Forum Discussion

jonathangstein's avatar
jonathangstein
Explorer
May 23, 2013

Automatic steps

Duplicate,please post response Here
I have a 2006 Fiesta LX. It has the automatic entry steps. These steps go out when the door opens and in when the door closes. There is a switch that you can press that keeps the steps open when the door is closed and the engine is off.

Today, I picked up the RV from storage and the steps would not open. Or close. They are stuck, apparently, about 1/2" out. I charged the battery, lubed the hinges, and checked the connections. They all appear fine.

Under the steps, there is a motor with an orange light. The light comes on when the door opens and turns off when the door closes. But, despite all of this, the steps won't open or close. I think it may be a bad motor, but I am leaving tomorrow and don't have time to fix it.

So, is there a manual override that would let me put the steps in and out? If so, where is it? The owner's manual is sorely lacking in this area.

Thanks!
Class A
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    You can manually operate the steps but there is a metal bar that connects the steps to the motor - you have to remove a cotter pin and pound out the short metal bar.

    Most problems with Kiwikee steps are battery and corroded ground related - the ground connection is fully exposed to weather and tends to rust out.

    Starting the engine should combine your coach and chassis batteries - perhaps the combo of both batteries would be sufficient to open the steps.
  • super_camper's avatar
    super_camper
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    bsinmich wrote:
    You don't state the brand of steps but if they are Kwikee there is no manual use of them. They do not have enough oomph to hold them in either position without the motor. When you put any weight on them they will slide all over the place. The motor is usually from a Ford power window. Mine is 3 steps and is from a '79 Lincoln LF. Others have found Taurus motors work. Be very careful when working on them. They have enough torque to break or remove fingers or anything else in their way.

    I think Kwikee moved away from window motors several years ago. My 2006 steps use a DC motor available from AM equipment. You can order directly from them at a lower cost then Kwikee.
  • spritz_55423's avatar
    spritz_55423
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    Ours was the switch in the door way. We took it out and cleaned it and has worked ever since (last season and still worked yesterday...) I guess after 30 years I would need to be cleaned also!!!
  • bsinmich's avatar
    bsinmich
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    You don't state the brand of steps but if they are Kwikee there is no manual use of them. They do not have enough oomph to hold them in either position without the motor. When you put any weight on them they will slide all over the place. The motor is usually from a Ford power window. Mine is 3 steps and is from a '79 Lincoln LF. Others have found Taurus motors work. Be very careful when working on them. They have enough torque to break or remove fingers or anything else in their way.
  • CG_Dawson's avatar
    CG_Dawson
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    A rubber mallet to the motor sometimes does wonders for the steps. Also check the seperate ground wire running from the step brain to the chasis.

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