Modern technology is a wonderful thing, and it enhances our lives in so many ways. However, it does not always perform perfectly, and there are one or two instances where it might fail. We need to be aware of these, as our security and well-being may depend on it.
One such instance, as the title of this article suggests, is when our garage door opener fails to function. Now, this may be caused by something as simple as a power outage, but it is really no fun when you can’t get in or out of your garage, so you do need a backup plan!
So, in this article, we will look at some of the ways we can access our garage manually, whether we find ourselves stuck on the outside or the inside.
Part A How to open your garage door manually from the outside
Locate the emergency release lock. This is almost always to be found in the center of your garage door, as it is designed both to blend in and be easy to activate when necessary.
Locate the emergency key that came with the lock.
Insert the key into the emergency release lock, and twist it counter-clockwise. The cord will then pop out. Now, pull it towards you.
Next, you need to unlock the manual lock located in the center of the garage door just above the handle. Turn the key and at the same turn the handle counter-clockwise so that it becomes vertical.
Finally, it is time to lift the garage door by hand. Simply bend down and use the handle at the bottom of the door. Slide the door up all the way until it will go no further (if you don’t push it far enough, it may slide back down again).
Okay, now that you’re safely inside, you can pull the garage door back down. Lock both locks with the same key so that you are good to go when power is eventually restored.For more information about Garage door repair Orange County click here!
Part B How to open your garage door manually from the inside
Unplug the electric door opener. If you are unsure where to find it, then it is located near the base of the trolley track on which the door slides. So, reach up and be sure to unplug the door opener before you start your manual operation.
Next, you need to pull the emergency release cord. This is a red cord and usually has a plastic handle – pull it until you hear a click, which indicates that the door is now ready to be operated manually.
Next, open the garage door by lifting it from the bottom. As in Part A above, ensure that you open the door as far as it will go, otherwise, danger might arise caused by the door sliding back down unbidden.
Finally, you need to close the garage door once your car is outside. If you need to leave immediately, then you can use the emergency release key to close the manual lock.
Part C How to Reset the Garage Door Opener
Once your power is restored, you will need to reconnect your door opener.
To disengage the manual mode, push up the base of the cord until it clicks. You may need to use a step ladder or a broomstick to be able to reach it.
Plug the door opener back in, and press the button on your remote. This will reset the unit, which can take about thirty seconds, so be sure to give it time.