Forum Discussion

rvindave's avatar
rvindave
Explorer
Apr 10, 2016

Kwikee Step Auto Deploys After Long Drive

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?

16 Replies

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  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Apr 10, 2016
    and you,d think CW would have seen this problem before.I vote check out the last three post before spending any more money on it. or call a mobil mech they seen most all problems.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Apr 10, 2016
    One of three posibilities

    ONE: 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 suspect

    2 and 3 are iditical but opposite

    I 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 steps

    With 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.
  • Harvard's avatar
    Harvard
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2016
    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.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 10, 2016
    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
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2016
    Bad battery and/or corroded ground wire. My step started acting like it was possessed - replaced the batteries and it worked just fine.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 10, 2016
    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.

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