Step by step
- Close the door first if possible. Pulling the release with the door up is risky if a spring is weak or broken.
- Pull the red emergency release cord down and toward the back of the garage. This disconnects the door from the opener’s trolley.
- Lift from the bottom using the handle or the bottom section. Keep fingers out of the section joints.
- Check the weight. A balanced door is light. If it’s heavy, a spring may be broken. Stop and call.
- Keep it open by holding it or locking it in place if your door has a manual lock. Don’t leave a disconnected door half open.
When not to pull the release
- The door is open and you don’t know the springs are good.
- You can see a gap in a spring or a loose cable.
- The door is crooked or off its track.
In those cases the springs aren’t holding the door up, and releasing it from the opener can let it fall. See emergency garage door repair.
When the power comes back
Press the remote or wall button. On most openers the trolley travels and re-latches automatically. If it doesn’t, check the release lever position. Then test the auto-reverse with a block of wood under the door.
Outages on Long Island
Storms, nor’easters and summer heat can all knock out power. If you’re on the South Shore, the barrier islands or the East End, a battery-backup opener means you can get the car out without touching the release. New openers with battery backup ran $250 – $875 on published Long Island prices. Report outages to PSEG Long Island.
Need it done? Call for garage door opener repair & installation on Long Island. Local guides: garage door repair in Long Beach, garage door repair in Southampton.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to pull the emergency release on my garage door?
Yes, if the door is closed and the springs and cables are intact. Never pull it with the door open: if a spring is broken, the door can drop.
How do I reconnect my garage door opener after a power outage?
Most openers reconnect when you press the button and the trolley moves back to engage the door. On some models you pull the release cord toward the door. Check your opener's manual.
Can my garage door opener work without power?
Only if it has a battery backup. Many newer openers include one, and New York doesn't require it, but it's worth having in an area with storm outages.