Electric steps

[bamaman3]

How can I retract electric steps manually?

[Dutch_12078]

If you have nothing else suitable on hand, once you pull the pin or key and manually retract the steps, wrap a few layers of duct or reinforced packaging tape around them to secure them for travel.

[D_E_Bishop]

First off, I know nothing to speak of about any of the electric steps with the exception of the KwiKee brand, so knowing what brand you have would help. Knowing the age of the steps would also be a good thing.

Removing the clevis pin from the motor arm and step lever can be a real PITA. Somehow they get installed so that in certain positions it is really impossible to remove the pin and removing the motor is the solution. I put my clevis pin in backwards from the factory and used a hairpin retainer rather than a cotter key(yes key is correct pin is the common usage but key is correct), it is much easier to remove. With the steps down, there can still be movement of the steps and I simply put a block of wood under the step when disconnecting.

The KwiKee manual is your best source of information, search on line, the manual number is 888 or Chris Bryant has it on his website.

On edit, after reading your follow up post, here is my suggestion, when my steps had failed, I used a ratchet style cargo strap it hold it up in place. They have a million and one used and carrying a couple in the RV is smart. Still need to know your make and model to send diagram of what to do.

[bamaman3]

Thanks Tropical36 I need to get the steps in in order to drive it home.

[sch911]

There is no manual retract method on most step systems. As stated you would need to disconnect the step mechanism from the electric motor and then you can manually retract. If you do this you will also need to secure the steps in the closed position as they will not stay retracted, a ratchet strap can be used for this.

[tropical36]

bamaman3 wrote:
How can I retract electric steps manually?

Up front on the bottom step, there should be a pin, that you can pull, freeing it from the mechanism. Gonna be a little tough with the steps in though.
You didn't elaborate, but when troubleshooting and if you can't find any way to disconnect the wires going to the motor itself, cut them and apply 12v directly to the motor, but do GET OUT OF THE WAY first.
reversing the leads will send it the other way.
No worky at all, then most likely the motor needs replaced and available on Amazon. Look in the auto power window section for a savings and with the old one in hand to match it up.