Kwikee Electric Step Problem

I had to replace the Kwikee step motor in our 2009 Class C in 2017, right before we traded it in. The steps would not open without help and then just quit. Ours did not make any unusual noise. When I removed the original motor, the gears looked fine. Replacing the motor is a relatively quick and easy job. There are plenty of YouTube videos showing how to replace it.

-Michael

fred42,

The motor, I believe, is a standard power window motor (maybe Ford?) and available from autoparts stores probably cheaper than the Kwikee part. I've never had to change mine, but perhaps someone here can give you some assistance with the part number. I don't know if the motor also includes the gear case as well.

The one thing I CAN tell you is to be very, very careful when working around those steps. NEVER put fingers, hands or any other appendage anywhere near the step action area UNLESS you've disconnected power to the steps and are 100% sure they cannot move. The scissor action of those bars quite possibly could sever fingers. So, be VERY careful.

Good Luck,

~Rick

The motor you have and the only replacement I am sure of is from AM Equipment in Oregon. The phone number is 541 327 1546. I don't remember who to ask to speak to but they make the motor and will sell it directly to you. I believe the motor is part number 210-1009. When you remove the motor you can check.

If you can get to the four 1/4-20 nuts that hold the entire assembly to the steps, remove the entire assembly. I find it easier to R&R the motor at the bench than laying on your back.

I saw sellers on Amazon with those motors when I had to replace mine last week. Mine was a different style motor.

Pull the complete drive assembly off the frame shown in your photo and take it apart. You will see immediately if the problem is the gear drive, or the motor, or both, or neither. All the parts are available.

Chum lee

The grinding is the gears in the motor.
The motor assembly has a part number, or the step assembly has a part number. Look on Amamzon for the motor, and you will find the motor with the plastic head (not the gears).
You could buy the motor in an autoparts store but that would be a 3-4 hour job to figure out how to do it, when for $10 more you buy the motoro with the plastic head assembled.
You can remove and install in 5 minutes.

Step Motor Improvement Kits

Dorman Window Lift Motor 742-251 at Autozone

Take your complete old step motor into Autozone and see if it matches this one.

It's a simple swap to change the gear from the old one to the new one and swap the connector plug - you're back in business. There are 3 plastic discs under the cover that sometimes crumble. They're there to transmit power from the worm gear driven gear to the output gear. I'll bet yours are nothing but a bunch of course granules now.

See also: > KWIKEE STEP MOTOR REPLACEMENT SERIES 32

Thanks All!

I see the metal gears look fine. I will have to assume the worm gear on the motor (plastic?) is bad which would make that kind of sound. I do not have those clip removal pliers to take it apart. I will get a new motor assembly.

When reassembling, do the gears have to put in sync somehow with the current position of the step? Or does it all operate by hitting a hard stop?

"When reassembling, do the gears have to put in sync somehow with the current position of the step? Or does it all operate by hitting a hard stop?"

You have to set the motor/gearbox up so that you can insert the pin/cotter pin that holds the bent arm on the stair linkage within the travel of the stairs. That's it. The electronic motor controller senses motor direction and when the stairs are at the end of their upper and lower travel limits. Be careful when putting the motor/gear drive back in. It is easy to pinch hands/fingers in the stair levers and linkage. Support the weight of the stairs so that they don't swing free when the linkage is disconnected. Connect the multi-point pin connector (the power) last. Next time, it's much easier.

Chum lee

If you remove the 4 screws holding the metal motor cover to the plastic housing, you can slide out the motor. Make sure you mark the position in relationship to the plastic and metal pieces as they are often reinstalled backwards causing the retracting when door is open and extending when door is closed. A clean cloth and solvent will remove the gunk buildup on the worm gear exposing it for inspection. A good cleaning, re-lubricating and Proper reassembly often solves many ills on those steps.

Now a word of caution, depending on your unit, you may have to pay particular attention to the reassembly where the two spring loaded guides (brush) on the shaft are in the proper position. This is a common cause of steps not opening or closing. The the guide will hug the shaft and move in and out opposite each other to ensure the motor remains in a specific working position while spinning freely when working. However a good jolt or other forces can cause just enough of a gap between those two guides on one side for the entire motor to jump put of alignment and not spin freely. So pay attention and make sure it can spin before remounting. I found on my unit that a small rubber bumper epoxy to the end cap area of the metal housing was enough to keep the magnets from moving the motor when the guides hiccuped and allowed enough of a gap to no longer hold the shaft in the exact position needed to have the steps move in and out.

So, you'll be surprised how much a cleaning and greasing/lubricating can restore full function to those steps.