I don't think there is a manual retract, other than disconnecting the linkage to the motor and using a strap to hold the stairs up... which reminds me that someone had posted a similar question with an answer here in the forums. I will see if I can find it and link it here. ~CA
Take a look at this thread and in particular to the video in comment #4 around 1:30 minutes into it and you will see a "C" shaped arm, if you disconnect there then you can manually push the stairs closed but you will need to secure the stairs from coming open again (perhaps a strap or bungee cord). Also a tip in the thread that I have used successfully is to tap the motor with a hammer which may allow the stairs to work again, although my experience is that is only a temporary repair. ~CA
https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ing-37536.html