How to reconnect awning lever?

[SCADAMAN29325]

The latch lever is not in the loop. It's been this way since we've had it and just use the long strap rod to push it up to unroll. How can I fix this WITHOUT disassembling the awning arm?

THANKS!

[opnspaces]

The strap with the loop on the end should have some side to side flex it in. Maybe try rolling the awning up slightly until the pin is as far away from the loop as possible. Then slide the loop up and see if it can flex over the pin.