Power awnings

Power awnings fail on low voltage, bad motors, bad controllers, or a fabric or arm problem that makes them bind.

The short version

• Check 12V at the motor while trying to run it.
• If it hums but won't move, look for binding in the arms or a seized motor.
• Many awnings have wind sensors or safety features that retract them. Check settings before diagnosing.
• Look for torn fabric and bent arms that can stop it.

On the job

1. Charge the battery first; the arm LEDs working proves nothing about the motor.
2. 12V at the motor leads while someone presses the switch. Present and no movement: jumper the motor direct. Dead = motor.
3. No 12V: fuse, switch in and out, the wind/auto-retract module.
4. Manual retract per the brand before you leave it extended.

Try it on a service call

Put the lesson to work on a hands-on troubleshooting case.

• Power awning does nothing

Keep going on awnings, steps and vents

Learn it

• Power steps

Prove it

• Power awning does nothing
• Power step stays out

On the job

• Awning
• Entry steps
• Powered roof vent fan