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Top 25 Motorization Questions
Why is my PowerView shade experiencing a high-pitched squeal?
If your legacy PowerView shade makes a sharp, high-pitched squeal or whine as it opens or closes—especially right before stopping—it’s likely due to low battery power.
Symptoms and Details
A sharp, high-frequency tone begins a few inches before the shade stops and may last 1–3 seconds.
The noise becomes more frequent or higher-pitched as the battery voltage continues to drop.
The squeal is usually only heard near the upper or lower travel limits, where the motor briefly requires peak torque.
NOTE: Some motor models might make a faint clicking or buzzing instead. Either way, the cause and fix are the same.
Cause
PowerView shade motors draw the highest current when they slow to a stop at their programmed limits. If the battery pack or plug‑in power supply cannot provide the required voltage the motor’s function is impacted, creating the audible squeal. Factors include:
Partially drained alkaline cells drop voltage fastest under load.
Larger/heavier shades demand more current.
For how to resolve the noise, follow the step-by-step guide.
1
Replace all the batteries at once with fresh, high-quality AA alkaline or approved lithium batteries.
Don’t mix old and new batteries.
Confirm the orientation of each battery in the battery wand or pack.
2
After restoring power, run one full open‑to‑close cycle to confirm the squeal is gone and the motor recalibrates its limits.
3
Record the battery replacement date. Battery life usually lasts 6–12 months, depending on shade size and daily use.
4
Tips for Preventing Future Issues
Replace batteries proactively when the PowerView App low‑battery alert first appears to avoid noisy operation or loss of shade position.
For large or frequently cycled shades, consider the 18V DC power supply for maintenance‑free operation.