2006 Tiffin Phaeton steps won't go out. The book calls for cycling them at least monthly which I have done. I checked fuses, OK. The steps are activated by a proximity switch and go in and out as the door is opened and closed but there is a manual switch that can keep them down full time when camping. I can hear something clicking as I open and close the door, so the signal is being sent somewhere to activate the steps. I think the drive to operate them is pneumatic but I can't locate a solenoid. There is one solenoid on my control panel but it operates a section of floor that covers the inside steps when traveling. I have plenty of system air pressure. I've been trying to figure out the circuitry but, so far, I haven't had much luck.

Here's Lippert's (now the owner of Kwikee) website in support of the steps. You'll have to pick what you're looking for.Support Documentation: Stepshttps://support.lci1.com/kwikee-steps

Have a friend who had the same problem on his 2006 Dutch Star. We determined it was the motor that needed to be replaced. I suspect the motor developed some flat spots, probably from road vibration, and if it stops in one of these areas it won't be able to start to move the steps. I'd crawl under his rig and rap the motor with a rock and he'd open the door activating the switch and that always jarred things enough that the steps would come out. Be very careful if you do this though and make sure you keep your arms, hands and fingers out of the way of the moving mechanisms.

Yep, if the motor runs after tapping it with a hammer, the brushes are worn and the motor should be replaced. The motor assembly came for a 90's model Ford. If you'd share the model of your steps, someone will let you know the part number to ask for at an autoparts store or RockAuto.com.

When was the last time you lubricated them? Make sure you’re not under them when you do. DW opened the door once on me, thankfully I was off to the side.

I have not lubricated them since last summer but I doubt that lubrication is a problem. It had only been about a week since the steps were operated.The steps make no effort, whatsoever, to move as one would expect but you can hear a click faint click when the door is opened.I think I need to get under the front end and look for a possible corroded connector. This would not be the first time that a corroded connector has come into play with various 12 volt applications. After all, The coach is 14 years old now.

Entrance steps won't go out | Good Sam Community

ferndaleflyer
Explorer III
Apr 12, 2020
Pass side window lift motor from 90s Ford car bronco etc....I got one from Autozone and it bolted right in. Have the part number here somewhere.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 12, 2020
I have not seen pneumatic steps only electric. IF they are elctric the motor looks like a window riser motor (in fact there is a window riser motor that can ALMOST replace it.. (You need to do a mod or 3)

If it's pneumatic.. You need air pressure in the brake system.
DFord
Explorer
Apr 12, 2020
I've seen several say they had a bad ground on the steps. Try pulling on the bottom step when you open the door and hear the click. It might need a little help. If that works, oil the heck out of it.
mikestock
Explorer
Apr 12, 2020
I have not lubricated them since last summer but I doubt that lubrication is a problem. It had only been about a week since the steps were operated.

The steps make no effort, whatsoever, to move as one would expect but you can hear a click faint click when the door is opened.

I think I need to get under the front end and look for a possible corroded connector. This would not be the first time that a corroded connector has come into play with various 12 volt applications. After all, The coach is 14 years old now.
John_Joey
Explorer
Apr 12, 2020
When was the last time you lubricated them? Make sure you’re not under them when you do. DW opened the door once on me, thankfully I was off to the side.
DFord
Explorer
Apr 12, 2020
Yep, if the motor runs after tapping it with a hammer, the brushes are worn and the motor should be replaced. The motor assembly came for a 90's model Ford. If you'd share the model of your steps, someone will let you know the part number to ask for at an autoparts store or RockAuto.com.
bob_nestor
Explorer III
Apr 12, 2020
Have a friend who had the same problem on his 2006 Dutch Star. We determined it was the motor that needed to be replaced. I suspect the motor developed some flat spots, probably from road vibration, and if it stops in one of these areas it won't be able to start to move the steps. I'd crawl under his rig and rap the motor with a rock and he'd open the door activating the switch and that always jarred things enough that the steps would come out. Be very careful if you do this though and make sure you keep your arms, hands and fingers out of the way of the moving mechanisms.
DFord
Explorer
Apr 12, 2020
Here's Lippert's (now the owner of Kwikee) website in support of the steps. You'll have to pick what you're looking for.

Support Documentation: Steps

https://support.lci1.com/kwikee-steps

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Entrance steps won't go out

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