How long does a Somfy tubular motor last?

A Somfy Oximo, Ilmo or Sunea runs 12 to 18 years in normal residential use (1-2 cycles per day). The start capacitor usually fails before the motor itself — typically after 6 to 10 years. Replacing the capacitor extends motor life by several more years.

What is the difference between Somfy RTS and io-homecontrol?

RTS is 1-way 433 MHz radio: the remote sends the command, the motor executes with no feedback. Simple, reliable, used by Telis and Smoove remotes. io-homecontrol is 2-way (the motor acknowledges state), encrypted, and shared across brands (Somfy, Velux, Hörmann), controllable via TaHoma, Google Home or Alexa. For smart-home use, io-homecontrol is the right choice; for a simple remote replacement, RTS remains perfect.

My shutter goes up automatically in high wind — is that normal?

Yes, it is an anti-tear protection if you have a Somfy Eolis/Soliris wind sensor or a Becker equivalent. The threshold (in km/h) is adjustable. The system then locks for several minutes to prevent the next gust catching you with the curtain down. Particularly useful for BSO and large exposed shutters.

Can I control my Somfy shutters from Google Home or Alexa?

Yes via a TaHoma box (or Connexoon Window). The box bridges io-homecontrol (or RTS through a receiver) to the home Wi-Fi. Voice scenarios and solar schedules (open at sunrise, close at sunset) are then configured in the TaHoma app or directly in Google Home / Alexa once the integration is active.

How do you open the headbox without damaging the render?

On a tunnel headbox (built into the wall), the inspection hatch is accessed from inside — render untouched. On a retrofit headbox (mounted in front of the masonry), the front face clips or screws off without touching the wall. Render risk only applies to full headbox replacements, not to routine motor work.

Why never force a jammed shutter?

On an electric shutter, if you keep pressing while the motor hums, you blow the capacitor and then the motor in seconds — turning a 30 min repair into a 1-2 h motor replacement. On a manual shutter, forcing the crank breaks the joint or bends the slats. In both cases, stop at the first sign of resistance and diagnose.

How much does a Somfy motor replacement cost?

The price depends on the tube diameter (Ø40, 45, 50 or 60), the chosen motor (wired Oximo, Oximo RTS, Oximo io, Sunea) and the shutter size. Fastest route: send us a WhatsApp photo of the open headbox and the rough curtain size, we confirm a quote within 1 h.

What tube diameter for my shutter — Ø40, 45, 50 or 60?

Ø40 and Ø45 fit small older residential shutters (under 2.5 m²). Ø50 is today's standard for PVC/alu shutters on single-family homes (up to 5-6 m²). Ø60 is used for large bays, patio doors and BSO. The diameter is stamped on the tube or can be measured with a caliper on the headbox side.

Technical guide · 8 min

Jammed roller shutter: identify the cause before calling

Shutter stuck wide open before a storm, strap snapping on a Sunday, motor humming without moving… breakdowns always strike at the worst time. In 8 minutes, you will tell a mechanical fault (strap, winder, slats, guide rails) from an electrical one (tubular motor, capacitor, end-limit, radio). This guide covers manual shutters, electric shutters and external venetian blinds (BSO/raffstore), all brands (Somfy, Becker, Simu, Nice, Gaposa, Warema, Roma, Bornemann).

19symptoms

0urgent cases

Fast8 min

Call +352 35 53 78 WhatsApp — send a photo

Fermé-Lux technician working on the motor of an electric roller shutter

Technical guide

Guide — jammed roller shutter

Roller shutters · 19 symptoms

01 SimpleVery frequentProfessional intervention required

Manual broken strap

Likely causes

Normal strap wear after 5-10 years70%
Shutter forced against an obstacle or frost20%
Seized winder accelerating the wear10%

Solution

DIY fix

Check whether the strap broke inside the winder or up near the pulley and note its width (14, 18, 20 or 23 mm). Do not try to lift the curtain by hand — it can drop back suddenly.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Dismantle the recessed or surface-mounted winder, fit a new strap calibrated to the original width, check the return pulley and winder spring, re-tension.

Intervention time · 45 min

BornemannRomaSomfy (universal strap)

Parts replaced

Strap 14/18/20/23 mmRecessed or pivoting winder

02 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Manual crank spinning freely

Likely causes

Broken crank universal joint45%
Disengaged winch or broken pinion35%
Tube detached from the curtain20%

Solution

DIY fix

Stop turning immediately — pushing harder damages the winch and can tear the curtain attachments. Check whether the crank joint is visible and intact on the headbox side.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replace the universal joint or bevel-gear winch, check curtain clips (automatic locks or staples), rebalance the curtain on the Ø40/45/50/60 tube.

Intervention time · 45 min

Parts replaced

Crank cardanGeared winchSlat hangers

03 SimpleFrequentProfessional intervention required

Manual slack spring winder

Likely causes

Fatigued return spring (10-15 years)80%
Strap rewound crooked, neutralising the tension20%

Solution

DIY fix

Never dismantle a winder without locking the mechanism — the spring can release violently.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replace the whole winder (more reliable than re-tensioning a tired spring) or fit a recessed reel in place of a surface model.

Intervention time · 30 min

Parts replaced

Recessed winder with reel

04 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Manual winch skipping

Likely causes

Worn bevel pinion inside the winch60%
Ø40/45 tube too heavy for the winch (insufficient reduction)25%
Bent crank forcing the pinion15%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replace the winch with a geared model matched to the curtain weight (1:1, 2:1, 3:1 reductions depending on surface area), check the joint and tube.

Intervention time · 45 min

Parts replaced

Reduction geared winch

05 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Manual crushed or bent slats

Likely causes

Impact (vehicle, gardening, falling object)50%
Obstacle at the bottom of the curtain on descent35%
Storm bending the bottom slats15%

Solution

DIY fix

Remove any obstacle. If only 1 or 2 bottom slats are affected and the shutter still closes, you can wait for the intervention.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replace damaged slats only — they slide out sideways without full dismantling. Beyond 50 % damage, full PVC or aluminium curtain replacement (matching profile and colour).

Intervention time · 1-2h

RomaBornemann

Parts replaced

PVC or aluminium slats individuallyComplete PVC/aluminium shutter curtain

06 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Manual or electric curtain escaping the guide rails

Likely causes

Rail spread or bent by an impact40%
Bottom slat missing or broken (no weight to guide)35%
Curtain clip detached from the tube25%

Solution

DIY fix

Never force a curtain out of the rail — slats bend and rails snap within a few cm.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Reposition the curtain in the rails after partial loosening, replace the aluminium or PVC rail if spread, refit the bottom slat with rubber stops.

Intervention time · 1-2h

Parts replaced

Aluminium or PVC guide railsBottom slat + stops

07 To addressVery frequentProfessional intervention required

Electric motor hums without moving

Likely causes

Start capacitor failed55%
Curtain jammed in the rails (obstacle, frost)30%
Seized motor after 12-15 years15%

Solution

DIY fix

Cut the power immediately — forcing destroys the motor in seconds. Inspect the rails, remove obstacles and leaves, check for frost.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Diagnosis: replace the capacitor (typically 4-5 µF) if the motor then starts. Otherwise, full tubular motor replacement in Ø45 or Ø60 to match the tube.

Intervention time · 1-2h

Somfy OximoSomfy IlmoBecker R-seriesSimu T5Nice Era M

Parts replaced

Capacitor 4-5 µFTubular motor Ø45/60· Somfy Oximo, Becker R-series

08 To addressFrequentDIY possible

Electric silent motor

Likely causes

230V supply cut (breaker, fuse)40%
Dual push-button switch or wall control faulty30%
Tubular motor at end of life (12-15 years)30%

Solution

DIY fix

Check the breaker panel (shutters often on a dedicated breaker), test another shutter on the same group. All dead: breaker. Only one: switch or motor.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Multimeter test of the supply at the switch output. Replace the switch, the radio control or the tubular motor depending on the diagnosis.

Intervention time · 45 min

SomfyBeckerSimu

Parts replaced

Double button switchTubular motor

09 SimpleFrequentProfessional intervention required

Electric shutter comes down but not up

Likely causes

Partially failed capacitor (upward direction only)60%
Upper end-limit lost after a power cut25%
Tube seizing on the way up (increased friction)15%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Capacitor replacement or end-limit reprogramming (brand-specific procedure for Somfy Oximo, Becker R-series, Simu T5). On electronic end-limits, reset and relearn the upper stop.

Intervention time · 30 min

Somfy OximoBecker R-series

Parts replaced

Capacitor 4-5 µF

10 SimpleVery frequentProfessional intervention required

Electric faulty capacitor

Likely causes

Normal capacitor ageing (6-10 years)80%
Grid surge (storm, sudden cut)20%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replace the start capacitor (4 µF, 4.5 µF or 5 µF depending on motor) inside the headbox, usually without removing the motor.

Intervention time · 30 min

Parts replaced

Capacitor 4-5 µF

11 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

Electric upper end-limit lost

Likely causes

Power cut during the upward stroke (mechanical end-limit off)50%
Accidental reset of an electronic-limit motor40%
Tube slipping on the wheel10%

Solution

DIY fix

On Somfy RTS motors, the relearning procedure can sometimes be triggered from the remote (long press Up + Down then My). On Becker: yellow/white potentiometers in the headbox.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Full end-limit reprogramming (upper and lower) per brand — dedicated screwdriver for mechanical limits, radio sequence for electronic.

Intervention time · 30 min

SomfyBeckerSimu

12 SimpleFrequentProfessional intervention required

Electric misadjusted lower stop (curtain slams)

Likely causes

Lower end-limit too long (curtain hits the sill)70%
Worn rubber stops on the bottom slat30%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Shorten the lower end-limit (quarter-turn on the mechanical potentiometer, or new learning point on electronic end-limits) plus stop replacement if worn.

Intervention time · 30 min

Parts replaced

Bottom slat rubber stops

13 SimpleVery frequentDIY possible

Radio Somfy RTS remote unpaired

Likely causes

3V battery (CR2430 / LR23A) low or dead50%
Unpaired after a power cut or motor reset35%
433 MHz radio interference (neighbour's new smart box)15%

Solution

DIY fix

Replace the 3V battery (CR2430 most common, LR23A on some Telis). Test another household remote. Check the transmission LED.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Re-pair the Telis, Smoove or Situo remote in PROG mode (long press on an existing paired remote or from the RTS receiver). Add an external RTS receiver if the motor is wired-only.

Intervention time · 15 min

Somfy TelisSomfy SmooveSomfy Situo

Parts replaced

Battery CR2430 / LR23AExternal RTS receiver

14 To addressFrequentDIY possible

Radio io-homecontrol no longer responding after a box outage

Likely causes

TaHoma disconnected from Wi-Fi after a power cut50%
io-homecontrol security key lost on the box side30%
Motor dropped from the group after a reset20%

Solution

DIY fix

Check the TaHoma LED (solid green = OK). Restart the internet box then the TaHoma. The TaHoma app should discover equipment again.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Reconnect TaHoma and re-associate the io-homecontrol motor (2-way procedure with a pilot transmitter such as Situo io), share the security key when replacing the box.

Intervention time · 45 min

Somfy TaHomaSomfy io-homecontrol

15 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

Smart home TaHoma no longer sees the shutter

Likely causes

Motor disconnected from the TaHoma group after maintenance55%
Insufficient radio range (thick wall, TaHoma too far)30%
TaHoma firmware needs updating15%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Re-associate the shutter in the TaHoma interface, move or add an io-homecontrol radio relay, update firmware, test time-based scenarios.

Intervention time · 45 min

Somfy TaHoma

16 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

BSO / external venetian blind torn tape ladders, slats jammed horizontal

Likely causes

Natural tape wear after 8-12 years (UV, weather)75%
Storm bending the horizontal slats15%
BSO motor lost its orientation programming10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Full removal of the BSO curtain, replacement of the textile tape ladders and lift cords, reassembly with even tension on both sides. On Warema, Becker or Griesser, a brand-specific jig is required.

Intervention time · 1-2h

WaremaBecker BSOGriesserRoma

Parts replaced

Texbandes (ladder tapes)· Warema, GriesserLift cords

17 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Warema / Becker BSO motor that lost its programming

Likely causes

Extended outage or depleted backup battery50%
Accidental reset via a multi-channel remote30%
End-of-life motor with failing PCB20%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Full reprogramming: upper and lower end-limits, slat tilt (0° to 90°), re-association with the central command or WMS (Warema Mobile System).

Intervention time · 45 min

Warema WMSBecker Centronic

18 SimpleFrequentDIY possible

High wind shutter raised automatically and will not come down

Likely causes

Wind sensor triggered, anti-redescent lock active60%
TaHoma/Centronic scenario forced the upward move25%
Mechanical anti-lift stop stuck in the up position15%

Solution

DIY fix

Wait 15-30 min after the gust ends: many systems release the lock automatically. Forcing descent while the wind sensor is still active retriggers the lift every time.

Fermé-Lux intervention

Reset the wind sensor (Somfy Eolis or Soliris), recalibrate the trigger threshold (km/h), check the anti-lift stop and the smart-home scenario.

Intervention time · 30 min

Somfy EolisSomfy SolirisBecker Centronic

19 To addressFrequentProfessional intervention required

Sagging bottom slats anti-lift lock lost

Likely causes

Automatic locks (clipped on the tube) broken60%
Rigid curtain attachments worn by time30%
Bottom slat made heavy by water (PVC curtain waterlogged)10%

Solution

Fermé-Lux intervention

Replace automatic anti-lift locks or rigid curtain attachments, check the bottom slat (end cap + stops), verify rail/curtain alignment.

Intervention time · 45 min

Parts replaced

Automatic anti-lift locksRigid slat hangers

Urgent

NEVER do this

01
Never open the headbox without cutting the 230V supply
The tubular motor is mains-powered — direct electrocution risk at the feed cable and the switch.
02
Never force an electric shutter that hums
Curtain jammed in the rails or blown capacitor — you destroy the capacitor then the motor in seconds.
03
Never dismantle a strap winder without locking the spring
The return spring stores several kilos of energy — uncontrolled release causes cuts and projectiles.
04
Never drop a tool on a PVC curtain
A wrench or screwdriver dents or splits a modern PVC slat — avoidable slat replacement.
05
Never force a shutter up when the wind sensor has locked it
The anti-tear lock is intentional — forcing during the gust restarts the cycle and can damage the BSO motor.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes in 80 % of cases. If the tube is the right diameter (Ø40, 45, 50 or 60) and in good condition, a Somfy Oximo or Becker R-series tubular motor fits inside the existing tube with a 230V connection in the headbox. Strap and winder are simply removed. If the tube is too thin or deformed, only the tube is replaced — curtain and headbox stay.

In summary

We access the tubular motor through the headbox inspection hatch or a partial dismantling in 95 % of cases, without touching the curtain or the render. 1-2 h intervention depending on the part. For a manual shutter being motorised, the existing tube is often reusable if Ø40, 45, 50 or 60 matches the chosen motor (Somfy Oximo, Becker R-series, Simu T5, Nice Era M).

1We access the tubular motor through the headbox inspection hatch or a partial dismantling in 95 % of cases, without touching the curtain or the render.
21-2 h intervention depending on the part.
3For a manual shutter being motorised, the existing tube is often reusable if Ø40, 45, 50 or 60 matches the chosen motor (Somfy Oximo, Becker R-series, Simu T5, Nice Era M).

Call +352 35 53 78 WhatsApp — send a photo

Technical guide

Other technical guides

Continue your diagnosis with these related guides.

20 symptoms · 9 min

Guide — broken or foggy glazing

Next guide

Guide — garage door faults

Back to roller shutters

URGENCE

Don't stay locked out

Jammed door, broken glazing,
stuck shutter?

Fermé-Lux steps in fast to secure your home or business. Send us a WhatsApp photo for an instant diagnosis.

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Step 1 of 3

Jammed roller shutter: identify the cause before calling

Guide — jammed roller shutter

Manual broken strap

Manual crank spinning freely

Manual slack spring winder

Manual winch skipping

Manual crushed or bent slats

Manual or electric curtain escaping the guide rails

Electric motor hums without moving

Electric silent motor

Electric shutter comes down but not up

Electric faulty capacitor

Electric upper end-limit lost

Electric misadjusted lower stop (curtain slams)

Radio Somfy RTS remote unpaired

Radio io-homecontrol no longer responding after a box outage

Smart home TaHoma no longer sees the shutter

BSO / external venetian blind torn tape ladders, slats jammed horizontal

Warema / Becker BSO motor that lost its programming

High wind shutter raised automatically and will not come down

Sagging bottom slats anti-lift lock lost

NEVER do this

Frequently asked questions

In summary

Other technical guides

Guide — garage door faults

Guide — motorised gate faults

Guide — jammed lock

Guide — broken or foggy glazing

Jammed door, broken glazing,stuck shutter?

Guide was helpful? — we can also intervene

Your need

Type of closure

Your contact details

Your closure is down — rapid repair

Jammed door, broken glazing,
stuck shutter?