Automatic Retracting Steps help

[rekoj71]

The automatic steps on my RV extended today when I started the MH. It's a 2013 Fleetwood Bounder Classic, that I've had for 2 years now and even drove just 2 weeks ago for 800miles with no problems, and I haven't done anything that I can think of that would have changed how they should behave. If I turn off the engine the steps extend and retract with the door opening and closing like they should so I think the magnetic switch is working, and if I turn the switch for the steps they will stay extended like they are supposed to no mater the door position as long as the key is out. So why when I now, this week try to drive it I can turn off the steps switch so the steps retract when I shut the door, but I turn the key on and the steps extended. I won't be near the RV till tomorrow but looking for some ideas to look for when I get to it tomorrow.
I got them to retract by closing the door with the key out and then disconnected the Power junction (4 wires I think), and that kept them up to drive, but I had to leap into the MH to get to where I needed to go.
I'm good with a multi-meter but not sure where to start looking or what color wire does what. Sorry I don't know the brand and didn't see a label but I was in a hurry.

Thanks in advance,
Brian

[real4u2c]

Thanks Doug, I am going out today get the spray, I surely hope that cures the issue

[dougrainer]

real4u2c wrote:
I hate to crash your post, but my step wont completely retract, the door switch is aligned and i dont see anything loose underneath in the way of wires or armatures.

If the step operates but fails to fully retract, odds are the linkages are all rusted/corroded. Spray liberal amounts of Liquid Wrench on all the joints and pivot points and then operate the steps until they free up. Doug

[real4u2c]

I hate to crash your post, but my step wont completely retract, the door switch is aligned and i dont see anything loose underneath in the way of wires or armatures.

[irishtom29]

This is off topic but I'd just as soon the stairs just worked manually by means of a handle inside the stairwell but also easily reached from outside with the door open.

[lonfu]

Last trip, step didn't retract, it a rock. Had to pull them off and pound out the metal work. Reinstalled, cleaned all contacts and lubed. Works like a charm. I have noticed that to get the step to go in when it is locked out I must turn the ignition key to on twice. It then comes in on the 2nd time. Not sure why this is happening, but suspect the control box is failing. See how long it lasts.....

[lonfu]

I would suggest you check the magnetic switch alignment on your door. Some times they get kicked around by accident and stop working correctly. Lastly, I installed a lockout switch on my unit to cut power to the unit entirely for when I'm home with my stairs up against the side of my coach. I can lock it out or lock it in. The switch is on my dash. I noticed that the stairs light tends to drain the battery and attract bugs when I'm boondocking.

[dougrainer]

Just to check, CUT the yellow wire and see if the problem goes away. If it does NOT, then the controller is not the problem. Doug

[Spizzer]

Reko,

For grins, here is the link to the post I made with the problem:

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27869946.cfm

I am trying to find my pictures for my setup....

jeff

[rekoj71]

OP here. Found out that they are Kwikee Platinum series, and I did eventually find the troubleshooting steps along with a good video on VIMEO from Power Gear, who makes Kwikee steps. The video shows 4 wires to the controller, plus a green ground wire. The Red is always powered, the Brown is grounded when the door closes, the White is powered when the override switch next to the door is on to keep the steps out while parked, and the Yellow is powered when the ignition is on to override the override switch just in case it's left on, so the steps will retract when the engine is on and the door closed.
The Video was very good and since everything works as advertised except when the Engine is on, and all of the wires were showing the proper voltage when they were supposed to, I can only assume that it is the step controller. Of course I'll never figure out how these things know that their 2 year warrantee expired just 2 weeks ago 😞 It's a solid state unit so once I'm stationary for awhile and ready to order the part I might see if I can open it up and see if some corrosion or other contact inside of it is shorting out. Don't see any extra wires or a diode, but I'm not sure yet what the back side looks like.
I have to wait till I'm more stationary to get a part delivered but until then just have to unplug the steps after they retract but before I turn on the engine. By the way if anyone else see's this and does the power disconnect thing be careful as the step usually extends as soon as the plug is put back in no matter the door position, and I read about a recall in which another manufacturer suggested this trick so someone could get on the road, and a guy got pinned under his steps in the process. Not sure if it is the same recall that "Ray & June" mentioned or not.
Fleetwood, when I called didn't know of an issue with my steps having an issue yet but did take the information for reference.

[Spizzer]

I had a similar thing with my 07 Journey. In the wiring goi g to the step, there was a short "extension cord" connected to the plug coming from the chassis and then to the plug goi g to the steps. In the short extension there was a wire coming out going to ground. It turns out that extension has a diode in it protecting the the step circuit board from an over voltage. The diode had shorted the wire to ground. I removed the etension and plugged the step connector directly into the chassis connector, and the step worked perfectly. This was an easy workaround until I replaced the diode.

Don't know if that helps you......good luck.

Jeff

[D_E_Bishop]

I am at a location with limited and throttled interconnect so can't say much. Read the trouble shooting steps in your manual. If they are Kwikee, you'll find the help you need.

Good Luck

[jhilley]

Might just be position of the Step Switch.

[Mandalay_Parr]

Yes, check with Fleetwood. Very likely in the circuit board.

[Ray___June]

I don't know if they are the same steps, but I just got a recall notice on my 2015 Itasca about the steps extending while the engine is running. You might check with Fleetwood.