Re: magnet... not necessarily. If you have another magnet, try putting it next to the one on the door and see if that kicks the steps out.
I ended up calling Kwikee customer service, they talked me through it while I was under the steps and with a cell phone Got me through that one, but in the end it turned out I needed a new motor.
Some say there is an electric window motor which is the same. But do look for the ground attachment, try to disconnet the little, I seem to remember it was a square plug and plug it back together. Just please, please be careful with hands..