Forum Discussion

annfrancis_lett's avatar
annfrancis_lett
Explorer
Jan 30, 2017

Electric steps

I own a 36ft. 2006 Holiday Rambler purchased new in 2006, in the last two to three years I have been having trouble with the steps not extending out on the first try, and the same problem when trying to retract the steps. I would have to open & close the door several times and then all of a sudden the steps would work, other times I could open & close that door repeatedly,(driving me crazy) and nothing would happen. I have taken the coach to RV. repair shops in my area, and have replaced the motor under the steps, the motor with the big gear that turns as the steps move in or out twice, on the advice of the mechanic's. they had said that was the cause of the problem. Needless to say that was not the problem. As I write this I still have the problem. I hope someone in the forum knows about this problem and possibly even knows how I might be able to solve(fix) it. I am truly at my wits end. Thanks, in advance to anyone who can help. Frank L
Class A
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Jan 30, 2017
    Locate your door switch, and work from there. A bad switch or a loose connection sounds more like your problem.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jan 30, 2017
    Your description seems to mean of have the LCI/Coach step. There are 2 possible problems with the LCI older step. The magnetic door switch is bad. The control module has corrosion. Older LCI step modules had as problem with sealing out moisture. Doug
  • Rufas's avatar
    Rufas
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    Do you have a magnetic switch or a push button switch located in the door jam of the hinged side of the door.

    My motorhome has the push button switch and sometimes behaves like yours. I've found that the push button switch sometimes sticks and will not open the steps. I've found I need to periodically apply a light weight oil to the switch.

    Hope this helps.
  • 10forty2's avatar
    10forty2
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    One more vote for the magnetic switch on the door. Mine is activated by the screen door.
  • crasster's avatar
    crasster
    Explorer II
    Jan 31, 2017
    I'd say door switch all the way or some electric connections to the motor.... but I'd focus everything on the door switch at first.
  • annfrancis_lett's avatar
    annfrancis_lett
    Explorer
    Jan 31, 2017
    To Doug;
    Is the step module (outside)under the steps? I did notice a metal box about 3x5x1 that does have wires coming from it, & it is right next to the motor with the large gear that turns when the steps move in or out.
    When I took the coach to the RV repair shops, no one even mentioned that box so I did not think it was something that had to do with this problem!!
    I did take off the cover for the on / off switch for the steps, on the side of the cabinet, near the door. lightly sprayed the connections with a electrical spray cleaner, then put wires back together and made sure all connections were very tight.
    This action still did not solve the problem, so my next move is the outside control module you mentioned, ( that metal box)! Thanks again for your input, F.N.L
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Jan 31, 2017
    Yes, the module is under on the steps next to that large pie gear.
    If you want to "test" the door switch, all you do is disconnect the 2 wires and then jump together and then apart. IF the step malfunctions, your step switch is OK. Doug

    OLDER LCI steps, the control module was the first thing to suspect.
    Ones built since about 2010, they have motors that fail.
  • Rick_Jay's avatar
    Rick_Jay
    Explorer II
    Jan 31, 2017
    annfrancis.lettera58,

    Just one word of caution. If you do anything near the steps, be very, very careful about having fingers, hands & arms anywhere near the mechanism. They can be very dangerous and it is quite easy to get a body part pinched in the mechanism.

    I'd recommend disconnecting power to the steps if you're going to remove the module or try to clean things up. If you must work on them under power, work from behind them, underneath the vehicle. Don't try to cut-corners and work from the sides.

    Be safe.

    ~Rick

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