Forum Discussion

Jim's avatar
Jim
Explorer
May 04, 2016

Air Actuated Step Cover

My air actuated step cover stopped working on a recent trip. It's stuck in the 'open' position so that makes it easy to work with but I would like to get it working again.

Here's what it looks like:



When I took the cover plate off, I found that the hose assembly (two small air hoses coupled together into a single coupling) had uncoupled from the actuator knob. I can't see anything broken, and it all snapped back into place easily enough, and it feels like it did before...but, it still doesn't work!

I started the engine and got the air pressure up to normal, but...nothing. Also, when I switch to 'Open'? Before, it would just easily pull out from its hidey hole. Now, it's resisting my efforts to pull it out.



I can't seem to find a Winnie drawing of the air system, and I'm hoping someone else has had this problem and came up with a solution.

Thanks for any help or insight!
Class A
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    May 09, 2016
    is this a forward door, bus style like Our Safari ?

    look under the dash, near the door
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    May 08, 2016
    I tried following the schematic to try and locate the two relays that control the air ram but couldn't find them. They are not in the large fuse/relay/solenoid/CB box under the hood cover in the front of the RV.

    Anyone know where the relays for the step cover actuation are?
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    the manual release will only let the air escape the cylinder if the electric valve is in neutral, if it is in ether the open or closed position the air is trapped in that side of the cylinder.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    I can't hear worth a ****, horizon36. So I wouldn't know if it clicks or not. No help nearby with good hearing either. I carry all sorts of switches (retired electronic engineer) so I'll test the switch. As far as rotating the control, I have many times, and the platform 'resists' like it's being held in by an air ram.
  • horizon36's avatar
    horizon36
    Explorer
    May 05, 2016
    Do you hear the relay "click" when you try the normal elec. switch. If you don't it could be that the switch is bad. Happened to me. Take the switch to an auto parts store and they can get one for you. Try several stores if you have to. Got mine in a small town in UT. To operate the cover manually rotate the valve to the Open position. You will be able to move the cover by hand. Once you replace the switch and can operate the cover electrically put the valve back to the Closed position.
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    May 04, 2016
    The Valve that opens and closes the step well has two solenoids. The Valve that you show only over rides the electric one. It sounds like your problem is the electric one is stuck in the open position so the over ride won't release the air from the cylinder.

    I have never seen one and only just looked at the parts book from Winnebago,

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