I've seen posts regarding steps that won't deploy; I have the opposite problem. After a long drive (more than an hour), when I come to a stop light, the motor home is still in Drive, my Kwikee auto step tries to extend but immediately retracts. If it's been a particularly long haul, it will do it multiple times.Campingworld couldn't figure out what was wrong, though charged me $129 anyway.My theory: Kwikee manual says that steps may operate erratically if the coach batteries are not fully charged. Note that the way my RV is wired, the coach batteries are not recharged by the engine alternator (not sure why, all my other rigs were wired differently).I'm thinking while I'm driving, I have a draw on the coach batteries...fridge & my GPS perhaps? Curious if anyone else has experienced this kind of thing with auto steps?

Bad ground on the step. Check to make sure both grounds are clean.Get the charge system from the chassis working so it charges the battery while driving.

Bad battery and/or corroded ground wire. My step started acting like it was possessed - replaced the batteries and it worked just fine.

Replace the Door Magnet switch. Some use a PIN switch and no magnet. BUT, that is the FIRST place to start. The ONLY reason a step would attempt to deploy with the engine running(the ignition override should be engaged), is because the Door pin/magnetic switch is telling the step to deploy. Also, engage the DEADbolt lock on the entry door and then try to open the door. It will attempt to open about 1/4 inch until the Deadbolt stops it. IF the step tries or does extend, then the Door pin/magnetic switch is not adjusted correctly. The Step if the system I installed correctly will usually start to retract when the entry door is about 1 inch from fully closed. If the batteries were discharged, then there would be no power to operate the steps. Doug

I had to use small washers to extend the permanent magnet out to be closer to the magnetic switch when the door is closed, I had too big of gap to be reliable.

One of three posibilitiesONE: The inner door (Screen) is slightly bent and when you stop it moves out just enough to drop the magnetic reed switch in the jam.. NOTE> I give this one high marks as the likely suspect2 and 3 are iditical but oppositeI forget without checking which is wich but either the old or new controllers the Magnetic switch is normally closed (that is door open switch closed) and on the other it's Normally Open (Door open switch open)With the first, a short between the wires to the switch will extend the stepsWith the second a loose connection will extend the steps.I'm going to guess it is one of those 3.. My first suspect is the door.

Kwikee Step Auto Deploys After Long Drive | Good Sam Community

rk911
Explorer
Apr 11, 2016
rvindave wrote:
I've seen posts regarding steps that won't deploy; I have the opposite problem. After a long drive (more than an hour), when I come to a stop light, the motor home is still in Drive, my Kwikee auto step tries to extend but immediately retracts. If it's been a particularly long haul, it will do it multiple times.

Campingworld couldn't figure out what was wrong, though charged me $129 anyway.

My theory: Kwikee manual says that steps may operate erratically if the coach batteries are not fully charged. Note that the way my RV is wired, the coach batteries are not recharged by the engine alternator (not sure why, all my other rigs were wired differently).

I'm thinking while I'm driving, I have a draw on the coach batteries...fridge & my GPS perhaps?

Curious if anyone else has experienced this kind of thing with auto steps?

what year/make/model MH do you have. Winnebago just issued a recall for certain models and model years for that very problem.
enblethen
Nomad
Apr 11, 2016
This may shed some light on recall.
Step recall
dougrainer
Nomad
Apr 11, 2016
rk911 wrote:
rvindave wrote:
I've seen posts regarding steps that won't deploy; I have the opposite problem. After a long drive (more than an hour), when I come to a stop light, the motor home is still in Drive, my Kwikee auto step tries to extend but immediately retracts. If it's been a particularly long haul, it will do it multiple times.

Campingworld couldn't figure out what was wrong, though charged me $129 anyway.

My theory: Kwikee manual says that steps may operate erratically if the coach batteries are not fully charged. Note that the way my RV is wired, the coach batteries are not recharged by the engine alternator (not sure why, all my other rigs were wired differently).

I'm thinking while I'm driving, I have a draw on the coach batteries...fridge & my GPS perhaps?

Curious if anyone else has experienced this kind of thing with auto steps?

what year/make/model MH do you have. Winnebago just issued a recall for certain models and model years for that very problem.

OP has a 2012, not a Winne. The Winne recall is for 2015/2016 certain models with Kwikee steps. I cannot find where Winne has a remedy yet. It has been in research for at least 4 months by Winne. Doug
dougrainer
Nomad
Apr 11, 2016
enblethen wrote:
This may shed some light on recall.
Step recall

The door MAGNETIC switch can come loose and lose contac and the step will extend. Winne dealers will be installing a lockwasher/nut on the door switch to prevent it from coming loose, Per Winne today. Doug
rvindave
Explorer
Apr 14, 2016
Thanks for the heads up on the recall. Though I don't have a Winnie, I am going to call Phoenix Cruiser and see if others have reported this issue on their rigs.
dougrainer
Nomad
Apr 15, 2016
rvindave wrote:
Thanks for the heads up on the recall. Though I don't have a Winnie, I am going to call Phoenix Cruiser and see if others have reported this issue on their rigs.

You do not understand. The recall has NOTHING to do with the Steps. It has to do with how Winne installed the Magnetic door switch wrong. Doug

Forum Discussion

Kwikee Step Auto Deploys After Long Drive

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Kwikee steps

deploying side awning

Kwikee Steps Won't Extend

Kwikee Step

Leveling Jacks won't deploy