Kwikee Step troubleshooting

[A-Arrighi]

Hi All,

I have a 26' Dynamax class C with a single step Kwikee. the step stopped working last weekend so I thought I would just get under and try to troubleshoot it. I checked the fuse first, good, and then crawled under the step to check for power but all the wiring goes to a sealed control box so I have no idea how to check to see if it's getting power. It seemed to be working fine last time we were out so I am assuming it's a power issue and not a mechanical problem.

Any ideas on what I need to do to test the unit. Thank you

[A-Arrighi]

I finally got some time this weekend to work on the RV Step. Found power was getting down to the unit some I proceeded to take the step actuator motor and gearbox apart. Once removed I applied 12v to the motor and it worked. Took the gearbox apart and found quite a bit of corrosion and dirt inside the gearbox. Cleaned, greased and reinstalled. Although this didn't seem to be the problem I serviced it anyway.

Upon re-installation I found that the step needed adjustment, seems it was opening too far and appeared to be getting jammed. So a little adjustment and I have a freshly tuned up working step..

Thanks all that replied.

Added bonus was I found a broken tailpipe hanger that was the source of a rattle so that got replaced as well.

[klutchdust]

I forgot about this post from awhile back. Maybe this helps.

Posted: 09/01/14 10:39am Link | Quote | Edit | Print | Notify Moderator
Here is the information i used when repairing the steps on my BIL's Monaco Dynasty.

I called a large RV parts dealer in Texas, and told him that I needed a motor for a 32 series Kwikee step. He said that I could not get just a motor that I would have to buy the complete kit that included the controller, gear box and motor as a matched kit. The cost was $209 for the kit. I told him that I had heard that the motor was a window lift motor. He said that he had not heard that and that he doubted that information.

I did research and found that by looking on the NAPA internet site they had photos of the lift motors. I found that a 1986-1995 Ford Taurus left front window lift motor matched my motor. NAPA part # BK655-1395 $63.99 I ordered my motor from Auto-Zone Manufactured by Dorman part# 742-206. This has a lifetime Warranty and was $49.99.

[A-Arrighi]

Thank you for the info. On second thought the step has been working a little slow lately so it may be the motor needs to come off and be cleaned greased. I'll check for power first and remove the motor/gearbox if needed. This RV has sat for several years before we purchased it and I've had to do some work on almost every system to get it 100% Guess it's just the steps turn, 😉

Thanks again. I'll report back once I get it resolved.

[Rolin]

I had a similar problem with my single step kwikee. On mine there was a connector that you can disconnect and check the voltages to ensure that the different controls are working correctly. On mine the tests were ok. So I tried to use 12v direct to the motor (another connector that you can remove). Still didn't move, so I took the gear and motor assembly off. Then separated the motor from the gear assembly...planned to get a new motor but the motor worked when not attached to the gear assembly.

I had left the step extended when the motorhome was parked and it appears that the stress had caused the gear assembly to lock. Did some disassembly and regreased everything. Reassembled and step works great.

[klutchdust]

I worked on my friends step on his Monaco. I started with the switch inside the coach, is power going down to the step. Are there any connections under the coach,

they are in the elements and salt will corrode them quickly. I narrowed it down to the box, had power going in and nothing out. being a sealed unit there isn't much

I could do but recommend that be changed. There were some connections i could insert a test light probe into, avoid if you can piercing the wires, it will corrode

there. Once the step was just jammed from gunk and once lubed it worked ok. Look on the TECH section of this website, there is some info over there also.