Power door opener

A method of opening a door using a power door opener having an electric power actuator, an actuator shaft extendable from the power actuator and being selectively movable between closed and extended positions, and an electric motor adapted to move the actuator shaft between the closed and extended positions, the method comprising:

• coupling a movable push plate to an end of the actuator shaft in either of first and second orientations, wherein the movable push plate includes a movable pry member that extends outwardly from the movable push plate, wherein the power door opener includes a fixed push plate having first and second opposing ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the housing of the electric power actuator, a fixed pry member is disposed proximate the second end and extends outwardly from the fixed push plate, and wherein when the movable push plate is in the first orientation, the movable and fixed pry members cooperatively form a substantially continuous edge when the actuator shaft is disposed in the closed position, and when the movable push plate is in the second orientation, the movable and fixed pry members do not form the substantially continuous edge when the actuator shaft is disposed in the closed position;
• when the movable push plate is disposed in the first orientation, inserting the substantially continuous edge into a space formed between the door and a door jamb;
• and
• activating the electric motor to move the actuator shaft to the extended position to cause the movable push plate to move in a direction away from the fixed push plate and the housing, thereby widening the space between the door and the door jamb to release the door from the door jamb.