My electric steps come out when I turn on my headlights

The bad ground sounds like the most likely problem. I have a different problem on my 2001 Winnebago, the steps used to retract any time the engine was started and the door was closed, Now I have to put the switch in the on position or they will not retract when the engine is started making it possible to drive with the steps out. This is not good so I have a note to myself to check the steps on my dash. It seems like there is always a problem with a motor home! lol

Maybe I'm thinking backwards here. If he "energizes" his headlights and the steps operate, wouldn't that mean his headlights are searching for and finding a good ground through the steps circuit? I'd be checking the headlight ground.

Remember when working of the steps to unplug from 110 and unhook every battery cable (unless you are SURE of which one powers the steps). You do not need it gettin' jiggy when your hands are in there.

On my Monaco it was labeled "Steps on-off" and it does exactly what you described. ON mine as soon as you started the engine the steps would retract regardless of the switch position.

I think the ground suggestion is the best (I have had several OTHER issues that were bad grounds on this RV)

Alas the "Power Switch" someone mentioned is not a power switch on modern RV's. might be on older units but today it is called "override" and it does NOT shut off the steps. Not sure it ever did fully.

How the override works

If you are parked, engine off and you flip the OVERRIDE switch when you first open the door the steps extend and remain extended till either

A you flip switch off THEN close the door
B Start the ride and THEN close the door
C turn the key to RUN with door closed but do not start till steps retract.

Sadly I have door switch issues so I have TWO override switches. the 2nd one tells the controller "Door closed" even if it's open.. Switch was installed for a contently different reason but turns out . well.

Reasons for that switch: Paked too close to a curb steps would only half extend (does not hurt steps but my hurt ME) so I kept 'em in.

Shoppign ALDI and driving the RV to the store.. Wife would go inside. I'd go out flip the switch and hand up the food from the cart. when cart was empty I'd flip the switch back down and return cart while she stowed food... Worked great.

Locate the ground for the steps and clean it or find a new/cleaner ground. Frame rail would be a good choice. Steps do funky things when the ground is compromised - either dirty, loose or rusty .

On the wall near the steps you should have a switch to turn the steps off. Does this make a difference?

Not that I have had this happen, but weird things happen when the ground wire on the steps is not making a good connection on the frame. Just a thought.