New kwikee steps operate backwards

Question

I just replaced my old Coach-Step brand steps with a set of Kwikee steps. Bolt holes, plugs and wire colors all matched up but the step works the opposite of what they should. I am guessing my door switch is the opposite of what it should be. The ignition even extends the step. The only thing that is close to normal is if I shut the door, the step extends, and I turn off the step switch, then the steps will stay out if I open or close the door. That fact makes me think that just reversing the motor wires will not fix the problem.
It looks like I would have to remove the door frame to change the door switch or maybe get to it through the wheel well. Either way, swapping motor wires would be much easier if that would work.

bruce_brown · Answer

We did a set a year or so ago on a friend's camper, they did the same. Going from memory here, I think we did just as you're thinking and switched the wires. It was an easy fix.

jplante4 · Answer

Did the new steps come with a new switch? If so, then install that switch. It's not as simple as polarity. There is an override for steps in off the ignition switch. If you reverse the wires, the steps will go OUT on override. Not what you want

enblethen · Answer

You need to change out the magnetic door switch to the newer version.

jackms · Answer

Ok. I found my old switch. If I wasn’t color blind I would have seen it sooner. The new step did come with a new switch. Compared them and they were opposite. New one is NO. Old one I think was NC but defective because when I shut the door, it would flicker back and forth from closed to open. Anyway, install the new switch, with some shimming as of course it was physically different, and works as it should now.
Thanks for the quick responses. Getting to old for this ****. Installed steps by myself in a gravel driveway with a bad neck and back. A jack with some wood blocks made it possible but I highly recommend a helper if anyone does this.

dougrainer · Answer

Amazing how easy replacing a part would go if people just READ the instructions:B From the INSTALL manual below. Doug

Control Units 9506, 9507, 9508 require a normally open switch. If you are replacing a 9513, 9516, 9590 Control Unit you must also replace the door switch. The new control will not work with older, normally closed switches.

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New kwikee steps operate backwards

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