Circuit breaker Question?

[dad4papa2]

Being a DIY I am terrible with electric 12v systems. Should this circuit breaker have continuity if it is closed? Does it open and reset if there is a short issue?? can they weld themselves open from a short???

Thanks in advance from Dad

[enblethen]

At least four things could be involved.
Item 1 is the circuit from the ignition switch which should tell step to retract. make sure there is power to step from ignition circuit.
Item 2 is the door switch not communicating with the control module
Item 3 Bad control module
Item 4 the switch by door to disable step

[dad4papa2]

Well this took a bit longer than I wanted but it started raining and rained for several days.
Finally replaced the circuit breaker (it was a 30Amp) and it made no change in the step operation.

With tat being said here is something that has me scratching my head. I had unhooked the motor and jumped the motor to reverse it and the steps went up without even a moan. So I took it for a test run yo get it inspected but had hooked the motor back up. The step stayed in the raised position so I could drive it.

Two blocks from my shop that inspects it for the Missouri inspection the step activates itself and the steps go down.

Now this should never happen with the motor running so now I'm going what the heck. I get out of the MH and the steps stay down no matter what position my switch is in. I start the engine and they stay down.

So now I am wondering what told them to go down??? Kind of weird to me!!!

Any suggestions???

Thanks much Dennis

[time2roll]

dad4papa2 wrote:
Being a DIY I am terrible with electric 12v systems. Should this circuit breaker have continuity if it is closed? Does it open and reset if there is a short issue?? can they weld themselves open from a short???

Thanks in advance from Dad

Those things are miserable, nothing but trouble.

Consider something like this:
Bussmann CB255-20 Weatherproof Marine Rated

[enblethen]

Once you change the circuit breaker, test the step to see how it operates and let us know?
Many of the kits are on ebay.
Dpn't forget to check the grounds!

[dad4papa2]

enblethen wrote:
I would not use a switch. A momentary double pole double throw to (to reverse polarity) switch would work but rating should be rated a minimum 20 amp, 30-40 amp would be better.
Have you checked Ebay for upgrade kit? Or other parts.
After replacing circuit breaker, check operation.
Another common problem is the TWO ground connections for the step.

Checked and cleaned all ground cables and positive cables first thing.

Yes found some on ebay and Etrailer has them.about same price and much better priced.

Will have to figure out what to do now.

Thanks much!

Dad

[dad4papa2]

Thanks Doug I talked to these folks this morning. I’m looking at it as a solution! Thanks much. Yes I am changing the circuit breaker anyway.

Thanks all for your help.

Dad

[dougrainer]

1. THIS is the only part you need. If you have a double Kwikee electric step. Less than 50% of a new step.

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Kwikee/LC379145.html
2. That 12 volt Circuit Breaker you had a pic of. The odds are from the exterior of the Breaker, it is CORRODED inside. This type metal 12 volt breaker is NOT water tight. Once corrosion gets in the interior protection for a short is gone. Replace it regardless. Doug

[enblethen]

I would not use a switch. A momentary double pole double throw to (to reverse polarity) switch would work but rating should be rated a minimum 20 amp, 30-40 amp would be better.
Have you checked Ebay for upgrade kit? Or other parts.
After replacing circuit breaker, check operation.
Another common problem is the TWO ground connections for the step.

[dad4papa2]

On a second thought I will call them back and ask about a total used step!!! Thanks I hadn't thought about that.

Dad

No they have no used steps that will work right now!!! Dang was a good idea though! Thanks

Dad

[dad4papa2]

Thanks much. I called Colaws 2 days ago and they are presently sold out of the used ones. The price of the new upgrade was big $.

Quick question is can a three way switch mounted just inside the door be wired up to motor to get steps up and down. Not my favorite choice but we use this MH about 3 times a year now and having a hard time justifying $400.00 plus.

Just a thought!

Dad

[enblethen]

You have a good place in your area for parts,Colaw . They have steps and parts. The upgraded for controller requires changing door magnetic switch.
The circuit breaker should be a 20 ampere.
I screwed on my step on a narrow bridge and got a used like new from Colaw for less then what you were quoted for upgrade parts.

[dad4papa2]

enblethen wrote:
Make and model of step?
If Kwikee, What color controller box?

Yes it is a Kwikee step series 32. Serial number is 120794. Control Unit is 909506000.
I am pretty sure it is original from the 1996 manufacturing date of MH.

the controller is Black.

I talked to the Lippert company yesterday and was informed that that controller was no longer available and it I wanted my step to work as normql that I would need to purchase a kit for $400.00 plus dollars and install it all together. Seems a bit high for a 1996 Mh but I will see.

He told me to do a test on the controller and if I didn't pass that test that the controller was bad.

Well it didn't pass so I need to look at other options.

I'm going to call a used RV place today to see about a used one that might give me a solution.

What do you all think is my direction to travel??

I will replace the circuit breaker prior to buying anyting expensive though.

Dad

[wa8yxm]

Without reading the label on that yes there might be continuity when opened (Tripped) but several ohms. Closed(not tripped) near zero likely below your meter's ability to measure.

How those work
A bi-metal "bar" (or spring)gets hot as current passes and as it does it bends. Bends enough... circuit is "broken" at this point the "Optional" kicks in.

Optional there may be a high resistance resistor wire wrapped around the bi-metal strip and it is attached in such a way that when the points open it carries current. not a whole lot of current but current... this keeps the breaker "open" till all loads are removed.... Took me a while to figure it out when one went bad and after replacement I did a dissection.

[opnspaces]

If the picture is of your actual breaker then I would replace it. You can buy another at almost any auto parts store.

Also yes it should normally be closed and allow continuity. When it encounters an over current it will trip open. Some breakers will auto reset after a bit, others will have a small reset button somewhere on them.