This is a two-step assembly on a 2003 Class C. It's worked fine for years. A few years ago, I had to lubricate it since it was binding when closing. Till Today...We broke camp, and the step operated normally, opening and closing when the door opened and closed with the coach engine running. It was normal for a number of in/out cycles at the campsite and again at the dump station. As we left the campground, we heard the step motor running, and could see the step extending and retracting on the road, with coach door closed and locked. We stopped and noticed that sometimes the step would run partway in and out, from a nearly closed position. I'm glad it rained a lot in Chattahoochee FL yesterday and dried this morning. Didn't get dirty crawling under and removing two 5A fuses. Steps stayed up. At home, put the fuses back and started trying the door with the engine off and step switch on. Step doesn't operate, and seems stuck toward the closed position.Any ideas? I first thought it was the door reed switch, but that wouldn't explain it seeming jammed. I spray lubed it with no change. Wondering if something jumped time in the motor/gearbox...

I would expect being a 2003 that the motor assembly is pretty worn out however that wouldn't explain the erratic operation with the door closed. Maybe 2 problems (control board or door switch AND motor)?

garyemunson wrote:I would expect being a 2003 that the motor assembly is pretty worn out however that wouldn't explain the erratic operation with the door closed. Maybe 2 problems (control board or door switch AND motor)?That crossed my mind too... Ford Window Motor... Not expensive, not hard to change...Just bothers me that it's acting jammed. Usually when the steps are raised, they can be jiggled up and down 1/4 inch or so. I've forgotten a brush on the steps and had it raise. It stopped but the steps were "solid" like they are now. Think I need to disconnect main power to the steps then separate the motor from the rest and see how the rest moves.

Take a hammer and whack of the motor while opening and closing the door. Just watch the Orange underneath step light. IF the motor windings have a bad spot, the hammer will make it work. Have the engine running when doing this. Then replace the motor. IF the Amber light goes ON and Off when opening and closing the door, the MOTOR IS defective. Doug

I can give it a whackin'. Are those two 5A fuses the only power to this thing? I'd think it taps of the Chassis Battery. Is there a Wiring Diagram you can send or link me to?

My GuessThe motor is fine The White Plastic reduction gear inside the motor housing has given up Only problem is that the $2.00 gear is not available on it's own Have to purchase the entire Motor assembly

Erratic Kwikee Steps | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
Okay, I'm going to start by disagreeing with almost everything offered, being a 2006 rig, I bet you do not have a Ford window lift motor, most likely a AM Equipment motor, whacking is for wackos, not motors, the manual is #888 and has full wiring schematics and a very good trouble shooting guide, Chris Bryant has a link on his web site, the motor is more likely bad than the gears, I will agree that they are a wink link, normally the steps hit the limit adjustment and the motor stops and there will be tension on the linkage and finally, monthly maintenance is good and not just when a problem arises.

So follow the trouble shooting guide and safety guidelines and you'll find the problem quickly.
mgirardo
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
We had issues with our step on our last trip the middle of last month. I've been too busy to troubleshoot, but it is weighing on my mind. Our step is a Kwikee 2 step as well. The last time I went in the motorhome, the steps were stuck closed. I don't know the date of manufacture, but it is on a 2009 Motorhome.

Ours has done this before, but usually just closing and opening the door again will get them moving. On our last trip we packed the motorhome with the steps stuck closed. When I went to put the temporary step stool inside the motorhome before driving off, the steps extended. They worked fine the rest of the trip, until the journey home. They were stuck closed when we unpacked it.

I hope to troubleshoot it in the next week or so when I get some free time.

-Michael
ksg5000
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
Had the same symptoms on two separate occasions. The first time it turned out to be a dying battery - guess the controller which is the brains of the operation goes bananas if it doesn't get proper juice. The second time (years later) it turned out to be a loose wire (hidden under shrink wrap)that was a real PIA to diagnose. Good luck.
BTPO1
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
My Kwikee steps quit working a few days ago. They have a great troubleshooting guide on line. I used it to troubleshoot. I got to one point and found out the control module was bad. The motor runs great when hooked directly to 12VDC. I do not want to pay the price for a new control module so I am going to put in a manual switch. I will be using a DPDT Momentary On-Off-On switch that I will wire for reversing DC motors. That may not work for everyone, but for me it will.
fourthclassC
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
I have a 2003 kwikee also so I'm interested... Just a suggestion for getting that plastic gear seperately, if it turns out you need one. Perhaps it is available on its own through McMaster Carr.
KJINTF
Explorer
Apr 05, 2017
My Guess
The motor is fine
The White Plastic reduction gear inside the motor housing has given up
Only problem is that the $2.00 gear is not available on it's own
Have to purchase the entire Motor assembly
j-d
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2017
I can give it a whackin'.

Are those two 5A fuses the only power to this thing? I'd think it taps of the Chassis Battery.

Is there a Wiring Diagram you can send or link me to?
dougrainer
Nomad
Apr 05, 2017
Take a hammer and whack of the motor while opening and closing the door. Just watch the Orange underneath step light. IF the motor windings have a bad spot, the hammer will make it work. Have the engine running when doing this. Then replace the motor. IF the Amber light goes ON and Off when opening and closing the door, the MOTOR IS defective. Doug
j-d
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2017
garyemunson wrote:
I would expect being a 2003 that the motor assembly is pretty worn out however that wouldn't explain the erratic operation with the door closed. Maybe 2 problems (control board or door switch AND motor)?

That crossed my mind too... Ford Window Motor... Not expensive, not hard to change...

Just bothers me that it's acting jammed. Usually when the steps are raised, they can be jiggled up and down 1/4 inch or so. I've forgotten a brush on the steps and had it raise. It stopped but the steps were "solid" like they are now.

Think I need to disconnect main power to the steps then separate the motor from the rest and see how the rest moves.
garyemunson
Explorer II
Apr 05, 2017
I would expect being a 2003 that the motor assembly is pretty worn out however that wouldn't explain the erratic operation with the door closed. Maybe 2 problems (control board or door switch AND motor)?

Forum Discussion

Erratic Kwikee Steps

20 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Kwikee Step Adjustment

Kwikee Steps Won't Extend

Kwikee steps

Kwikee Step

Kwikee electric step