Car stuck in the garage in Franklin, Tennessee
You may be able to lift the door by hand, but only if the spring is intact. Work that out before you pull anything. If a person or animal is trapped, or someone is hurt, call 911.
Work through this in order
See whether there is power
If the opener light is on and the motor tries to run, the door is probably too heavy for it. If everything is dark, it may only be a power cut.
Check for a broken spring
A loud bang before the door stopped working points that way. From a few feet back, look above the door for a gap in the spring.
If you suspect a spring, stop
Do not pull the release or lift the door. Weak or broken springs can let the door fall fast, and that can kill.
If it looks like power or the opener
The release handle disconnects the door from the opener so you can lift it by hand. Use it with the door closed if you can.
Lift slowly, with both hands
A balanced door rises with moderate effort and stays put when you let go. If it feels very heavy or falls, set it down and step back.
While the car sits there
Reasonable
- Take what you need out of the car, as long as you stay out from under the door.
- Keep people, pets and bikes away from the door.
- Call a contractor and say a car is inside.
Avoid
- Starting the engine in a closed garage.
- Driving under a door that is partly raised.
- Propping the door with a ladder or a board.
- Touching the springs, cables or the bolts at the bottom corners.
What to say on the phone
Say a vehicle is inside, whether the door moved at all, what you heard, whether you used the release and how soon you need the car.
Ready to talk to a contractor?
Call this number and say what the door is doing. The contractor who answers is independent of this site.