Kwikee steps locked in the up position

I know the OPs problem was solved, but just in case someone runs across this and can't get things to move with what Doug said ... I had a similar problem, and it wasn't because of a bad motor but because of a piece of Arizona road construction (tar and gravel) got stuck in the perfect spot to cause a jam.

As mentioned above, I couldn't get to the pin to release the motor with the stairs in the closed position. But I could squeeze a small wrench in underneath the motor to start taking the bolts out - when I got the first two loose there was enough play and the stairs were able to move.

Unplug the motor first and watch your fingers!

I'm not going to look up all the documents I have on repairing steps but I am going to mention that the motors sold by LCI are no different than those sold by auto parts stores. Your steps and mine are of the same vintage, searching for LCI parts I found replacements for my motor at three times the cost of those at say, Autozone.

It was also recommended that I change the whole IMGL assembly because mine was no longer manufactured. That was about $250 instead of $23 for a replacement motor made by ACI.

A lot of technicians in a lot of fields recommend replacing complete assemblies instead of bad parts. I was recently quoted $1400 plus R&R time to replace a bad pump motor and pump for my HWH leveling and slide system. There was nothing wrong with the pump but replacing the assembly instead of repairing the failure is very common these days. I don't think profit is the ulterior motive for this practice, one of the biggest motives is litigation, another is HWH doesn't sell that motor any longer, so buying a new motor/pump assembly is justified with obsolescence and the theory that if the motor is worn out, the pump can't be far behind so do both now rather than later. I will admit that after market parts are not always exact replacements and for a mobil tech that is a big problem.

As I said $1400 for the p/m assembly or $125 for a motor from the OEM of the MOTOR. Maybe my Tech didn't have time to look for the motor, but I did and got it cheaper by $1275.

Just an FYI on this one, years ago I had to replace the step motor on my parents MH. I was able to buy the motor directly from the MFG and saved about 75% vs buying it from the builder.

I'm not sure if you still can, but if you need one take a look around the internet, you can most likely save a bunch.

Yep Doug is the best...we had the same problem a few yrs. ago. did what he said and had a new motor delivered to the Elk Lodge we were staying at. Put it in and wh000 hooooo has worked like a charm.

It appears the motor is the weakest link in the Kwikee step assembly, as I've had to replace mine 3 times so far.

Best of luck and safe travels...

dougrainer wrote:
Have someone open and close the door. You will notice the amber step light underneath will come ON when the door is opened. Have the Chassis engine running. When the door is opened, tap the motor smartly with a hammer. Continue opening and closing and hitting the motor with a hammer until it extends, THEN UNPLUG THE MOTOR TO PREVENT IT RETRACTING AGAIN UNTIL YOU REPLACE THE MOTOR. Doug

Yer a freaking Genius !! steps are out and unhooked.
Thank You.

And new motor assembly on order

Have someone open and close the door. You will notice the amber step light underneath will come ON when the door is opened. Have the Chassis engine running. When the door is opened, tap the motor smartly with a hammer. Continue opening and closing and hitting the motor with a hammer until it extends, THEN UNPLUG THE MOTOR TO PREVENT IT RETRACTING AGAIN UNTIL YOU REPLACE THE MOTOR. Doug