Thank you for this video, have been searching for a solution for a year. Finally can stop running out to roll my awning in the last two feet when a big storm is coming!!
Thank you as well. My neighbor had the same issue, awning motor wouldn't wind, but it would unwind. Like you said, nothing on the internet for this older model without the remote. Current user manual only deals with the remote to set the limits. Found your video and had the exact same setup. I pushed the limit switches in and out a few times and boom, it's working now! Saved the owner hundreds of dollars! Thank you!
Thanks Christopher, I have an old awning and good info isn’t available. Your video helped me understand the yellow and white buttons so I could reset my limits. So, yes, your video helped someone out here in the CZcams universe. Thanks again.
Cheers mate. Sorted me out. My motor drives a garage door, and was wedged between two walls, so would have been tricky to have removed the cover. A squirt of WD-40 and a good blast of compressed air and we were golden!
Hi Christopher, Thank you so much for sharing this video. We replaced our fabric in 93 degree heat and worked hard doing it (our first time). After opening it it seemed they gave us the wrong dimensions we ordered (too much slack) when fully opened. Now we had to figure out where the problem was. So after we figured out how to take up some slack it still wasn't taut enough, then we remembered about limit switches. So this is to thank you for posting your video you were our savior yesterday we can't thank you enough. Everything works fine and we could do this job blindfolded now. We will be sure to share our find with other friends in need.
You should be paid for this knowledge, they tried to sell me a new motor 1600$$ I found this video and all I’m out is a can of lithium grease and about an hour of time thank you
I’ve found this very helpful. My awning goes out find, but the retract is going all the way until one bar hits the long cross bar. I’m thinking the retraction stop needs to be reset, after watching your video. I’m going to take off the endcap like you did and take a look. I’m sure it’s filled with crap. 😅 Thanks for posting! Hopefully I’ll be able to fix!
I hope that fixes it! I thought this would be an unusual problem with an obsolete motor nobody else has, but it turns out there were a few others with the same issue.
Dear Chris, thank you SO MUCH for your posting!! I'm embarrassed to say how much time I have spent in the last few days trying to set the stops on my outside shade (after taking it down to allow me to re-caulk the windows). We prob. purchased the motorized shade around 1995, so its the older ones that have the yellow and white switches, and do not respond like the newer versions do on CZcams.....wouldn't do the "double shutter" to prepare it for a factory reset. I just saw your video this morning, and have already set my upper and lower stops!! I didn't even have to unbolt the unit from the bracket, as there is a yellow access cover that I pulled off (can be either on top or on the bottom of the motor, depending on which side of the window it's on), I moved the shade to the bottom with my crank, then pushed and released the white (outer) button. Then I cranked the shade up to where I wanted it to stop, and pressed the yellow button and released it. Don't press too far, or else the motor will start.....not good, as the shade can over-retract! Thanks again, you saved me from an unnecessary motor replacement!!!! Brad
Awesome! I'm very happy that my video helped you. I didn't think anyone would need to know about it, but I made a quick decision to try to record what I found and I'm glad I did.
Thank you VERY much for your update. Mine would only extend, not retract, spent 2 years troubleshooting. Found this video, was loathing removing bolts, found your comment - access panel removed, limits set, works!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you. I had the Exact same problem and your solution worked like a charm. Sunsetter was very willing to sell me a new $450 motor. Again, thank you
I'm so happy that worked for you! When I found I just had to clean it,I didn't think it would help anyone else, but I guess dirt gets into those switches over the years.
Thank you VERY much for your video. Mine would only extend, not retract, spent 2 years troubleshooting. Found this video, pushed the buttons, good to go! I was able to just remove a yellow access panel as did another commenter so no bolts to remove, whole fix was 5 minutes.
Welcome to the fixed-my-own awning club! That thing is still going 8 years after we bought the house, and who knows how long before. Apart from getting clogged with dirt, it seems to be built to last.
Yeay. I have been looking for ANY mention of that yellow cover. I watched Chris’s video and even got directions from Sunsetter but no one has mentioned that yellow thing and that was covering the buttons, it says I should just see them by looking up. It isn’t coming off easily and I didn’t want to possibly break it if it was for something else. (Mine is going out but not coming in) Thanks to both of you.
I wish I saw this yesterday when the installer spent hours trying to figure out how to set limits and reverse the motor. I ended up fixing it all myself. The Telis 1 Pure remote has terrible instructions on programming too
Hmm 🤔 I recently went to a service call and the customer had a sunsetter retractable the would no longer open up. But if you opened manually you could retract close from the switch. It was wired to a double throw decora switch. Wonder if the open limit was jammed up in there.?
I'm wondering if perhaps a stuck switch could be my problem. Please let me know your thoughts. The remote will not open the awning, but there is a slight click sound. If I manually open the awning I can then use the remote to auto-close the awning with no problem. So, motor only closes the awning and doesn't open it.
Have you tried to re-set the open limit? I wish I knew more about them, but my knowledge is limited to my specific experience. I took the thing apart, found some dirt in it, cleaned it out, and I was able to unstick the obviously stuck switch. If you’re comfortable doing so, you could try opening yours to see if there’s anything obviously wrong.
Hi Christopher, i have the exact motor and currently having the same issue. What is the procedure of setting the limit now? The buttons are not stuck or anything but I cannot seem to find a way to set the limits. Thanks in advance
I wish I could help you, but everything I know is in the video. If yours doesn't work the same way as mine, or it's not the same failure mode, I wouldn't know what to do.
That's a definite yes sir because I didn't realize that and had it retracted when I took my two bolts off and the whole thing's spraying out and knocked us over and it was completely fubar.
Say Chris, do you have any idea of where the receiver is for the sunsetter? I have a remote controlled one and it only works sometimes. Seems like taking it apart and cleaning it might work.
My knowledge of this device starts and ends with what’s in this video, unfortunately. Stating the obvious, but I assume you’ve tried fresh batteries in the remote? It’s probably not a cleaning issue.. if there’s a problem with the receiver, it may be harder to fix.
I just replaced my Sunsetter awning fabric and need to adjust the open and close positions for the first time. My motor is on the right side as I face the awning. I cannot adjust the settings because I believe the cover and switches are at the top and they are covered by the gutter! I see yours are at the side. Might mine be on the side as well? I see you removed the white bracket to get to it?
All I know is what's in the video, unfortunately. If you have the same exact model as me (which may not be the case), then I think you need to get inside that cover. The motor is probably designed so it can be mounted on either side.
I’m not sure what buttons you’re referring to. The limit switch I fixed is on the motor, which is on the left side on mine, though it seems like it could be installed either way.
Hi Christopher, thanks for posting this video. Would you mind sharing how you balanced the awning and secured it without having a helper assist you while you disconnected the left side? I couldn't tell from your video. I am having issues with my circa 2005 Sunsetter and my motor is on the right hand side, and I may need to replace the motor as well, and it will be over $450 to do so. Mine seems to work some days and not on others, but mostly in the cold it fails to operate. Thanks
That's an astute question. You should absolutely have a helper assist you to avoid dropping or damaging it, or hurting yourself. I can't advise you to do the stupid thing I did, which was to gently set it on top of the bracket and try not to breathe too hard for fear of knocking it over.
Thanks for the reply sir. I received a reply recently from Sunsetter after I asked them why they recommended that the awning be fully open when replacing the motor instead of closed with the lateral arms strapped tightly closed and they said this: Two problems exist with replacing a motor on a closed awning, which is why we instruct the procedure be performed with the awning fully opened. First, the arms are fully spring loaded when closed, so when the awning is opened all the way, the arms are not going to spring open on you which can severely damage the awning and potentially injure people. Second is the weight of the fabric on the roller bar. The roller bar is much easier to lift from between the brackets, facilitating easier removal and replacement of the tubular motor, which also acts as a brake for the roller bar. Risk of injury is always a primary concern. When programming the motor, the arms need to be open, so when the fabric is completely unrolled, the arms are not spring loaded, trying to pop open. Beginning the process with the awning open makes the steps much easier and safer. Makes sense I guess.
I have the same problem where the awning works better when it's warm worse when it's cold. I ended up buying a new motor but haven't installed it yet. I'm wondering if anyone knows why the performance-based pain temperature is the case and what to do about it. Help please?
@@ericp.rosenpdpmba9104 My problem is similar, but the remote clicker seems to work sometime when it's warm and none at all when it's cold. Seems to work if I clean the elect plugs, or change them, then nothing. Any ideas?
@@ChrisMasto HAHA. Ok thanks bud. I tried to look at limiter settings but mine is set up so you need special tools to remove a cover in order to get to it. Anyway … video was still helpful. Thanks!
This was a long time ago so I'm afraid I don't remember any more details than I have in the video. I think you just unscrew some bolts. It's heavy, so you're really supposed to have someone helping.
@@ericp.rosenpdpmba9104 same here, but after cleaning all the plug contacts, after awhile it goes back to not opening or closing as usual; it's really a pain to stand there for 10 minutes cranking it open and closed~
Found the instruction manual online. Pages 14/15 go through this in greater detail. images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/c6/c6aca836-56d7-463f-b0f9-1ca53715e216.pdf
Thank you for this video, have been searching for a solution for a year. Finally can stop running out to roll my awning in the last two feet when a big storm is coming!!
Thank you as well. My neighbor had the same issue, awning motor wouldn't wind, but it would unwind. Like you said, nothing on the internet for this older model without the remote. Current user manual only deals with the remote to set the limits. Found your video and had the exact same setup. I pushed the limit switches in and out a few times and boom, it's working now! Saved the owner hundreds of dollars! Thank you!
Thanks Christopher, I have an old awning and good info isn’t available. Your video helped me understand the yellow and white buttons so I could reset my limits. So, yes, your video helped someone out here in the CZcams universe. Thanks again.
Great to hear!
You just helped me program a customer’s old awning what a huge help!
Cheers mate. Sorted me out. My motor drives a garage door, and was wedged between two walls, so would have been tricky to have removed the cover. A squirt of WD-40 and a good blast of compressed air and we were golden!
Thank you! One of the buttons stuck when i pressed it in but a pair of needle nose pliers pulled it out. Subscribed.
Hi Christopher, Thank you so much for sharing this video. We replaced our fabric in 93 degree heat and worked hard doing it (our first time). After opening it it seemed they gave us the wrong dimensions we ordered (too much slack) when fully opened. Now we had to figure out where the problem was. So after we figured out how to take up some slack it still wasn't taut enough, then we remembered about limit switches. So this is to thank you for posting your video you were our savior yesterday we can't thank you enough. Everything works fine and we could do this job blindfolded now. We will be sure to share our find with other friends in need.
You should be paid for this knowledge, they tried to sell me a new motor 1600$$ I found this video and all I’m out is a can of lithium grease and about an hour of time thank you
So glad to hear it!
I’ve found this very helpful. My awning goes out find, but the retract is going all the way until one bar hits the long cross bar. I’m thinking the retraction stop needs to be reset, after watching your video. I’m going to take off the endcap like you did and take a look. I’m sure it’s filled with crap. 😅 Thanks for posting! Hopefully I’ll be able to fix!
I hope that fixes it! I thought this would be an unusual problem with an obsolete motor nobody else has, but it turns out there were a few others with the same issue.
Dear Chris, thank you SO MUCH for your posting!! I'm embarrassed to say how much time I have spent in the last few days trying to set the stops on my outside shade (after taking it down to allow me to re-caulk the windows). We prob. purchased the motorized shade around 1995, so its the older ones that have the yellow and white switches, and do not respond like the newer versions do on CZcams.....wouldn't do the "double shutter" to prepare it for a factory reset.
I just saw your video this morning, and have already set my upper and lower stops!! I didn't even have to unbolt the unit from the bracket, as there is a yellow access cover that I pulled off (can be either on top or on the bottom of the motor, depending on which side of the window it's on), I moved the shade to the bottom with my crank, then pushed and released the white (outer) button. Then I cranked the shade up to where I wanted it to stop, and pressed the yellow button and released it. Don't press too far, or else the motor will start.....not good, as the shade can over-retract!
Thanks again, you saved me from an unnecessary motor replacement!!!!
Brad
Awesome! I'm very happy that my video helped you. I didn't think anyone would need to know about it, but I made a quick decision to try to record what I found and I'm glad I did.
Thank you VERY much for your update. Mine would only extend, not retract, spent 2 years troubleshooting. Found this video, was loathing removing bolts, found your comment - access panel removed, limits set, works!
thank you. I was having the same problem trying to find info and this was very helpful
Thanks for the video only one that showed how to set the limit switches thanks again
Glad it helped!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you. I had the Exact same problem and your solution worked like a charm. Sunsetter was very willing to sell me a new $450 motor. Again, thank you
I'm so happy that worked for you! When I found I just had to clean it,I didn't think it would help anyone else, but I guess dirt gets into those switches over the years.
This fixed my issue. My awning would open and wouldn’t close. I would have to close it Manually. Literally open this and the button was stuck.
Thank you! Going to try and fix mine now… I have same issues!
Thank you....totally helped solve my issue too!
My awning opens but doesnt retract. Im going to try this method and see if things work again. Thanks for the post!!
Just what I needed man. Thanks for poasting.
Glad to hear that! I thought this was pretty obscure and wouldn't be useful to anyone, so it's good that it worked out.
Thank you very very much for sharing ... I couldn't find anything either!
Be well, D
Thank you VERY much for your video. Mine would only extend, not retract, spent 2 years troubleshooting. Found this video, pushed the buttons, good to go! I was able to just remove a yellow access panel as did another commenter so no bolts to remove, whole fix was 5 minutes.
Welcome to the fixed-my-own awning club!
That thing is still going 8 years after we bought the house, and who knows how long before. Apart from getting clogged with dirt, it seems to be built to last.
I’m having the same issue with mine. When I press the button on the remote it will open but won’t close.
Yeay. I have been looking for ANY mention of that yellow cover. I watched Chris’s video and even got directions from Sunsetter but no one has mentioned that yellow thing and that was covering the buttons, it says I should just see them by looking up. It isn’t coming off easily and I didn’t want to possibly break it if it was for something else. (Mine is going out but not coming in) Thanks to both of you.
Thank you so freaking much!
My Somfy isn’t retracting all the way. It stops about 6” short leaving canvass in the elements.
This information may be just what I need!
I wish I saw this yesterday when the installer spent hours trying to figure out how to set limits and reverse the motor. I ended up fixing it all myself. The Telis 1 Pure remote has terrible instructions on programming too
Hmm 🤔 I recently went to a service call and the customer had a sunsetter retractable the would no longer open up. But if you opened manually you could retract close from the switch. It was wired to a double throw decora switch. Wonder if the open limit was jammed up in there.?
I'm wondering if perhaps a stuck switch could be my problem. Please let me know your thoughts. The remote will not open the awning, but there is a slight click sound. If I manually open the awning I can then use the remote to auto-close the awning with no problem. So, motor only closes the awning and doesn't open it.
Have you tried to re-set the open limit? I wish I knew more about them, but my knowledge is limited to my specific experience. I took the thing apart, found some dirt in it, cleaned it out, and I was able to unstick the obviously stuck switch. If you’re comfortable doing so, you could try opening yours to see if there’s anything obviously wrong.
Hi Christopher, i have the exact motor and currently having the same issue. What is the procedure of setting the limit now? The buttons are not stuck or anything but I cannot seem to find a way to set the limits. Thanks in advance
I wish I could help you, but everything I know is in the video. If yours doesn't work the same way as mine, or it's not the same failure mode, I wouldn't know what to do.
If i take the 2 bolts off does the awning need to be totally opened because it is kind of loaded like a spring?
That's a definite yes sir because I didn't realize that and had it retracted when I took my two bolts off and the whole thing's spraying out and knocked us over and it was completely fubar.
Say Chris, do you have any idea of where the receiver is for the sunsetter? I have a remote controlled one and it only works sometimes. Seems like taking it apart and cleaning it might work.
My knowledge of this device starts and ends with what’s in this video, unfortunately.
Stating the obvious, but I assume you’ve tried fresh batteries in the remote? It’s probably not a cleaning issue.. if there’s a problem with the receiver, it may be harder to fix.
I just replaced my Sunsetter awning fabric and need to adjust the open and close positions for the first time. My motor is on the right side as I face the awning. I cannot adjust the settings because I believe the cover and switches are at the top and they are covered by the gutter! I see yours are at the side. Might mine be on the side as well? I see you removed the white bracket to get to it?
All I know is what's in the video, unfortunately. If you have the same exact model as me (which may not be the case), then I think you need to get inside that cover. The motor is probably designed so it can be mounted on either side.
We have a similar but get no help from sun setter awning. Was this a sun setter awning? Are the buttons on the left or right side?
I’m not sure what buttons you’re referring to. The limit switch I fixed is on the motor, which is on the left side on mine, though it seems like it could be installed either way.
Thank you
Hi Christopher, thanks for posting this video. Would you mind sharing how you balanced the awning and secured it without having a helper assist you while you disconnected the left side? I couldn't tell from your video. I am having issues with my circa 2005 Sunsetter and my motor is on the right hand side, and I may need to replace the motor as well, and it will be over $450 to do so. Mine seems to work some days and not on others, but mostly in the cold it fails to operate. Thanks
That's an astute question. You should absolutely have a helper assist you to avoid dropping or damaging it, or hurting yourself. I can't advise you to do the stupid thing I did, which was to gently set it on top of the bracket and try not to breathe too hard for fear of knocking it over.
Thanks for the reply sir.
I received a reply recently from Sunsetter after I asked them why they recommended that the awning be fully open when replacing the motor instead of closed with the lateral arms strapped tightly closed and they said this:
Two problems exist with replacing a motor on a closed awning, which is why we instruct the procedure be performed with the awning fully opened.
First, the arms are fully spring loaded when closed, so when the awning is opened all the way, the arms are not going to spring open on you which can severely damage the awning and potentially injure people.
Second is the weight of the fabric on the roller bar. The roller bar is much easier to lift from between the brackets, facilitating easier removal and replacement of the tubular motor, which also acts as a brake for the roller bar.
Risk of injury is always a primary concern.
When programming the motor, the arms need to be open, so when the fabric is completely unrolled, the arms are not spring loaded, trying to pop open. Beginning the process with the awning open makes the steps much easier and safer.
Makes sense I guess.
I have the same problem where the awning works better when it's warm worse when it's cold. I ended up buying a new motor but haven't installed it yet. I'm wondering if anyone knows why the performance-based pain temperature is the case and what to do about it. Help please?
@@ericp.rosenpdpmba9104 My problem is similar, but the remote clicker seems to work sometime when it's warm and none at all when it's cold. Seems to work if I clean the elect plugs, or change them, then nothing. Any ideas?
We do have the same problem, now I’ll go see if that works.
Fingers crossed!
I have to manually get my awning out, but for some reason remote works for bringing it back in. Think it may be same issue?
100% of what I know is what’s in the video. It might not hurt to take a look though.
@@ChrisMasto HAHA. Ok thanks bud. I tried to look at limiter settings but mine is set up so you need special tools to remove a cover in order to get to it. Anyway … video was still helpful. Thanks!
How do you open the end of the motor?
This was a long time ago so I'm afraid I don't remember any more details than I have in the video. I think you just unscrew some bolts. It's heavy, so you're really supposed to have someone helping.
There are 2 screws that go into the cover from the back side of the motor on two of the corners. Will need an allen wrench to remove them.
My problem is that it sometimes it will not open .Do you have suggestions.
I wish I did, but honestly my knowledge of this thing literally ends at what's in the video.
Mine seems to open better when it's warmer and worse when it's colder, what about yours Maria?
@@ericp.rosenpdpmba9104 same here, but after cleaning all the plug contacts, after awhile it goes back to not opening or closing as usual; it's really a pain to stand there for 10 minutes cranking it open and closed~
I have exactly the same problem
I hope this was useful. I thought it was a pretty obscure issue.
Those are limit switches . You should of flushed them clean with electrical contact lube /cleaner
Just found another pushbutton Somfy programming video that is also very helpful:czcams.com/video/76jKnqbcrvw/video.html
Thank you!
Found the instruction manual online. Pages 14/15 go through this in greater detail. images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/c6/c6aca836-56d7-463f-b0f9-1ca53715e216.pdf
This is all you need.... Thanks worked like a charm
Thank you