Shade motor question

[RedRaider93]

I know many of you are veteran shade motor changers, so I have a question for you...

Yesterday I attempted my first motor change. The day shade on my toll window was working, but not 100%, so Entegra sent me two new red motors. I talked to Dave at CS yesterday, and he said the easiest way to replace the motor is to take the bracket down, then work at a table or something like that to actually replace the motor.

So... my question is, is it possible to take a single shade out of the bracket so you can replace the motor without disconnecting the wires to both shades? My night shade on that window still works fine, so I didn't want to cut or disconnect the wires on that one just so I could work on the day shade.

As it turned out, once I took the bracket down and began messing with it, my day shade motor started working properly. Maybe there was a crimp in the wire or something weird like that. So I put the shade back up with the old motor, and I'll keep the replacement motors as spares, since I am sure it's just a matter of time before I need them again.

Also, one last observation. Putting that bracket back up after I had taken it completely off was a HUGE pain in the rear! I was by myself, so holding the bracket in place while simultaneously trying to get the screw in the hole in a dark, very tight space took me a little while. There may have been a few four letter words uttered in the process!

[dusty56]

Jeff you are on the right track. Since it was a shade that was right next to the drivers seat you can use the seat as you work bench. Done before.

Also Entegra leaves a lot more wire to use so you have plenty of room to work with.

My advise would of been replace that motor while you had it removed. if it acted up it will fail if not today, tomorrow. Good luck Jeff

[Bill in FL]

Originally Posted by RedRaider93

I know many of you are veteran shade motor changers, so I have a question for you...

Yesterday I attempted my first motor change. The day shade on my toll window was working, but not 100%, so Entegra sent me two new red motors. I talked to Dave at CS yesterday, and he said the easiest way to replace the motor is to take the bracket down, then work at a table or something like that to actually replace the motor.

So... my question is, is it possible to take a single shade out of the bracket so you can replace the motor without disconnecting the wires to both shades? My night shade on that window still works fine, so I didn't want to cut or disconnect the wires on that one just so I could work on the day shade.

As it turned out, once I took the bracket down and began messing with it, my day shade motor started working properly. Maybe there was a crimp in the wire or something weird like that. So I put the shade back up with the old motor, and I'll keep the replacement motors as spares, since I am sure it's just a matter of time before I need them again.

Also, one last observation. Putting that bracket back up after I had taken it completely off was a HUGE pain in the rear! I was by myself, so holding the bracket in place while simultaneously trying to get the screw in the hole in a dark, very tight space took me a little while. There may have been a few four letter words uttered in the process!

Yes, it is possible to remove just one shade. On the front windows, just loosen the two bracket screws enough to allow one shade to slip out. I usually balance the remaining assembly on one of the chairs while I work on the failed shade. An assistant helps a lot when reinstalling the assembly. I used #10 screws to reinstall the toll window and the door because several of the #8 screws were already stripped out. Now, these shades have been worked on so many times that the #10 screws are starting to loosen. The bracket holes are not large enough for #12 without drilling.

My experience is that when a motor starts acting strangely, it will fail sooner or later I have changed 27 motors, but have not had a failure now for almost two months. Hope this does not jinx my new record.

[RedRaider93]

Originally Posted by dusty56

My advise would of been replace that motor while you had it removed. if it acted up it will fail if not today, tomorrow. Good luck Jeff

You're exactly right. After I had put the whole thing back, as I was driving home from the storage place I was like "what the heck was I thinking?" It will surely only be a matter of time before I'm taking it down again to fix it.

[DSL417]

So I watched closely as the tech at the last ECOA raly did my passenger side. First, it really helps to have a 1' extension on your drill, as well as a light on it. next, he took the shade down and disconnected the wires, and reconnected the new wires before going back up. Finally, he didn't try to hit the old holes with the screws...just slightly off into new holes.

He took the valence off on a rear shade to make it easier, but that doesn't work up front where you are working.

[RedRaider93]

Originally Posted by Bill in FL

My experience is that when a motor starts acting strangely, it will fail sooner or later I have changed 27 motors, but have not had a failure now for almost two months. Hope this does not jinx my new record.

Just curious, for you guys that have changed a lot of motors (27!!! Wow!!), have you ever considered just replacing the motor with the old fashioned pull release mechanism? I think after about my 10th or 15th motor replacement I'd start to prefer just walking around the coach pulling shades down manually compared to the hassle I went through yesterday messing with that bracket...

[DSL417]

They say the red motors will fix the problem...if it doesn't there will be at least one of us really raising cain after the last go around a couple weeks ago. The fact they are going back to MCDs says the two year experiment failed in my eyes. They'll make it right, with the existing, but that doesn't lessen the pain on the owners, and I doubt they'll accept it as a mistake and retrofit as a warrantee, but it darn sure isn't an upgrade!

[hawgguy]

Not everybody has replaced 27. I've replaced 2 in 9 months. Entry day shade and toll window day shade. Of course now I'm doomed since we're talking about it.

[Good To Go]

Just order my first shade motor from Entegra CS. DS dinette Night shade on button 1-4.
Hope to get the motor soon. Any tips on the best way to remove valance and then the motor replacement.
I see the two brackets on each side. Will remove screws from the valance. Looks like the used caulking on the outside edges, hope that comes off easy. Will have to replace the caulking after reinstalling the valance.

What's the best way to get the motor out and back in. I am sure once I remove everything will get a better look. Just looking to the professional Entegra shade replacement experts with all that experience

Wish me luck. Who is going to be the first one to welcome me the the shade motor club?

[hawgguy]

Originally Posted by Good To Go

J
Wish me luck. Who is going to be the first one to welcome me the the shade motor club?

Welcome to the club. You are not officially in until the shade motor is replaced and operational.

[TXBart]

Steve,

Make sure there are no children or sensitive adults around your first time!




Vance & Robin
Dexter and Winston - Old English Sheepdog Security Service
2014 Entegra Anthem 42DEQ

[brianw8602]

Looks like I will be joining the club soon. Passenger side front shade has decided that down is the best position. Ordered a new motor. Will report back when appropriate initiation is completed

Brian

[Good To Go]

Originally Posted by brianw8602

Looks like I will be joining the club soon. Passenger side front shade has decided that down is the best position. Ordered a new motor. Will report back when appropriate initiation is completed

Brian

We are in Spokane RV Park, if you are near by come by and install mine. I have sensitive adults near by.

[brianw8602]

Originally Posted by Good To Go

We are in Spokane RV Park, if you are near by come by and install mine. I have sensitive adults near by.

Too funny. We are in Anaheim, CA "Camping in Mickey's backyard" as the sign says. From what I've been reading, I think I may have to close the doors and windows when I get the new motor and attempt the install. Lot's of little kids wearing those big mouse ear hats running around the park

Brian