Automatic garage doors work perfectly; with just a button press, your door will open smoothly and effortlessly. But what happens when there is a power cut? Or when the motor fails? And you still need to get the car out or lock it up safely. That’s when you need to know how to open an automatic garage door manually. And here is the good news. It is that every automatic garage door has a manual override. So, you don’t need special tools or technical training. It is simple, safe, and quick when you know what to do.
At Automatic Door Store, we have helped thousands of UK homeowners and businesses handle situations like this. However, we know the panic when the door would not open. We also know how to fix it. In this guide, we will show you how to open your automatic garage door manually. Step by step. So, let’s get your door moving, without the motor.
Step 1: Switch Off the Power
Well, first things first. Everything else is secondary to safety. Therefore, cut off the power to your garage door system if the electricity is still on. Moreover, you don’t want the motor trying to kick in while you are pulling on the door. So, find the wall switch, plug, or breaker and shut it down.
Step 2: Find the Emergency Release Cord
Almost every automatic garage door comes with an emergency release feature. Look up near the top of the garage door track. You’ll see a red cord or handle dangling from the mechanism. That’s your manual override. It disconnects the motor from the door, letting you operate it by hand.
Step 3: Pull the Cord
Grasp the red cord firmly and give it a steady pull downwards. You’ll usually hear a click as the door is disengaged from the motor. However, some models require a sharp tug, others a gentle pull. The point is to unlock the trolley so the door is free to move.
Step 4: Lift the Door by Hand
Stand with your feet solid on the ground. Bend your knees slightly and place both hands evenly on the bottom panel of the garage door. Lift straight up in one smooth motion. Additionally, most modern doors are counterbalanced with springs, so they should not feel extremely heavy. If it’s hard to move, stop. Don’t force it. That could mean a spring issue, which is dangerous. Call a professional at that point.
Step 5: Secure the Door
Once the door is up, don’t forget about safety. If you are leaving the garage open, make sure it stays in place and doesn’t slide back down. Moreover, prop it with a solid object if needed. If you are closing it manually, ease it back down slowly and make sure that it is latched, and never let it slam.
Step 6: Reconnect the Door Later
After power is restored or repairs are done, you will want to hook the door back to the opener. To do that, pull the emergency cord again, this time towards the motor unit. Then run the garage door opener once with your remote. However, the trolley will slide back into place and lock automatically. It is just simple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing a stuck door. If the door doesn’t budge, the issue might be with springs or tracks. Leave it to a trained engineer.
- Forgetting to cut the power. A sudden motor jolt can injure your hands. Always switch off first.
- Pulling the cord while the door is open. That can cause the door to crash down with full weight. Always disengage when the door is closed.
Why This Matters in the UK
In the UK, power outages, especially during storms, can leave you stuck. Business owners in particular can’t afford downtime. Knowing how to operate the door manually keeps everything moving. Whether it is a home garage in Birmingham or a commercial shutter in London, the steps are the same.
When to Call the Experts of Automatic Door Store in London
Basically, manual override is a short-term fix. If your automatic garage door keeps jamming, making grinding noises, or feels too heavy to lift, something bigger is wrong. It may be possible that springs, tracks, or the motor itself may need repair. This is where our team at Automatic Door Store comes in.
We specialise in all types of automatic doors, whether they are garage, roller, sliding, or more. Moreover, our engineers cover the UK and are trained to handle everything from emergency breakdowns to regular servicing. Therefore, don’t risk injury or property damage by forcing the door. Call us and we will get it sorted.
Tips to Keep Your Door Reliable
- Schedule regular servicing. Once or twice a year keeps small issues from becoming disasters.
- Keep the tracks clean. After all, dust and debris add unnecessary friction.
- Test the emergency release cord occasionally so you know it works.
- Replace the backup battery if your opener has one. That way, you might not need manual mode at all.
Final Word
All in all, opening an automatic garage door manually is simple when you know the steps. For instance, cut the power and pull the release cord, lift the door safely, and then reconnect when the power is back. Eventually, never force a stuck door. Call the experts of our Automatic Door Store Company if it feels heavy or unsafe. However, we fix, service, and upgrade garage doors across the UK. So, stay safe and stay in control. And let us handle the tough jobs when you need us. Contact us anytime!