Click to download: Model D20 Owners Manual
Troubleshooting #1
"MOTOR RAN ONCE BUT WILL NOT RUN AGAIN, OR MOTOR ONLY RUNS ONE DIRECTION.”
Likely problem #1: Timer not set correctly.
What to do:
Inspect Timer Switch. Verify that every ON setting is followed by an OFF setting. For example, if you want your door to open at 6 AM, set your Timer to switch ON at 6 AM. VIP: You must then set your Timer to switch OFF at 6:30 AM. The OFF setting is essential because it resets motor electronics so that it can reverse direction the next cycle. The same applies to when you want you door to close. For example, if you want your door to close at 7:30 PM, set your Timer to switch ON at 7:30 PM, and then set it to switch OFF at 8:00 PM. Timer must be set to switch OFF after every ON. You can set the Timer to switch OFF anytime between 1 minute to 1 hour after each ON, but Timer must always be set to switch OFF after every ON. If Timer does not switch OFF after every ON, motor will not run again unless it is unplugged and then plugged-in again.
Most Timers have a switch on the side with 2 options. Option 1. "Auto" or "Timer". Option 2. "Outlet" or "ON". ALWAYS set it to the "Auto" or "Timer" setting because that setting switches power ON and OFF.
If the timer you are using is not appliance compatible then you will need to order one to be sure it does not burn up the AC to DC power adapter.
Likely problem #2: IF MOTOR ONLY RUNS 1 DIRECTION, CIRCUIT BOARD MIGHT HAVE FAILED.
What to do:
Following instructions above to verify timer is set properly.
Test: Unplug AC-DC Adapter from your timer. Plug Adapter directly into AC outlet. Motor should run. Unplug Adapter, wait for 3 seconds, plug in again. Motor should reverse direction. Repeat. Adapter and motor circuit board are OK.
IF MOTOR FAILS TO RUN AS STATED ABOVE, ORDER REPLACEMENT CIRCUIT BOARD P/N 65001
Troubleshooting #2
“MOTOR KEEPS RUNNING AND WILL NOT SHUT-OFF”
Likely problem #1: If you use a battery to operate a chicken coop motor, your battery voltage is low. Use a voltage tester to measure battery output. Voltage must be 10.5 or more (12 volts is normal). If lower that 10.5 volts, motor will run, however the voltage drops lower and then is not enough to actuator circuit board stop relay. Recharge your battery using a plug-in charger.
Likely cause: Dirty solar panel. Clean your solar panels; a dirty panel might not generate enough voltage to keep your battery charged.
Likely cause: Battery can no longer accept a charge. Replace battery. VIP: Fully charge new battery before use. Dirty solar panel.
Very reliable solution: Use a 2-battery system. Keep one in your house plugged into a trickle charger, and the other at your coop. Switch batteries weekly.
Likely problem #2: If your motor is plugged into AC power, a gear mounting pin inside housing broke.
Test: You can freely rotate the black dial Actuators on front of motor with your finger without resistance. In other words, the Actuators do not rotate when motor runs and can not actuate the stop switch and stop motor.
What to do:
Scroll down this page and select button marked How to Dissemble Motor. Inspect inside Front Cover. If a black gear is loose, order replacement Front Cover Assembly P/N 29077.
Order replacement Front Cover Assembly P/N 29077. This part includes white Front Housing with pre-installed black Actuator Dial System and black gear.
Inspect and replace Door Safety Connector P/N 38888.
Troubleshooting #3
“MOTOR RUNS BUT NOTHING HAPPENS”
Likely problem: Broken Lift-Reel drive shaft.
Likely cause: A broken Lift-Reel shaft indicates your chicken coop door is repeatedly jamming or door was frozen closed.
What to do:
Order replacement Lift-Reel P/N 29138.
Order replacement Door Safety Connector P/N 38888 plus Lift-String P/N 37235.
How to find-out if your door is jamming.
Manually grip Lift-String and lift vertically to door open. Repeat several times and observe door motion. If door constantly tilts to one side, unscrew Lift-String mounting screw. Move the screw 3/4 inch to the right side and screw it back into door. Repeat if needed.
Inspect side edges of door for burrs. Sand rough surfaces. Apply bees-wax, archery wax or spray furniture polish on door side edges. Repeat process inside both door guide channels.
Troubleshooting #4
“DOOR STOP POSITIONS CHANGE. DOOR MOVES PART WAY AND THEN REVERSES DIRECTION”
Likely problem: Lift-String is wrapped around itself. It winds or unwinds that catches causing door to reverse direction.
Likely cause #1: Lift-String is too long.
What to do:
With door closed, look inside Lift-Reel. There should only be 1 or 2 wraps of String around the Reel. If more, re-string motor. Typical length needed is 32 inches.
Also try:
Apply bees-wax, archery wax or other high quality wax to lift-string.
Likely cause #2: Lift-String is slack when door is closed. This can cause String to overlap itself.
What to do:
Reset motor stop positions. Reduce length of String.
Likely cause #3: Wrong Lift-String being used.
What to do:
Order replacement Lift-String P/N 37235.
Troubleshooting #5
“MOTOR RUNS BUT MAKES SCREECHING or grinding NOISE”
Likely problem: One or more gears inside motor transmission are stripped.
What to do:
Scroll down and select button marked How to Dissemble Motor. Dissemble motor and inspect gears inside gear housing.
Order replacement Gearmotor P/N 46555.
If any gears are damaged, even a single gear, replace entire Gearmotor P/N 46555 to ensure issue does not continue.
Troubleshooting #6
“MOTOR DOES NOT RUN”
Likely problem: AC-DC Adapter failure.
Test as follows:
Unplug AC-DC Adapter from Timer.
Plug Adapter directly into electric outlet. Motor should run immediately. If motor runs, motor and Adapter are OK. If motor does not run, Adapter might have failed.
Use voltage tester to measure Adapter output. Output should be 12 volts DC or more.
You can also test motor using a different AC-DC Adapter that you might have plugged into something else. CAUTION: First read test Adapter label. Verify its output is 12 volts DC (never AC).
What to do:
Order replacement AC-DC Adapter P/N 78950.