I've done all the "so called" remedies and mine still acts up. I've lubed everything there is to lube, no go. And, contrary to popular belief, there are "NO" limiting adjustments on this particular door awning. I have looked up, down, sideways, inside, outside, around and in all the pivot points, arms etc. and there are no limit adjustment screws, or bolts etc. on this awning.
It's been assumed that the motor gets wet due to the plastic forming a "cup" on the bottom side of it and, upon inspection, that motor is flawlessly clean, no corrosion, rust, what so ever. So, that's out. At this point in time, it's possible that the OPs buddy might just have the same issues that are very hard to remedy. We'll see. Hope he gets it fixed. Post what the remedy is if he does.
Scott