Troubleshooting Common Full Cassette Awning Problems and Solutions

I've been installing and repairing full cassette awnings for over 15 years, and most problems have surprisingly simple fixes. Last summer alone, I took 40-plus service calls that turned out to be things homeowners could've handled themselves. Let me walk you through the common issues I see and how to tackle them without paying for a truck roll.

The Motor Won't Extend or Retract
This is the number one call I get, and about 70% of the time, it's not a motor problem. Start with the basics: check that your awning is getting power. Somfy motors — the brand inside roughly 80% of the awnings I service — need 120V. Head to your breaker panel first. A tripped breaker is the culprit more often than you'd think.

Next, check the GFCI outlet if your awning plugs into one. These trip when they detect moisture, and since awnings live outside, that happens constantly. Press reset and listen for a click.

If power is fine, try a Somfy motor reset. Unplug the awning or kill the breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power. Within 10 seconds, press and hold the program button on the motor head — usually accessible through a small panel on the cassette — until the awning jogs slightly. That jog means the motor's memory has reset.

Fabric Sagging or Tracking Unevenly
I had a customer last month convinced her awning was "ruined" because the fabric drooped on one side. Turns out the tension needed a 3mm adjustment. Full cassette awnings use torsion springs inside the arms, and over time these lose a bit of their fight.

To fix tracking issues, extend the awning fully and look at the gap between the fabric edge and end cap. If one side rides tighter, locate the adjustment bolt on the affected arm. A quarter-turn clockwise usually tightens things up. Don't overdo it — I've seen people crank these bolts and snap the casting, turning a free fix into a $180 arm.

Strange Noises During Operation
Your awning should operate quietly. If it doesn't, the sound tells you what's wrong:

Grinding means gear wear inside the motor head. If you hear metal-on-metal, stop using the awning. A replacement Somfy motor runs 200−500 installed.

 
Clicking is usually the relay inside the motor or control box. One or two clicks during startup is normal. Rapid clicking means the relay is on its way out.

 
Squeaking points to dry hinges and pivot points. Hit every moving joint with silicone spray. Avoid WD-40; it attracts dust and dries out fast. A can costs about $8 and lasts years.

 
Wind Sensor False Triggers
Wind sensors are great until they're not. I had a client whose awning retracted every afternoon at 3 PM. Her sensor was mounted where roof runoff hit it, and the vibration tricked it into thinking gusts were hitting.

Reposition the sensor to a spot with clean airflow — away from downspouts, AC units, and chimney drafts. Most Somfy wind sensors let you adjust the threshold. Factory default is 22 mph. If you live in a breezy area, bump it to 28 mph. The higher you set it, the more risk in real storms.

Remote Control Not Working
Dead batteries cause 90% of remote issues. Somfy remotes use CR2430 or CR2030 coin cells. Swap the battery first — costs $2.

If that doesn't work, reprogramming takes 30 seconds. Hold the program button on the motor until the awning jogs, then press the button on your remote. The awning jogs again to confirm the pairing. I keep a spare remote for every system I install — at $45 each, it's cheap insurance.

When to Call a Professional vs DIY
Here's my honest breakdown:

DIY-friendly:

Battery replacements
GFCI resets and breaker checks
Silicone lubrication
Sensor repositioning
Basic tension tweaks (quarter-turn max)

 
Call a pro:

Motor replacement
Internal gear issues
Frame welding repairs

 
Anything involving torsion springs under load
A standard service call runs 75−150, and most pros apply that fee toward repairs. Motor replacements land at 200−500 with labor. If a technician quotes more than $600 for a motor swap, get a second opinion.

FAQ
Q: How often should I lubricate my awning's moving parts?

A: Twice a year is plenty. I tell clients to do it when they switch clocks for daylight saving time — easy to remember and mild temperatures help the silicone adhere.

Q: My awning extends but won't retract. Is the motor dead?

A: Not necessarily. Try the manual override with your crank handle first. If it retracts manually, the issue is likely electrical or a failing relay, not the motor. Start with a motor reset.

Q: Can I replace a Somfy motor myself?

A: You can, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're comfortable with 120V wiring and torsion springs under tension. One wrong move with a loaded spring can send you to the ER. Pay the $150 labor and sleep better.