Release Cord Toward the Door:

• Grab the red emergency release cord and pull it toward the garage door. This action disengages the door from the opener carriage, allowing for manual operation.

3. Manually Operate the Door:

• With the emergency release cord pulled, manually lift the garage door from the closed position until it is fully open.
• To close the door, guide it down gently until it reaches the closed position.

These steps empower you to operate your garage door manually from the outside when necessary.

Pull the Emergency Release Cord Toward the Door

In the event of a power outage or a malfunctioning garage door opener, pulling the emergency release cord is the key to manual operation. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

1. Locate the Emergency Release Cord:

• Find the emergency release cord hanging from the garage door opener motor. It’s usually red and has a handle for easy identification.

2. Understand the Purpose of the Emergency Release Cord:

• The emergency release cord is designed to disconnect the garage door from the automatic opener carriage, allowing for manual operation.

3. Pull the Cord Toward the Door:

Firmly grab the red emergency release cord and pull it toward the garage door. This action disengages the door from the opener, enabling you to operate it manually.
Pulling the emergency release cord allows you to regain control over your garage door, especially during power outages or opener malfunctions.

How to Lock Your Garage Door After Opening It Manually

Securing your garage is crucial, even when operating it manually. After manually opening your garage door, follow these steps to ensure it is securely locked:

1. Check the Garage Door Position:

• Confirm that the garage door is fully open or in the desired position.

2. Activate the Locking Mechanism:

• Depending on your garage door model, use the locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized access.
• This could involve turning a handle or engaging a specific locking feature.

3. Verify the Door is Secure:

• Ensure the door is securely locked in the open position.
• If applicable, follow any additional security measures your garage door manufacturer recommends.

By taking these precautions, you enhance the security of your garage, even when the door is manually operated.

Reconnect the Garage Door Opener When Power is Restored

Once power is restored, it’s essential to reconnect your garage door opener to resume automatic operation. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Position the Garage Door in the Down Position:

• If the garage door is not already in the down position, manually guide it down until it is securely closed.

2. Pull the Emergency Release Cord:

• Locate the red emergency release cord and pull it toward the garage door to re-engage the opener carriage.

3. Listen for the Click Sound:

• You should hear a distinct clicking sound indicating that the trolley has reconnected with the opener carriage.

4. Test the Automatic Opener:

• Activate the automatic opener using your remote or wall button to confirm that it works correctly.
• Ensure the garage door opens and closes smoothly.

By following these steps, you can effortlessly reconnect your garage door opener after a power outage.

Lift Up the Garage Door

Knowing how to lift your garage door manually is essential for situations like power outages or opener malfunctions. Follow these steps to lift the garage door safely:

1. Release the Emergency Release Cord:

• Pull the emergency release cord toward the garage door to disengage the automatic opener if not already done.

2. Position Yourself Correctly:

• Stand facing the garage door, ensuring a comfortable and safe position.

3. Grab the Bottom of the Door:

• Bend at the knees and grab the bottom of the garage door with both hands.

4. Lift with Your Legs:

• Use your leg muscles to lift the door, avoiding unnecessary strain on your back.
• Lift the door until it is fully open or in the desired position.

Lifting the garage door properly minimizes the risk of injury and ensures smooth manual operation.

Pull Down the Garage Door to Close It

Closing the garage door manually is as important as opening it. Follow these steps to guide the door back to the closed position safely:

1. Position Yourself Correctly:

• Stand facing the garage door, ensuring you have a clear view of its movement.

2. Grab the Bottom of the Door:

• Bend at the knees and grab the bottom of the garage door with both hands.

3. Control the Descent:

• Gently guide the door downward, ensuring a controlled descent to the closed position.

4. Engage the Emergency Release Cord:

• Once the door is closed, pull the emergency release cord toward the door to reconnect it to the automatic opener.

By following these steps, you can effectively and safely close your garage door manually, ensuring the security of your space.

Professional Assistance To Open Garage Doors Manually Without Power

If you’re having trouble with your garage door and it seems too complicated to fix on your own, contact the experts at FIX Garage Doors CA. Our skilled team is ready to help with quick and effective solutions using our wide range of parts.

Please explore our website to check out our garage door diagnostics and inspection services and schedule availability with our repair technicians. Feel free to contact us at (905) 247-6699  for toll-free assistance. We offer same-day garage repair service in Newmarket, Barrie, Toronto, and other surrounding GTA areas to ensure your garage opener and door are back in perfect working condition.