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FAQs

Why Is My Electric Awning Motor Not Working?

Quick Answer

  • Check the power supply, fuse, and isolator switch before touching anything else.
  • Inspect the remote control or wall switch for dead batteries or a lost signal pairing.
  • Reset the motor’s limit settings if the awning stops mid-travel or refuses to extend fully.
  • Test the motor manually using the override function to confirm whether it’s an electrical or mechanical fault.

Electric awning motors usually stop working because of a power fault, a lost remote signal, or a tripped limit switch, not because the motor itself has died. Most of these faults are fixable in under 30 minutes without calling anyone out.

What You’ll Need

Tools

  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Multimeter or voltage tester
  • Step ladder

Materials / Replacement Parts

  • Replacement fuse (check your awning manual for the correct rating, typically 5A or 10A)
  • Fresh batteries for the remote handset (usually AA or AAA)
  • Motor reset pin or override key (often supplied in the original box)
  • Replacement remote receiver (if pairing fails)

How to Fix It: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

Before anything else, confirm the motor is actually getting power. A dead motor that’s perfectly healthy is one of the most common callout faults.

  • Check the mains switch or isolator switch is in the ON position
  • Look for a blown fuse in the fuse box or inline fuse holder near the awning motor
  • Use a multimeter to confirm 230V is reaching the motor’s power terminals
  • If the circuit is on a RCD (residual current device), check whether it has tripped and reset it

Step 2: Test the Remote and Wall Switch

If power is confirmed but nothing happens, the control system is the next suspect. Remote receivers can lose their pairing after a power cut or battery change.

  • Replace the batteries in the remote handset and try again
  • Test the wall-mounted switch if you have one as a backup
  • Hold the remote within 1 metre of the motor receiver to rule out range issues
  • Consult your awning manual for the pairing/re-sync procedure (typically holding two buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds)
  • If re-pairing fails, the receiver module itself may need replacing

Step 3: Reset the Motor Limit Settings

If the motor hums but the awning doesn’t move, or it stops partway and won’t continue, the internal limit switches have likely drifted or been knocked out of calibration. This happens after power cuts, manual overrides, or rough handling.

  • Locate the limit reset buttons or adjustment screws on the motor head (usually accessible once the awning arm cover is removed)
  • Follow the specific reset sequence in your motor’s manual (Somfy, Elero, and Cherubini motors all have slightly different procedures)
  • Reset the extend limit first, then the retract limit
  • Test movement after each adjustment before finalising

Step 4: Test and Confirm the Fix

Once you’ve worked through the above, do a full test before reassembling anything.

  • Run the awning through a complete open-and-close cycle
  • Listen for any grinding or stuttering, which could mean a mechanical jam rather than an electrical fault
  • If the motor runs but the awning doesn’t move, the motor-to-tube coupling may have slipped or broken
  • If the motor makes no sound at all despite confirmed power, the motor winding may have failed and a replacement motor will be needed

Still have questions?