What to Do If the Emergency Garage Door Release Isn’t Working
The emergency garage door release is a mechanism that allows you to operate the door manually if necessary. If it doesn’t work, you won’t be able to open or close the garage door. A faulty emergency release cord is uncommon. Various other issues can make opening a garage door without power more difficult. If the emergency garage door release isn’t working, we’ll explain the possible causes and where to look to begin troubleshooting the issue.
Misaligned Garage Door
Broken Spring or Cable
Improper Sensitivity/Limit Settings
Accidentally Engaged Lock or Security Feature
Obstruction or Blockage
Garage Door Opener Motor Issue
About the Red Emergency Release Cord
The red cord near your garage door allows you to operate it if the power goes out or even if the garage door opener fails. Pulling it disengages the door from the carriage that connects it to the opener. If the garage door doesn’t work, the release cord may not have been properly re-engaged the last time. This is one reason the opener may not work. If it is, reconnecting the system should resolve the matter.
What If the Emergency Release Stops Working?
However, damage to the release cord is rare. It would require a professional to fix it immediately. If the emergency release mechanism seems to have malfunctioned, common issues to look for include the following:
Misaligned Garage Door
A misalignment is often due to a track or roller issue. A garage door off its track cannot move properly, even with the emergency release cord engaged. If you suspect an issue with the tracks, proceed with the following steps:
- Look for Debris: Check for a buildup of dirt or small stones stuck in the track; clean it if necessary.
- Check for Wear: A damaged track can cause the door to fall if it opens. Close the door before pulling the cord to avoid damage and inspect for gaps, bent tracks, and other signs of damage.
- Stabilize the Door: If it must be opened, have two people on each side lift the door and keep any people or objects clear of its path. Insert a support to hold the door up.
Your garage door can be unsafe to open if it has worn, damaged, or off-track rollers. These small components guide the door along the track. If a problem is suspected, pull the emergency release cord and open the door slowly, being prepared for resistance. Stop immediately if the door is harder to move. Don’t open it if the rollers are off-track or visibly damaged.
To be safe, any garage door track or roller issue should be addressed by a properly trained and equipped professional.
Broken Spring or Cable
If a garage door spring or cable is broken, it may seem like the emergency release isn’t working. Each spring balances the door’s weight. If broken, it cannot support the weight of the door, making manual lifting dangerous. Attempting to open your garage door can lead to additional damage or an injury. Call a local contractor for help.
Worn or frayed cables can also be dangerous. They can snap without warning, causing the door to fall or move out of control. Make sure the door is closed before pulling the emergency release cord. If possible, lift the door evenly on both sides and support it with a piece of wood or other solid, sturdy object.
Improper Sensitivity/Limit Settings
Your garage door opener’s settings should not change by pulling the emergency release cord. If the door operates differently after re-engaging the mechanism, the sensitivity and limit settings may need to be reprogrammed. However, there may be an underlying issue a professional must address. The sensitivity settings control the amount of force needed for the door to reverse direction, while the limit settings control how far the door moves to fully open or close.
Accidentally Engaged Lock or Security Feature
If someone accidentally closes a manual lock, your garage door won’t open even if the emergency release cord is pulled. Security features in some modern garage doors can also prevent them from working. A built-in security device may need to be reset before disengaging the trolley so you can operate the door manually.
Obstruction or Blockage
A physical obstruction can prevent the door from moving after the emergency garage door release cord is pulled. Removing the object can allow you to open the door manually.
The safety sensors won’t stop working by pulling the cord, but they won’t prevent the door from closing on an obstruction since they communicate with the opener. The garage door can still close on a person or object. Therefore, it’s important to ensure the path between the door and the ground is clear.
Garage Door Opener Motor Issue
If the emergency garage door release isn’t working, a faulty motor is something else to check for. An electrical problem can also prevent manual operation. Keep in mind if you press the remote, the opener may run but won’t move the door since it’s not connected. Pull the cord in the opposite direction or run the garage door opener until it re-engages the trolley and opener carriage. You can then troubleshoot other issues.
How to Test the Emergency Garage Door Release Cord
The release cord is a feature you may not use often. But it should be tested from time to time. To do this correctly:
- Close the garage door and make sure there are no obstructions. The release cord should never be used or tested with the door open.
- Power off your garage door at the circuit breaker.
- Locate the red emergency release cord. It hangs from the garage door opener track close to the ceiling.
- Pull firmly on the cord and lift the garage door partway.
- Make sure the door stays in place. If so, it’s properly balanced. If it rises or falls, it’s imbalanced, or a spring or cable is damaged.
- Close the door manually, turn the power back on, and pull the cord toward the door. A clicking sound indicates the trolley’s latching mechanism has been engaged.
- Use the remote or switch to test your garage door opener and ensure it works.
Contact Mesa Garage Doors
Various mechanical or electrical issues can prevent you from operating your garage door manually. If you have trouble moving the door after pulling the emergency garage door release cord, contact us right away. We’re available 24/7 to address emergencies in Los Angeles and Southern California. Whether there’s damage or you need to open a locked garage door from outside without a key, we can help. Call (714) 867-1637 for prompt service and a free repair estimate.
Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.
