A tubular motor is the driving core behind roller shutters, blinds, awnings, projection screens, and many other automated shading systems. Although it is designed for long service life and stable performance, occasional issues may occur due to installation, wiring, control systems, or mechanical factors. This tubular motor trouble shooting guide provides clear explanations, professional solutions, and practical tips to help you diagnose and fix common problems quickly and safely.

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1. Motor Does Not Respond at All

When the tubular motor shows no movement, no sound, and no sign of power, the issue is usually electrical.

Possible Causes

• No power supply
• Damaged switch, receiver, or control module
• Incorrect wiring connection
• Blown fuse or tripped breaker
• Overheating protection activated

Solutions

1. Check if the power outlet has electricity.
2. Inspect wiring based on the manufacturer’s wiring diagram.
3. Test the wall switch or remote receiver with a multimeter.
4. Reset the breaker if overloaded.
5. If the motor was used continuously for more than 4 minutes, wait 10–20 minutes for thermal protection to reset.

➡️ In many tubular motor trouble shooting cases, thermal protection is the most common hidden cause.

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2. Motor Runs But the Tube Does Not Rotate

The motor is working, but the textile or shutter does not move.

Possible Causes

• Drive wheel slipped inside the tube
• Crown adapter not locked properly
• Roller tube is oversized or deformed
• Missing or loose locking screw

Solutions

1. Remove the motor and inspect the drive wheel teeth.
2. Ensure the crown adapter fits tightly inside the tube.
3. Add duct tape if the tube tolerance is too loose.
4. Install a locking screw through the pre-marked hole to secure the motor.

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3. Motor Only Rotates in One Direction

This is a frequent tubular motor trouble shooting issue during installation.

Possible Causes

• Wrong wiring between brown/black lines
• Switch button defective
• Limit switches incorrectly set
• Receiver malfunction

Solutions

1. Confirm the up/down wires are not swapped.
2. Replace the switch if one direction is dead.
3. Reset the limits according to the motor manual.
4. Re-pair the remote control or replace the RF receiver.

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4. Motor Suddenly Stops While Moving

Possible Causes

• Overheating protector activated
• Screen or shutter is jammed
• Fabric too tight or misaligned
• Excessive load beyond motor torque rating

Solutions

1. Let the motor cool down before restarting.
2. Inspect guide rails for obstruction.
3. Reduce fabric tension or realign the roller.
4. Use a higher torque motor if the load is too heavy.

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5. Limits Cannot Be Set Correctly

Limit-setting problems appear frequently for both mechanical and electronic limit motors.

Possible Causes

• Wrong setting direction
• Limit screw worn or loose
• Mechanical block inside the tube
• Motor firmware error (for electronic limit models)

Solutions

1. Check the up/down arrows carefully before adjustment.
2. Ensure the limit screw is not stripped.
3. Reinstall the fabric and check for resistance.
4. Reset the motor to factory mode and reprogram limits.

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6. Radio Remote Control Is Not Working

This section applies to radio tubular motors.

Possible Causes

• Poor antenna placement
• Interference from metal structures
• Weak battery in remote
• Motor memory full (max channels reached)

Solutions

1. Ensure the antenna is outside the metal shutter box.
2. Reposition the motor or receiver to reduce RF blockage.
3. Replace the remote battery.
4. Delete all codes and reprogram the remote if memory is full.

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7. Motor Is Too Noisy

A noisy motor is a frequent complaint and an important part of tubular motor trouble shooting.

Possible Causes

• Worn drive wheel
• Loose brackets
• Tube deformation
• Lack of lubrication in end caps

Solutions

1. Inspect the tube and drive components.
2. Tighten all brackets and screws.
3. Replace old adapters or dampers.
4. Apply silicone lubrication where necessary.

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8. Motor Vibrates or Moves Unevenly

Possible Causes

• Tube is bent
• Fabric tension uneven
• Motor not centered correctly
• Excessive friction inside the housing

Solutions

1. Replace damaged tubes.
2. Re-roll fabric evenly.
3. Ensure the motor head is centered and secured.
4. Reduce friction by adjusting installation angles.

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Final Professional Advice

If basic tubular motor trouble shooting steps do not solve the problem, the motor may have internal damage such as capacitor failure, gearbox wear, or PCB malfunction. In such cases, contacting the manufacturer or a qualified technician is the safest option.

At Walter, our technical team provides 24/7 support for tubular motor diagnostics, installation guidance, and product selection. Whether you are a manufacturer, installer, or distributor, we ensure your project operates smoothly and efficiently.