When you want to bring in daylight, or on the contrary, plunge the room into darkness, the Velux shutter refuses to move normally? It is totally stuck or crashes along the way? This failure can come from a physical blockage, a mechanical failure, or an electrical failure. So, to properly repair it, you will first have to identify its origin. For this, we invite you to follow our troubleshooting guide in order and, thus, to try to unlock your Velux roller shutter which no longer works properly.
Why is your Velux roller shutter getting stuck?
When your Velux electric or solar roller shutter is blocked at the start, end or mid-stroke, many electrical or mechanical causes may be the cause.
A first clue can already allow you toidentifier if the cause is rather of mechanical or electrical origin:
1 – If you notice that the Velux shutter is trying to move, that it seems to force or that you hear the noise of the engine activating, the breakdown is probably of origin mechanical. In this case, it could be:
- jammed or damaged slides
- one or more damper slats that are damaged or broken
- a deformed or stuck apron in the shutter box
- a faulty internal trunk component
In much rarer cases, it may be a photovoltaic cell (if solar shutter) and/or a tired motor unit/electronic card/(battery) and which are in the process of making the soul. This is particularly the case if you hear a motor noise that seems muffled, jerky or jammed or if the shutter lowers or raises a few centimeters before locking.
2 – If the roller shutter has no reaction when you press the control, and it therefore remains completely frozen in one place, without any noise, then the problem is most certainly of origin electric. It could be :
- a motorization failure: namely a photovoltaic cell (if solar shutter) and/or a defective motor unit/electronic card/(battery)
- an out of order remote control
More rarely, it may be a part on the roller shutter shaft that has broken and can therefore no longer turn. But in this case, you should hear the engine noise.
Note: If your Velux roller shutter lowers then raises automatically and blocks, we invite you to read our article on this subject in by clicking here.
How to unlock a Velux roller shutter that no longer works?
When your Velux roller shutter no longer works, in most cases you will need make repairs and / or replace one or more parts shutter to unlock it. Since the breakdown can have different origins, identifying the defective part will certainly require access to the shutter box positioned on the roof.
This is why we recommend that you call on a professional (or at best a Velux technician) to carry out most of the operations if you are not a seasoned handyman. Indeed, identifying the origin of the problem and repairing it is not within everyone's reach. You may encounter several more or less significant risks during operations: risk of falling if you need to access the roof, Risk of electric shock if you handle electrical components, and risk of irreversible damage on the pane if an operation is not performed correctly.
If you still want to get started, perform the troubleshooting steps below in order. They range from the most easily achievable to the most technical solutions.
Caution: Do not manipulate if your blocked Velux shutter is still under guarantee because you risk losing your rights. Request an intervention now Velux customer service (by form on the site or on 08 06 80 15 15 – France) provided with the shutter reference (SSL or SML + the continuation on the label placed on the final slat of the apron in view from the inside).
Check the operation of the remote control
If your Velux roller shutter is completely blocked, that is to say that it gives no sign of life (no movement, no noise), then check first if his command works.
If the Velux roller shutter has a wireless radio motor, it is therefore controlled by a remote control or a wall mounted radio transmitter. Try replacing the old batteries with new ones. new batteries. If the remote sends a signal (LED or screen lights up), it is probably working normally. On the other hand, if no signal appears, it is certainly faulty. In this case, you can try reset the remote. But if nothing helps, it will take replace with a similar remote or compatible with your Velux roller shutter model.
If the Velux roller shutter that no longer works has a wired motor, so it works with a wall switch. Verification is then more technical since it requires test the connections using a multimeter, and if necessary, replace it by making a connection with the connections. If you are not competent to do this, we advise you to contact a carpentry professional or an electrician.
Check and clean the runners of the Velux roller shutter which blocks
When your Velux roller shutter freezes or no longer works normally, the problem may also be slideways that are clogged or insufficiently lubricated. Here are the checks to be carried out:
- Check that none foreign body (leaves, branches, etc.) does not block the raising or lowering of the apron. If it has snowed or hailed, the shutter may also be blocked until the weather conditions improve.
- Make sure none of the screw fixed in the guides is slightly out or broken as this could become an obstacle for the Velux roller shutter.
- Check that the slides are in good condition (parallel, straight, not deformed, well fixed).
If your Velux roller shutter tends to jam when going up or down, also consider lubricate the slides so that it can work properly again. For this, use a silicone lubricating spray. This manipulation must be done at least once a year to guarantee the correct operation of the shutter. Be careful to use silicone grease, the only lubricating product suitable for joinery.
Check the condition of the roller shutter slats
If you feel like you want to take the Velux roller shutter slats appear damaged (broken, twisted, misaligned, rusty, etc.), they may be the reason for the blockage. Likewise if the apron appears damaged (deformed, dilated, warped, etc.). In this case, it will certainly be necessary to change the apron to unlock the Velux shutter.
Reset the Velux roller shutter that no longer works
When the Velux roller shutter hangs, it is also possible that the problem comes from a software malfunction following a power outage, overvoltage or simply a temporary electrical bug. In this case, a Velux roller shutter reset allows you to refresh your system and restart it. You will also definitely need later reprogram the limit switches.
La procedure for resetting and reprogramming limit switches depends on the type of Velux shutter (electric or solar), model and year of sale. This is why, to obtain the procedure corresponding exactly to your shutter model, we can only advise you to refer to its instructions for use in paper form or online. If you can't find it, you can also call Velux customer service.
Note: If you do not know the model of the faulty Velux roller shutter, be aware that it is noted on the identity plate glued to the last slat of the apron.
– How to reset a Velux electric roller shutter (SML)?
To reset a Velux electric roller shutter that no longer works, most of the time you will need:
- Close the roof window
- Switch off the shutter transformer power supply for 1min30
- Push the button " stop » then in the same second on the button « descent " of the remote control Velux (with KUX 100, 110 Velux system). If you have a touch keyboard (electric Velux Integra system), press the " Stop "Then" full descent in the same second.
- The roller shutter should go up to the top point, then go down on its own to the bottom point.
The Velux electric shutter should be reset and the limit switches should be reprogrammed.
If that didn't work and you have a power supply transformer KUX 110 Velux SML, also try the reset and reprogramming method below:
- Carefully remove the KUX 110 transformer cover
- Press the Reset button on the side of the box for 10 seconds
- Depending on the remote control, the following operations differ:
- If you have a classic remote control, press briefly with a paperclip in the small hole on the back of the remote control
- If you have a square remote control, press briefly using a paper clip in the small hole located on the side of the control
- If the remote control has a screen, go to “Menu” / “Adjustment or system parameter” / “Register product”
- If you have a touchscreen keyboard, press "+"/"New product"/"Add new products".
– How to reset a Velux solar roller shutter (SSL)?
To reset a Velux solar roller shutter (engine reset and reprogramming) blocked, here is the procedure to follow for most models:
- Remove the right side cover by removing the screw and unclipping it to access the motor programming
- Put the switch in the position 0 for 10 seconds
- Return the switch to the position 1
- Hold down the button P for 10 seconds. If the shutter makes a buzzing sound or rocks back and forth, this is normal. Keep pressing.
The motor is reset and the Velux shutter reset. You will now need recalibrate the shutter and pair the control to the motor. To do this, within 10 minutes, reset the remote control. Depending on the remote control, the following operations differ:
- If you have a classic remote control, press briefly with a paperclip in the small hole on the back of the remote control
- If you have a square remote control, press briefly with a paperclip in the small hole located on the side of the control
- If the remote control has a screen, go to "Menu" / "Adjustment or system parameter" / "Register product"
- If you have a touchscreen keyboard, press "+"/"New product"/"Add new products".
Then, hide the solar cell using an opaque object (e.g. blanket or towel), turn the switch to 0 for 30 seconds, then back to 1. Then quickly close the window and within 10 seconds press on the button stop and in the second on the button descent of the remote control. For the touch keyboard, press the button Stop and full descent (pictogram on the right to lower the shutter) in the second. Your Velux solar roller shutter should go back and forth to adjust the high and low limit switches. Once the shutter has stopped, the reset procedure is complete and your shutter should function normally again.
For the new solar Velux on the market since summer 2022, here is the procedure for resetting and reprogramming the limit switches:
- Press the white engine button twice
- Wait 30 seconds
- Press the white motor button once again
- Close the window and with the remote control, press the " stop » then on the button « descent » in the second
If the Velux roller shutter still does not work, then the problem will certainly require the replacement of one of the components present in the trunk.
Check the winding tube inside the trunk
A internal element in the trunk is broken, it may be that the Velux roller shutter is no longer driven and therefore remains blocked. If you hear the engine noise turned, then the failure is certainly due to a problem on the winding shaft. Several problems can come from the trunk:
- The presence of a foreign body, a cable or a loose part present in the boot
- The derailment of the deck (check that it is well aligned and that the guide tulips are in good condition)
- The apron fasteners are faulty or broken
- The motor has separated from the winding tube
- Le spring and/or cup (also called plastic bowl) are broken: most common cause!
To check these problems, you must dismantle the roller shutter box and take it out to be able to carry out the checks and manipulations inside, in a secure manner. Attention, the apron must be raised when you remove the trunk to avoid damaging it. We recommend having these operations carried out by a professional because they are particularly technical, and there is a big risk of damaging the equipment.
As an indication, if one of the parts of the winding mechanism is broken, you can then contact Velux after-sales service who can supply spare parts (especially if it is the spring / metal rod / plastic bowl because it is a frequent failure). You will get it for around fifty euros. But beware, the manipulations are complex. Again, skill is required to avoid a breakage of the entire winding mechanism. If you do not have one, it is better to replace the entire system.
Check and replace the blocked Velux shutter motorization
In case your Velux roller shutter is completely blocked, that you don't hear no engine noise, or that it seems to force without any result, the problem certainly comes from the motorization.
If the Velux shutter that no longer works is solar powered, the problem may come from the photovoltaic cell and / or battery/motor unit (generally, when one is down, the other is too or follows closely). In case it is a Velux electric roller shutter that locks, the problem may come from engine block.
At this stage, the manipulations become more technical since you will need electrically test the various parts, and if the failure is confirmed, replace the defective component. As an indication, you must:
- check the connections between the cell and the engine block (Velux SSL shutter)
- clean the cell if it seems dirty (Velux SSL flap)
- test the supply voltage of the cell and the motor/battery unit (Velux SSL shutter)
- test the motor block supply voltage (Velux SML shutter)
Depending on the result, you will most certainly need to replace the motor unit as a whole for the electric Velux shutter, and the solar cell and the motor/battery block (which are not sold separately) to unlock the solar Velux shutter. Note that if the cell is defective but not the motor/battery unit, it is still preferable to replace both parts because when one fails, the other quickly ends up failing as well. Moreover, as an indication, the lifespan of a Velux solar roller shutter battery is estimated at 10 years.
Attention from replace the defective spare part with an identical part, and therefore compatible with your Velux shutter. To find the corresponding spare part, we advise you toidentify the exact shutter model (which can be found on the label affixed to the last board slat on the inside). Then, contact Velux assistance and ask them for the spare part you need.
Contact Velux support and inquire about warranties
If you are unable to complete the transactions, or if you have a doubt about the diagnosis or the spare part you need, do not hesitate to call the Velux customer service. They are particularly competent and responsive. They can then provide you with more information on the spare parts needed for your repair or on the breakdown you are experiencing. If necessary, an adviser can initiate an intervention by an approved Velux technician to unblock your shutter; of course, after validation of the terms with you.
Also be aware that if you can no longer count on the Velux manufacturer warranty, other warranties or insurance can sometimes cover the repair or replacement of a roller shutter that does not work:
- la ten-year guarantee
- home insurance depending of course on the terms of your contract.
