icon
Call Us 773-283-6677
Schedule Online

Our Blog

How to Close a Garage Door Manually

Published by Rebecca Power

We depend on our garage doors every day—press a button, and they lift effortlessly. But what happens when that convenience suddenly stops working? A power outage, a broken opener, or a faulty remote can leave you with a door that won’t budge.

The good news is, you don’t have to be stuck. Knowing how to close a garage door manually is an important homeowner skill that can keep your home secure and safe. In this guide, we’ll explain the simple steps to do it safely and correctly—plus when it’s best to call in the professionals.

Why You Might Need to Close Your Garage Door Manually

Garage doors rely on both mechanical and electrical systems to operate smoothly. The opener uses electricity to lift the heavy door with the help of springs and cables. When something in that system fails—like during a storm or a mechanical issue—you’ll need to manually override the opener.

Here are a few common situations when you might need to take manual control:

  • Power outage: If your home loses electricity, the opener can’t function.
  • Broken opener motor or circuit: Electrical faults can stop your opener mid-operation.
  • Malfunctioning remote or keypad: Sometimes the problem isn’t power—it’s the signal.
  • Door stuck halfway: If the door stopped mid-cycle, it may need to be lowered by hand to prevent damage or security issues.

Whatever the reason, learning the manual process ensures your safety and your garage’s security.

Before You Begin: Important Safety Tips

Garage doors are heavy, typically weighing between 150 and 300 pounds. Mishandling them can cause serious injury or damage to the door’s hardware. Always take precautions:

  • Keep children and pets away from the garage door while you’re working.
  • Don’t force the door if it feels stuck—it could mean there’s a broken spring or cable.
  • Use two people for larger double doors if possible.
  • Never disconnect the opener if the door is open and under tension—gravity can pull it down rapidly.

If you’re unsure or notice broken parts, it’s best to call an expert for garage door repair.

Step-by-Step: How to Close Your Garage Door Manually

Here’s the safe and effective way to manually close your garage door when the automatic opener isn’t working.

1. Make Sure the Door Is Fully Down (If Possible)

If your door is stuck in a raised position, be cautious—don’t try to pull it down until you’ve disengaged the opener. Make sure the area under the door is clear before proceeding.

2. Disconnect the Power

Even if the power is already out, unplug the opener or turn off the circuit breaker. This prevents any sudden movement if electricity returns while you’re working.

3. Locate the Emergency Release Cord

Look for a red cord hanging from the garage door opener’s trolley, which runs along the rail that connects to your motor unit. This cord connects to the emergency release lever.

4. Pull the Emergency Release Handle

Firmly pull the red cord downward (some may require a slight back pull). This action disengages the trolley from the opener’s carriage, allowing you to move the door by hand.

5. Test the Door’s Movement

Once disengaged, lift or lower the door slightly to confirm it moves freely. If it’s difficult to move or feels extremely heavy, stop immediately—this can mean a broken torsion spring, which is dangerous to handle without professional tools.

6. Carefully Close the Door

With both hands, gently guide the door down until it’s fully closed. Keep your feet and hands clear of the tracks and rollers. Move slowly and evenly to prevent the door from slamming shut.

7. Lock the Door

Most manual garage doors have a slide lock or locking handle on the inside. Once the door is down, secure it so it can’t be lifted from the outside. This step is especially important if your garage connects directly to your home.

Re-Engaging the Garage Door Opener

When the power comes back or the opener is repaired, you can reattach it easily:

  • Plug the opener back in or restore power.
  • Pull the red release cord again—this time toward the opener unit.
  • Manually lift the door about halfway until you hear a click as the trolley reconnects to the carriage.
  • Test your opener using the wall button or remote.

If the door doesn’t move smoothly or reconnect properly, a technician can quickly adjust the track alignment or spring tension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s tempting to rush when your garage door is stuck, but doing so can make things worse. Avoid these common errors:

  • Forcing the door closed: If a spring or cable is broken, forcing movement could cause it to snap.
  • Ignoring strange noises: Grinding or popping sounds mean something isn’t right mechanically.
  • Skipping lubrication: A little silicone or garage door lubricant on tracks and rollers goes a long way.
  • Forgetting to relock the release mechanism: If the door stays in manual mode, it won’t respond to your opener next time.

A quick inspection from a qualified technician can prevent costly damage later.

When to Call a Professional

If your garage door doesn’t move easily after releasing the opener, stop immediately. This often means a broken torsion or extension spring, a dangerous component that stores a large amount of tension. Attempting to repair or adjust it without the right tools can result in serious injury.

At Crystal Overhead Door, our trained technicians can quickly diagnose and repair any issue—whether it’s a damaged cable, a misaligned track, or a failed opener motor. We’ve been serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for over 50 years, offering safe, reliable, and affordable garage door repair solutions.

Keep Your Door Safe and Functional with Crystal Overhead Door

Knowing how to close a garage door manually is a great short-term fix, but it’s not a long-term solution. If your opener keeps failing or your door feels unusually heavy, it’s time for a professional inspection.

Let the experts at Crystal Overhead Door restore your garage’s safety, performance, and peace of mind.

Call us today at (773) 283-6677 for prompt, expert garage door service anywhere in the Chicago area. We’ll make sure your door works as smoothly and safely as the day it was installed.

Recent Posts

How Do You Reset a Garage Door Keypad

Garage door keypads are one of the most convenient features of modern garage door openers. They allow you and your family to access your home without carrying a remote or house key. But like all technology, they sometimes need a reset—whether you’ve forgotten the code, the system isn’t working, or you want to update security. If you’re asking yourself, “How do you reset garage door keypad systems?” this guide will walk you through the process step by step. When to Reset a Garage Door Keypad There are several reasons you may need to reset your keypad: Forgotten code: It’s common to forget the numbers you programmed months or years ago. Security concerns: If too many people know your code, updating it can help keep your home safe. Malfunction: Sometimes, the keypad just stops responding. Resetting it can solve the problem. Battery change: A dead battery can wipe saved codes, requiring reprogramming. Resetting ensures your garage is secure and functioning properly. Step 1: Locate the Garage Door Opener’s “Learn” Button Most garage door keypads connect directly to the opener unit installed inside your garage. On the opener, you’ll find a small button labeled “Learn,” “Smart,” or sometimes “Program.” This button is usually located on the back or side of the motor housing, near the wiring terminals and antenna. Pressing this button puts your opener into programming mode. Depending on the brand, you’ll have about 30 seconds to enter a new code on your keypad. Step 2: Clear the Old Code To fully reset your garage door keypad, you often need to clear the existing code first. Press and hold the “Learn” button until the indicator light turns off or blinks (this usually takes about 10 seconds). Once the light resets, the old code is erased. Step 3: Enter a New PIN on the Keypad Once the opener is ready to accept new programming, go to your keypad and: Type in your desired new 4–6 digit code. Press the “Enter” or “Send” button on the keypad. Watch for the garage door opener’s light to flash or listen for a click—this confirms the new code has been accepted. Step 4: Test the Keypad After programming, test your new code: Close your garage door completely. Enter the new code and press “Enter.” If the door opens smoothly, your reset was successful. If it doesn’t work the first time, repeat the steps. Sometimes the timing between pressing the “Learn” button and entering the new code can be tricky. Troubleshooting Tips Even when you know how to reset garage door keypad devices, hiccups can happen. Here are a few things to check: Replace the battery: Keypads run on small batteries, and weak power can stop them from saving new codes. Clean the keypad: Dust and dirt may interfere with the buttons. Check the range: Make sure you’re close enough to the opener unit when programming. Review the manual: Different brands, like LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Genie, may have slightly different reset instructions. When to Call a Professional If your keypad still doesn’t reset after a few tries, the issue might be more complex. Wiring problems, outdated openers, or damaged keypads may require repair or replacement. Attempting to handle wiring or internal parts yourself can be dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with garage door systems. That’s where a trusted garage door service company comes in. Professionals can diagnose the problem, replace faulty parts, and ensure your system is secure and reliable. Keep Your Garage Secure Your garage door is one of the main entry points to your home, so keeping the keypad working and updated is essential. Resetting the keypad is usually simple, but when it’s not, you don’t want to risk leaving your property vulnerable. Call Crystal Overhead Door Today Still wondering how to reset the keypad system for your garage? At Crystal Overhead Door, we make it easy. Our team of skilled technicians can reset, repair, or replace your garage door keypad quickly and professionally. Don’t leave your garage unsecured—call Crystal Overhead Door today to schedule service and keep your home safe.

Read More

How to Disable Garage Door Sensors: Safe Troubleshooting and What Not to Do

Garage door safety sensors are small but essential parts of your garage system. They stop the door from closing if something — a child, pet, or object — is in the way. Because they protect people and property, we won’t provide instructions for permanently disabling, bypassing, or overriding those safety devices. Doing so can create a serious hazard and may also violate local codes or void your opener’s warranty. That said, there are safe, legitimate reasons you might need to temporarily operate a door when sensors are acting up — for example, to get a vehicle out during an emergency or to diagnose a problem. Below, we’ll explain how the sensors work, how to troubleshoot common issues, what legitimate override options exist, and why calling a pro is the smart choice. What Garage Door Sensors Do and Why They Matter Most modern garage door openers use an infrared “photo-eye” system. Two sensors sit a few inches off the ground, one on either side of the door. One sensor sends an infrared beam; the other receives it. If the beam is interrupted while the door is closing, the opener reverses to prevent crushing or trapping. Because these sensors prevent injury and property damage, disabling or bypassing them permanently is unsafe. Even if you’re in a hurry, don’t make your door less safe to save a few minutes. Common Sensor Problems and How to Troubleshoot Safely Before thinking about disabling anything, check the basics. Many sensor problems are simple fixes you can do without opening housings or cutting wires. Check the LEDs Each sensor usually has a small LED light. If one or both LEDs are off or flashing in a pattern, that tells you something is wrong (power, alignment, or wiring). Clear the Beam Path Dirt, ice, leaves, or a stray object can block the infrared beam. Wipe the lenses with a soft cloth and make sure nothing is in the way. Confirm Alignment The sensors must face each other directly. If they’re misaligned, the receiver won’t see the beam. Small nudges to the sensor bracket often restore alignment. Tighten Loose Mounts and Wiring Vibration over time can loosen mounting brackets or wire connections. Inspect for loose screws and secure them. Look for damaged or chewed wiring. If wiring looks frayed or exposed, stop and call a technician. Test with the Door Control Use the wall-mounted push button to operate the door. If the door won’t close even when the path is clear, there may be an electrical or logic issue with the opener. Check the Force and Travel Limits Modern openers have adjustments for travel and force. If those settings are off, the opener may think it hit an obstruction even though the sensors are fine. Adjusting those is best left to someone familiar with your opener model. If these checks don’t fix the problem, don’t try to defeat the sensors. Many fixes require opening the opener’s control box or manipulating wiring, and that’s when a professional should step in. Override Options For Emergencies There are safe, temporary ways to operate a garage door in certain emergency situations that do not involve disabling the sensors permanently: Manual release Most openers have a pull cord (usually red) that disengages the trolley so you can lift the door by hand. This is the correct way to open the door during a power outage or if the opener fails. After you use the manual release, you must re-engage the opener properly before relying on it again. Wall control If the opener’s wall-mounted control still works, you can use it to open and close the door. This is not a bypass of the sensors; it simply sends the opener a command and allows the unit’s safety systems to operate. Temporary relocation If sensor alignment is the issue and you need the door moved a short distance for safety reasons, a technician can perform a controlled test or temporary fix that preserves safety features. If you must move a vehicle or get someone out, use the manual release and move the door slowly and carefully. Never drive a vehicle through a door whose safety systems have been defeated. Why You Should Call a Pro (instead of bypassing the sensors) Safety: Trained technicians know how to diagnose root causes without removing critical protections. Code & warranty compliance: Permanently disabling safety features may violate building codes and void warranties. A pro will make repairs to keep your system compliant. Long-term reliability: Temporary “fixes” that bypass safety can create bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Professional repairs restore both safety and function. Quick diagnostics: Pros typically carry the replacement parts and tools needed to fix common problems quickly — often the same day. When to Call Crystal Overhead Door If your garage door sensors won’t cooperate, or if you’re unsure what caused the problem, let the professionals handle it. At Crystal Overhead Door, we troubleshoot sensor faults, repair wiring, realign and replace sensors, and perform full safety checks so your door works reliably and safely. Don’t risk injury or property damage by trying to bypass safety systems. Call Crystal Overhead Door today at (773) 283-6677 for garage door repair. We’ll get your door back to safe, dependable operation—fast.

Read More

What Size Garage Door Opener Do I Need?

When it comes to upgrading or replacing your garage door opener, size matters—especially when we’re talking horsepower. Choosing the wrong size could leave you with an opener that strains to lift your door, wears out too quickly, or simply doesn’t work efficiently. On the other hand, an opener that’s too powerful might be more than you need, costing you extra without added benefits. So, what size garage door opener do you need? The answer depends on your door’s weight, size, and usage habits. Let’s break it down so you can make the right choice. Understanding Garage Door Opener Horsepower Ratings Garage door openers are typically rated in horsepower (HP) or, in some newer models, horsepower equivalents (HPe). This number measures the motor’s lifting power. Common sizes include: 1/3 HP – Less common now, but used for very light, single-car doors. 1/2 HP – The most popular choice for standard residential doors. 3/4 HP – Great for heavier or oversized doors. 1 to 1 1/4 HP – Ideal for extra-large, heavy custom doors or high-traffic use. If you’re unsure, always lean toward the higher side of the range, especially if you expect frequent daily operation. Matching Horsepower to Door Size The right size opener is all about balancing your door’s size and weight with the motor’s lifting power. Single-Car Garage Doors For a typical single-car garage with a lightweight, non-insulated door, a 1/2 HP opener is often enough. If your single-car door is made from heavier materials like solid wood or insulated steel, consider 3/4 HP for added reliability. Double-Car Garage Doors Most standard double-car garage doors can operate smoothly with a 1/2 HP motor, but if your door is insulated, custom-built, or particularly heavy, a 3/4 HP unit is a safer choice. Oversized or Custom Doors Large RV doors, carriage-style doors, or tall commercial-style residential doors often need 1 HP or higher. These openers provide extra lifting power and durability, which is essential for a heavier load. Why Choosing the Right Size Matters Picking the correct size garage door opener matters. Here’s why: Motor Life: An underpowered motor works harder, causing faster wear and more frequent repairs. Smooth Movement: Adequate horsepower ensures your door moves evenly without jerking or straining. Quiet Operation: A motor that isn’t overworked will run more quietly, which is especially important if you have a bedroom or living space above the garage. Energy Efficiency: The right size motor uses only the power it needs, preventing wasted energy. Drive Types and How They Affect Performance While horsepower is key, the drive system you choose also impacts performance, maintenance, and noise levels. Chain Drive: Durable and budget-friendly, ideal for heavier door, but can be noisy. Belt Drive: Quieter and smoother, perfect for garages close to living spaces. Screw Drive: Fewer moving parts, less maintenance, but may be noisier than a belt drive. Direct Drive: The motor moves along the track itself, offering smooth and quiet operation. If you want the quietest possible option without sacrificing power, a belt drive with the appropriate horsepower rating is often the best choice. Considering Door Material and Weight Even if two garage doors are the same size, they may need different opener sizes depending on the material: Aluminum – Lightweight; often fine with 1/2 HP. Steel (non-insulated) – Medium weight; works well with 1/2 to 3/4 HP. Insulated Steel or Composite – Heavier; best with 3/4 HP or more. Solid Wood – Very heavy; requires at least 3/4 HP, often 1 HP+. Usage and Durability If your garage door is the main entry point to your home and gets opened and closed multiple times a day, you’ll want a stronger motor, even if your door is lightweight. Frequent use puts extra strain on the motor, and a more powerful unit will handle the workload better over time. Smart Features and Modern Options Today’s garage door openers aren’t just about lifting your door—they can also improve your home’s security and convenience. When sizing your opener, consider if you want features like: Wi-Fi Connectivity – Open and close your door remotely via an app. Battery Backup – Keep your door operational during a power outage. Built-In Security Lights – Improve visibility in your garage. Quiet Operation Modes – Especially useful for nighttime use. While these features don’t change the horsepower requirements, they can help you choose the right opener model. Professional Installation vs. DIY Installing a garage door opener yourself is possible if you have the right tools and experience, but a professional installation ensures: The opener is properly matched to your door’s weight and size Safety features are tested and functioning correctly Your warranty is protected A pro can also make recommendations you might not have considered, like upgrading springs or tracks for smoother operation. Final Tips for Choosing the Right Garage Door Opener Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your door’s size and weight Consider future needs—if you might upgrade your door to something heavier, opt for a higher HP now Prioritize quality—a well-made opener from a reputable brand will last longer and perform better Upgrade Your Garage Door Opener with Confidence If you’ve been asking yourself, "What size garage door opener do I need?", the answer comes down to matching your door’s weight, size, and daily use with the right horsepower and drive type. Choosing the correct opener ensures years of reliable, quiet, and efficient operation. Ready to upgrade your garage door opener? Our expert team can help you select the perfect size and model for your home, then install it with precision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and enjoy a garage door that works smoothly every time.

Read More

4.9

100+ reviews

4.8

1250+ reviews

4.5

160+ reviews

Client Testimonials

Don’t Take Our Word For It

“Have used Eric and team for our condo building and have
always been great, honest, and fair.”

Justin W • Property Investor

“The pricing was reasonably and the service was both
done correctly, quickly and for a reasonable price.”

David N • Home Owner

“Excellent service and very nice technicians.”

Denyce M • Home Owner

“Repairman was at our place within an hour, fixed
the problem within 30 minutes. Great job!!!!! ”

Maureen K • Home Owner

Only The Best Industry Standard Partners

We use only the best brands in the business
in order to ensure the best possible products to our customers.

Need help with your

Garage Doors selection?

Visit our office at 5030 W Lawrence
Ave in Chicago!

Get Directions

Contact us Today!

Schedule Online