What Is a Garage Door Emergency Release And How Do You Use It?

How does a garage door emergency release workEvery now and then, you may find yourself with a mechanical garage door that needs to be opened by hand. This may be due to a power outage, a mechanical malfunction, or just as a test to make sure your garage door is working as intended. 

That’s where the emergency release cord comes in. As its name implies, it’s used to manually open or close your garage door. Knowing how to use it correctly is crucial in order to avoid accidentally damaging your garage door. 

In this article, we’ll explain how the garage door emergency release works, and help you determine whether your door requires professional emergency garage door repair in San Diego. Keep reading to learn more.

How does a garage door emergency release work?

The red rope that hangs from the door trolley is called the emergency release cord. The trolley is attached to the door and moves together with it. When you pull the emergency release cord, it disconnects the trolley from the opener carriage, enabling the door to slide along the track without the help of the automated carriage.

A word of warning: even a thin garage door is made of sturdy materials, and sturdy materials tend to be heavy. Make sure you’re physically able to handle raising and lowering a door before you begin, or ask a family member or neighbor for assistance. 

How do you reattach an emergency pull on a garage door?

Newer garage door models have systems that enable them to automatically reengage after an emergency release cord is pulled. Unfortunately, many Americans still use older models, and find themselves having trouble reconnecting the door after pulling the emergency release cord. 

Here’s how to use the garage door emergency release:

  • Step #1: Make sure the door is in the down position before disengaging it. If you disengage a raised door, it could cause the entire door to come crashing down. This can result in serious damage to both the door, and anyone or anything it falls on. Always call expert garage door repair technicians if your door is stuck in a raised position.
  • Step #2: Once you’re done closing and opening your garage door manually, you should lower it again and re-engage the automatic door opener. This is done by pulling the emergency release cord down and toward the door, away from the motor.
  • Step #3: All that’s left is to reconnect the trolley to the opener carriage. This is done by sliding the door along the track until the attachment point is re-engaged. You can also do this automatically by using the garage door opener remote. In both cases, you’ll hear a loud click when the attachment point reconnects.

If the above steps do not work for you, or you’re not sure whether they apply to your particular garage door operator model, it’s best to err on the side of caution and contact a licensed garage door repair service. 

Who provides the fastest emergency garage door repair in San Diego?

How do you reattach an emergency pull on a garage doorWhether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning garage door, or you’re interested in installing a new door or upgrading an old one, don’t hesitate to give Dlouhy Doors a call. As the premier provider of garage door repair services in San Diego, we’re uniquely positioned to ensure your garage door always works like a charm. 

It’s all the same to us whether you’re located near the Petco Park, or in one of the many suburbs of San Diego. Our 24-hour emergency technicians will promptly arrive at your location and solve your problem with unparalleled efficiency. Contact us today.Â