My new 1997 Allegro Bus has Kwikee steps but the door switch is broken (it pops off at inconvenient times) and I'm considering going to a manual step as our rig doesn't really sit that high and I fear malfunction at the wrong time like while filling up or any other situation where you don't want to be "stuck" dealing with it. THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN THE STEP OFF IN THE RETRACTED POSITION. YOU CAN ONLY TURN IT OFF EXTENDED. I'VE TRIED AND TRIED.It had been fine all summer while we were parked plugged in in the yard but when I went out to store the levelers the other day the force knocked the switch piece off of the screen door. I'm lucky I found it laying on the grass or I never would have figured out why my steps wouldn't retract. I now have it secured with good ole duct tape but this is something I don't want to deal with on the road.Has anyone else gone back to manual or should I just replace the switch? I won't be doing any work on it until spring but I'm taking it in for service at the dealer on Tuesday so I can spend my time waiting looking at prices, options, etc.

I've had two different motorhomes with power steps and never had a single problem with the door switch. Sound like a unique and rare problem. Try changing the switch and see if it helps. Also, if I want to shut the steps off in the retracted position, you have to do it with the key off. Have the steps on, close the door, switch the steps off and open the door to get out without the steps extended. The steps will always retract when the key switch is turned on to start the motor.

since an electric motor operates the steps, I would think you could find the right wire, cut it, install a separate switch to turn it on and off?bumpy

Bumpyroad wrote:since an electric motor operates the steps, I would think you could find the right wire, cut it, install a separate switch to turn it on and off?bumpy Its the yellow wire:B

Thank you all! Maybe a new switch and a rewire job will be my answer!Actually the switch is fine. It's the little plastic bracket screwed to the screen door that broke which probably can't be bought by itself. lol

dayakster wrote:Thank you all! Maybe a new switch and a rewire job will be my answer!Actually the switch is fine. It's the little plastic bracket screwed to the screen door that broke which probably can't be bought by itself. lolThat part is a magnet to operate the magnetically operated switch.

I'm thinking of going to manual steps. | Good Sam Community

larry_cad
Explorer II
Oct 04, 2014
I've had two different motorhomes with power steps and never had a single problem with the door switch. Sound like a unique and rare problem. Try changing the switch and see if it helps. Also, if I want to shut the steps off in the retracted position, you have to do it with the key off. Have the steps on, close the door, switch the steps off and open the door to get out without the steps extended. The steps will always retract when the key switch is turned on to start the motor.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Oct 04, 2014
since an electric motor operates the steps, I would think you could find the right wire, cut it, install a separate switch to turn it on and off?
bumpy
B_s_Bunch
Explorer
Oct 04, 2014
Bumpyroad wrote:
since an electric motor operates the steps, I would think you could find the right wire, cut it, install a separate switch to turn it on and off?
bumpy
Its the yellow wire:B
dayakster
Explorer
Oct 04, 2014
Thank you all! Maybe a new switch and a rewire job will be my answer!

Actually the switch is fine. It's the little plastic bracket screwed to the screen door that broke which probably can't be bought by itself. lol
larry_cad
Explorer II
Oct 04, 2014
dayakster wrote:
Thank you all! Maybe a new switch and a rewire job will be my answer!

Actually the switch is fine. It's the little plastic bracket screwed to the screen door that broke which probably can't be bought by itself. lol

That part is a magnet to operate the magnetically operated switch.
othertonka
Explorer
Oct 04, 2014
If you go to manual, watch out for that FIRST STEP, it will be a long one until you employ the step.
Jagtech
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014
I wouldn't remove the power step, but rather fix the problem. Removal is asking for an accident to happen when someone is exiting the rig and expects a step to be there.
Vet_Man
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014
When I wanted to park next to a deck and not want the step to go out, I put a magnet near the magnet on the door it closed and stayed closed. Remove the magnet and door opened. I was able to stick mine to the side of the stairway, because it was metal.
dayakster
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014
Vet Man wrote:
When I wanted to park next to a deck and not want the step to go out, I put a magnet near the magnet on the door it closed and stayed closed. Remove the magnet and door opened. I was able to stick mine to the side of the stairway, because it was metal.

AH, now that's an idea. Trick it! Thanks.
dayakster
Explorer
Oct 05, 2014
Jagtech wrote:
I wouldn't remove the power step, but rather fix the problem. Removal is asking for an accident to happen when someone is exiting the rig and expects a step to be there.

On the Allegro Bus the first two interior steps are pretty steep so you really have to be looking when you start down them. The step down to the outside ground, sans steps, isn't really that far.

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I'm thinking of going to manual steps.

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