How to Fix a Chain Drive Garage Door When it Won't Open

Find the emergency release rope that hangs from the chain-drive garage door's overhead assembly. The emergency release rope is red in some models. Pull down on the rope to set the garage door's release arm in a vertical position. That action temporarily de-motorizes the door.

Move the garage door down manually if it is partially open. Shutting the door completely is necessary. To close a partially open door, grab its inner door handle, and pull the door down slowly. Do not pull down too hard or you may damage the door.

Pull the emergency release rope at a 45-degree angle. That task will set the release arm back in its horizontal position, which will re-motorize the chain-drive garage door.

Press the garage door button that is in the garage or on a remote control device. The door should open normally.