MD-83
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors; Procedure
Climbing through 10;000 feet red cabin alt warning illuminated. Told ATC we needed to stop climb. They told us to maintain 10;000 feet. We were level for a minute or two. Requested lower altitude and return to [our departure airport]. While in descent the cabin light went out. That is when I noticed that the cabin alt control lever was in the down(Manual) position. By the time we took the checklist out we were already committed to returning. I had already told company; ATC and passengers that we were returning. Accomplished a normal landing 1200 pounds under max landing weight.Aircraft was late arriving at the gate from the hangar. Arrived at departure time. Boarding was quick and hectic. New first officer. I even made the comment to take a look because this aircraft came from the hangar. Told him you find things in the wrong position. I think not rushing to get the aircraft moving would be key to avoid a recurrence of this event.
This aircraft came from the hangar and; therefore; switches and instruments were out of their normal position.
When their MD-83; which had been delivered from Maintenance right at departure time; failed to pressurize the flight crew returned to their departure airport.  On the return they noted that the cabin altitude control lever had been left in the manual position; possibly by Maintenance personnel.  In their haste to depart it had been overlooked.