Troubleshooting Solera Smart Arm Power Issues

Question:

My controller will not pass any power through it. I can measure power at the harness when I hit extend and when I hit retract for my awning. Bit it is not making it to the awning motor or lights. Is there a wiring diagram that I can use to by pass the controller? I took my Rv in once and wow, it stayed at the qualified shop for a month waiting on the warranty litigation and new awning to come in. That was two years ago.

asked by: Mike D

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like you either have a lose connection or a just a bad controller. I would start by ensuring your wires are making full contact in the controller and the motor and that you don't have any cuts or damage in the wires along the way that could be causing a short. Check to see if there's power at the motor while pressing the extend or retract buttons to narrow down the issue to the controller or wiring between the motor and the controller. You'll need a minimum of 11.5v for the system to run properly, so if you aren't reading 11.5v or above this could also be the reason the power arms are not functioning.

Next I would check the pins on the controller as they could be damaged or corroded and causing the issues. If the controller needs to be replaced the Replacement Controller and Touchpad Assembly for Solera Smart Arm RV Awnings Item # LC717666 is what you'll need.

I've attached the wiring diagram for the Solera Smart Arm 12V Power RV Awning - 20' Wide - Programmable - Black Fade Item # LC517517 but I do not recommend bypassing the smart arm controller as it may void your warranty.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Solera Power Awning Wiring Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Kenneth

3/18/2024

You said it would void the warranty. What warranty does the LC717666 have?

Kevin C.

3/19/2024

@Kenneth The # LC717666 has a 1-year limited warranty through the manufacturer, but the point I was making above was that if they decided to splice the wiring to bypass the controller they would be voiding any warranty they had on their awning because they wouldn't be following the intended design of the awning.

Stephen H.

10/5/2024

thank for your response the schematic diagram came with the smart arm, what I would like to have is the house side wiring harness if available?

Kevin C.

10/7/2024

@StephenH You would need to reach out the RV manufacturer for any house-side wiring diagrams. This diagram shows how to connect the awning to your power source but every RV is going to be wired differently so only the manufacturer would have a diagram on hand.

Steve

12/13/2024

@KevinC Im having the same issue with my awning. It is getting power at the motor and I can hear it clicking. I put in a ticket with Lippert and they said with having me do little to no troubleshooting that I have water in the touchpad and it needs to be replaced. Shouldn't the touchpad be water proof? I've only used it a few times from being brand new. I dont want to be replacing a $400 touchpad every time it rains. Any advise?

Kevin C.

12/13/2024

@Steve The control box for the Smart Arm Controller # LC717666 is sealed with silicone so it shouldn't have been allowing water in, but there is always a possibility. The pins that connect this to the wire harness aren't encased in silicone and have been known to corrode due to water so I'm assuming that's what happened to yours? Using some dielectric grease # 11755 on the pins can help block out the water and prevent corrosion. What kind of issues is it giving you? If you're getting power to the motor then that would be a sign that the controller is functioning properly, but that there's either something wrong with the motor or its connection to the awning tube. I typically recommend going with the standard 12v RV awnings over the Smart Arm to avoid any issues like this. If you wanted to do this you would just need to replace the drive arm and switch kit. If that's what you'd like to do just let me know how long the arm is when it's closed up.