TI-507

ADJUSTING MOTOR LIMIT SWITCHES
ON GIRARD NOVA II PATIO AWNING
AWNINGS

Purpose
This document outlines the acceptable variances of the Girard patio awning and the expectation that they
be treated as non-warranty items.
The Girard patio awning is custom made in several locations. These awnings have new fabric that is
rolled tightly onto an awning roller tube. The temperature and humidity at these locations, as well as the
temperature and humidity at the sites where these awnings are installed on vehicles and delivered to
dealers, can vary greatly. This can cause the fabric to expand and contract or “stretch.”
This is a normal condition of a new awning and is to be expected as the awning is produced and delivered to
the vehicle manufacturer then to the dealer where the vehicle will be sold. This is the break-in period of the
fabric and small adjustments to the inward limit are to be expected and are not considered warranty items.
The appropriate tool for making these small adjustments is included with the Girard patio awning.
Depending on conditions, small adjustments may need to be made throughout the life of the awning.
Follow the steps listed to ensure the awning closes tightly and the motor shuts off at the moment the
proper closure is achieved. This information is also reciprocal to other Girard patio awnings.

Safety
Moving parts can pinch, crush or cut. Keep clear and use caution.

Resources Required
• Girard patio awning adjustment tool
• Appropriately-sized ladder

Procedure for Adjusting Motor Limit Switches
NOTE: The motor limit switches have been adjusted to the correct positions at the factory prior to
shipment. When fully retracted the awning motor is set to stop the exact moment the awning box
closes. When fully extended the fabric should be taut and the arms should be slightly bent, exposing
a gap of about ¼” at the elbows.
NOTE: Always check the motor limits after installation to ensure the awning opens and closes correctly.
Awning fabric can stretch over time and this will require an adjustment of the IN and/or OUT limit
switch.

Rev: 01.30.2024

Page 1

CCD-0008529

TI-507

ADJUSTING MOTOR LIMIT SWITCHES
ON GIRARD NOVA II PATIO AWNING
AWNINGS
1.

The AC motors used in Girard Systems awnings are located at either end. Pay special attention to verify
motor location before any attempted adjustment (Figs. 1 and 2).

NOTE: The motor has limit settings for both IN (retraction) and OUT (extension).
NOTE: The limit switches can be adjusted by use of the black key provided with the awning. Alternatively,
use a 4mm (5/32”) hex wrench.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Extend the awning a few feet to gain access to the motor.
Locate the motor. Standard installation is on the right-hand side of the awning.
The limit adjustment screws are located on the head of the motor. Using the symbols printed next to
the adjustment screws, turn the black key (or 4mm hex wrench) to make the necessary adjustments.
Typically, the motors are labeled with a + or a –.
Approximately one-quarter turn of the adjustment screw represents about 1” of awning movement.
For proper adjustment, set limit switch to stop the motor just before the arms lock. This will expose
about a 1/4” gap at the elbow.

Extreme care should be taken to ensure the motor limit turns off at the exact moment the awning box
is closed. Failure to do so will cause the motor to run when the awning is closed. This will significantly
reduce the life of the motor.
NEVER set outward limits so the fabric is slack with full arm extension.
Fig. 2

Fig. 1

IN Limit Adjustment

OUT Limit Adjustment

IN Limit Adjustment
OUT Limit Adjustment

Left-Hand Motor Location

Right-Hand Motor Location

As a supplier of a broad array of highly-engineered components in the recreation and transportation product markets, safety, education and customer satisfaction are
our primary concerns. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 432-LIPPERT (432-547-7378) or by email at [email protected].
Self-help tips, technical documents, product videos and a training class schedule are available at lippert.com or by downloading the LippertNOW app.
Rev: 01.30.2024

Page 2

CCD-0008529