With the door closed, pull the red emergency release cord to disconnect the door from the opener, then lift the door by its handle. LiftMaster says to use the release only with the door closed when possible, because weak or broken springs can let an open door fall fast. If the door is too heavy to lift without forcing it, stop: Garaga says that is a clear sign a spring has broken.
Before you pull the cord
LiftMaster's owner's manual lists three rules for the emergency release:
- If possible, pull it only when the door is closed. Weak or broken springs, or an unbalanced door, can make an open door fall quickly and without warning.
- Make sure the doorway is clear of people and anything else.
- Never use the release handle to pull the door open or closed.
Step by step
- Grab a flashlight. Garaga suggests keeping one handy for outages at night.
- Pull the red emergency cord down. That disconnects the trolley from the door.
- Lift the door by its handle, usually on the bottom panel, without forcing it.
- Pull the car out, then close the door by hand.
If your door has a side lock, Garaga says you can use it to secure the door while the power is out. Disable it again before you reconnect the opener.
If the door will not budge or feels very heavy
Stop lifting. Garaga says having to force the door is a clear sign a spring has broken, and to lower the door slowly and call a specialist. Clopay's instructions say not to operate a door with a broken spring, and that springs, bottom brackets and cables are under high tension and can cause death or serious injury if mishandled.
Do not try to adjust or replace a spring yourself. ForgedLift offers same-day appointments, and our trucks carry springs and cables, so most repairs finish in one visit. Schedule an appointment or see spring replacement.
Reconnecting when the power comes back
Garaga's steps: close the door, reconnect the trolley, listen for the click, lift the door slightly to confirm it is engaged, then test it with the remote. On the LiftMaster 8010, the manual says to pull the release handle toward the opener until the trolley release arm is horizontal, and the trolley re-engages the next time the opener runs. Release mechanisms differ by model, so check your manual.
Before the next outage: battery backup
Garaga notes that LiftMaster and Chamberlain offer openers with battery backup, and says these let you run the door up to 20 times without electricity. Clopay says a DC motor is the only kind that lets you run the door during an outage. If yours does not have backup, ask us about an opener upgrade. We service LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman and Genie.
Need a hand with it?
Service and replacement for every major opener brand: LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, Genie.
Common questions
Should I pull the emergency release with the door open?
Avoid it. LiftMaster says to pull it only when the door is closed if possible, because weak or broken springs can let an open door fall fast.
Why will my garage door not lift by hand in a power outage?
If it takes force to lift, Garaga says a spring has likely broken. Lower it slowly, leave it closed and call a technician.
Do I have to reconnect the opener after the power comes back?
Yes. Close the door and reconnect the trolley as your opener's manual describes. Garaga says you will hear a click, and LiftMaster's 8010 re-engages the next time the opener runs.