A method for operating a surgical instrument includes mechanically coupling a manual release to a transmission of a surgical instrument having a self-contained power supply disposed entirely within a handle thereof. The transmission translates movement of an electrically powered motor inside the handle to movement of a part of a surgical end effector connected to the handle. The part is operable to move anywhere between a start position and a fully actuated position. The method further includes selectively interrupting the transmission with the manual release to move the part towards the start position independent of motor operation.