Genie Pro 98 opener

A friend has a Genie Pro 98 opener that has developed a problem.

Any attempt to open the door requires he holds the open button on all switches or remotes. If he lets off the open button the door comes down at a high rate of speed enough to hurt some one if under it.

Any thought on what could cause this.

It sounds like the springs on the door are either out of adjustment or broke. Disconnect the opener from the door by pulling the emergency release cord (while the door is in the closed position). Try lifting the door manually. If it is difficult to lift or you can't lift it at all then the problem is the springs on the door not the opener.

Thank you I will pass this along