Troubleshooting Common Electric Roll-Down Shutter Issues

Electric **roll-down shutters** are the pinnacle of storm protection convenience. With the push of a button, your home is secured. But like any motorized system, there may come a time when you press that button and nothing happens. Don’t panic! Many common issues have very simple solutions that you can safely check yourself.

As experts in the service and repair of premium rolldown systems like **ASSA/Bertha HV** and **Alutech United**, we at American Hurricane Shutters have created this simple troubleshooting guide. Follow these steps to diagnose the problem. And if that doesn’t work, we’ll tell you when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Problem 1: The Shutter Doesn’t Respond at All (Completely Dead)

You press the button on your remote or wall switch, and absolutely nothing happens—no click, no hum, no movement. This almost always indicates a power issue.

Simple DIY Fixes to Try First:

1. Check the Remote Control Battery: If you use a handheld remote, this is the most common culprit. Replace the battery with a fresh one and try again.
2. Check the Circuit Breaker: Your motorized shutters should be on a dedicated circuit. Go to your home’s main electrical panel and find the breaker labeled for your shutters. If it has been tripped to the middle or “off” position, flip it firmly to “off” and then back to “on.”
3. Check the GFCI Outlet: Often, the shutter is plugged into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet, which has a “test” and “reset” button. These are common in garages and on exterior walls. Press the “reset” button firmly. If it clicks, power has been restored.

If you’ve tried all three of these steps and the shutter is still completely unresponsive, it’s time to call for professional service.

Problem 2: You Hear a Clicking or Humming Noise, But No Movement

This is a good sign in a way, as it means the motor is receiving power. The problem lies elsewhere in the system.

Potential Causes:

• An Obstruction: This is the most likely issue. A piece of debris, a wasp nest, or even a build-up of dirt in the side tracks can prevent the shutter from moving. A bird or other small animal may have also built a nest inside the housing box.
• Internal Mechanical Issue: There could be a problem with the motor’s internal brake or with the connection between the motor and the axle.

What to Do:

First, perform a careful visual inspection of the side tracks from top to bottom. If you see any obvious obstructions, try to safely clear them with a brush. **Do not put your fingers in the track.** After clearing, try operating the shutter again. If it still only hums or clicks, do not continue to press the button, as this can burn out the motor. This indicates an internal issue that requires a professional.

Problem 3: The Shutter Moves a Few Inches and Stops, or Moves Unevenly

This is another clear sign of a mechanical issue, often related to the tracks or the curtain itself. Stop the shutter immediately if the shutter sticks for more than 2-3 seconds.

Potential Causes:

• Misaligned Slats: One or more of the aluminum slats that make up the curtain may have shifted sideways in the track, causing it to bind.
• Track Damage: The side tracks may have been dented or bent by an impact (like a ladder bump), creating a pinch point that stops the shutter.
• Motor Limit Settings: The motor has programmed upper and lower limits to tell it when to stop. If these settings have been lost or corrupted (which can sometimes happen after a power surge), the motor may be confused about its position.

Try to run the shutter up a bit and and down again a few times. If this does not resolve the issue, then this is a situation that requires professional service. Attempting to force the shutter can cause extensive damage to the slats and motor. Our technicians have the specialized tools to realign slats, repair tracks, and reprogram motor limits.

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