Entry steps

[jonathangstein]

I have a 2006 Fiesta LX. It has the automatic entry steps. These steps go out when the door opens and in when the door closes. There is a switch that you can press that keeps the steps open when the door is closed and the engine is off.

Today, I picked up the RV from storage and the steps would not open. Or close. They are stuck, apparently, about 1/2" out. I charged the battery, lubed the hinges, and checked the connections. They all appear fine.

Under the steps, there is a motor with an orange light. The light comes on when the door opens and turns off when the door closes. But, despite all of this, the steps won't open or close. I think it may be a bad motor, but I am leaving tomorrow and don't have time to fix it.

So, is there a manual override that would let me put the steps in and out? If so, where is it? The owner's manual is sorely lacking in this area.

Thanks!

[RayChez]

The electric steps are very simple. If they are not working it has to be that the electric motor is not getting any power or the motor itself is bad. If it is a Kwikee they have small electric motors which are basicly the same used on many electric windows on automobiles.

If they are SCS/Frigette now sold by Lippert they have the bigger electric motors, but can be ordered directly from the Lippert company.

[Vet_Man]

unhook the linkage under the steps, check for movement. You may have to tie them in, then use a stool until fixed.

[super_camper]

I have had enough problems with my steps that I have actually learned enough about them to fix several problems. What you're experiencing is similar to a problem I had.

The steps are basically made up of a control system, gear assembly, and motor. The control systems sets direction and the motor runs until it senses force.

If you're steps are stuck at the halfway point and they're not making any noise at all (clicking or humming) I would start with checking power, grounds, and switches. Next I would check the motor. You already know there is power to the steps because of the light so you just need to get a meter and check in that area.

The only way I know of to move the steps manually is to unhook the gear assembly (its quite easy to do) and you then simply move them back and forth with your hand and temporarily wire them up for travel.

When working around the steps you need to take precautions as you don't want them moving when you're under there. There is quite alot of force from that little motor when run through the gearing mechanism that could cause injury.

[Artum_Snowbird]

Another trip I used was to disconect power, then go underneath the rig and look for step mounting screws. Loosen t

hem until you can feel a little wobble, then stay away from the steps, but have someone apply power. The non binding step might said along perfectly. If this works, tighten each mounting bolt in turn, and try again... I ended up putting a few washers under mine in certain spots, and it ran freely after that.

[RayChez]

It could also be that you have dead house batteries. Check your fuses.

[FIRE_UP]

Well Sir,
We've owned (4) motor homes and three of them had automatic steps. To the best of my knowledge, there is no "over ride" that you can use to make these steps manually operate, in or out. You can, however, climb under there and remove the actuating arm from the motor gear box that connects to the rotating horizontal tube/arm of the steps and that will allow you manually pull the steps back under the coach and secure them there until you get a chance to investigate further on a possible repair.

Sometimes those gears get bound up in there and all it takes is to release that little "S" arm I told you about and then tap that gear box with a tiny hammer, around a 4 0z. ball peen. No guaranties here, just a possible remedy. Those motors work by resistance. There is no "limit" switch on either end to stop the motor when the steps are all the way out or, all the way in. So, while it could be the motor, it might be something binding that's causing that motor to stop.
Scott