Forum Discussion

fizikpal's avatar
fizikpal
Explorer
Aug 19, 2015

Electric Entry step not working

I have an electric step that extends and retracts using a button in the coach.

There have been times in the past when the step stopped working. No buzz, no jamming sound, it appeared that there was no juice. Then it would miracously come back to life a few days later and would be good for a year or so.

So it just went out again and I am going to try and fix it for good. I am assuming it is an electrical problem.

Any tips on how to proceed?
Class C
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Aug 27, 2015
    luvztheoutdoorz1 wrote:
    I sprayed some WD-40 on the joints (3 years ago) when it wouldn't retract and have not had a problem since.

    I had the same experience. There's a group who remind us how WD40 isn't a lubricant and how it dissipates quickly, but I sprayed our step mechanism like Linda did and it's been fine since. Probably been as long, too. There's a joint at the motor that looks like a ball and socket. But ours was making a creaking sound so spraying it was a good guess.
    BY ALL MEANS be careful around the steps and linkage!!!
  • bsinmich's avatar
    bsinmich
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2015
    Do be careful when working on the steps. The motor and gearing have a lot of torque and can remove fingers easily, or pin you under the step.
  • luvztheoutdoor1's avatar
    luvztheoutdoor1
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2015
    I sprayed some WD-40 on the joints (3 years ago) when it wouldn't retract and have not had a problem since.
  • Beverley_Ken's avatar
    Beverley_Ken
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2015
    I've got the same problem with the Kwikee Steps on our Winnie. Just into tracing wires now. Use this site Kwikee Support, for a guide to wiring and other problems.

    Ken
  • RambleOnNW's avatar
    RambleOnNW
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    We had the steps jam once while on the road. The step controller has an over-current sense that shuts off the motor power when the steps bind. The solution was to unbolt the motor and open and close the door which showed the motor was still turning back and forth as expected. Reinstalled the motor and no issues since.

    I lube the step lube points with Kwikee Kwik-Lube but may have under-lubed one spot which would explain the step binding.
  • Valkyriebush's avatar
    Valkyriebush
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    Could be a bad motor. Happened to me. Next time it doesn't retract try tapping on the motor with a small hammer and see if it works again. Check the magnet contact point on the door. Get it repaired asap or disaster awaits.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2015
    It sounds like something is loose. Check and clean all electrical connections on your steps. You'll probably have to get under the coach to access the motor.
    The problem is probably around the steps. If not, start checking wires going to the power supply.

    While you're working on the steps, clean and lube all the joints. That should be part of your normal PM.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Aug 19, 2015
    You are going to have to trace the wires and find where the power stops.

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