Kwikee step

[Slojoe72]

The outside door step sometimes doesn't work.... sometimes gets stuck open and sometimes closed. Anything I should check .... looks like several places sell a fix it kit for around $200. any thoughts?

Thanks

[MustangGT]

My steps would sometimes stick open because the big gear had several missing teeth. So crunchy, crunchy, every time it opened and closed until it jammed.

[enblethen]

The older steps used a different switch in the door jam. I believe the old one was normally closed and the new ones use a normally open. It maybe the other way around. Did they send you a new magnetic door switch?
Door Switch

[68ragtop]

Kwikee step push the button in step will not go up fire the coach up and step retracts switch now works
any help would be great

[Slojoe72]

^^^. Kinda what I was thinking. Looks like it's the control unit bad... But just ordered the $200 repair kit. Motor, control unit, door switch and wires..... Thanks for help

[Valkyriebush]

Slojoe72 wrote:
Thanks guys
What happen?^^^^

They got mangled and crushed on a high curb while going through a toll booth because they did not retract as they should have. Motor failure. I knew it was an issue and should have fixed it asap. Forgot all about it when I got back on the road.

[Valkyriebush]

Slojoe72 wrote:
Thanks guys
What happen?^^^^

[Slojoe72]

^^^^^. Yea thanks. As I was laying on my back
Looking at it the other night I was thinking ..... If this retracts it going to take out my head. So I proceeded in a different direction.

[FIRE_UP]

What ever method you choose to work on or, analyze this problem with the steps, and, if you're trying to get them to operate while you're under there, BE EXTRA CAREFUL!! Once those steps start to retract, they can do SERIOUS DAMAGE to fingers, YOUR HEAD and any other part of basic anatomy. They are NOT FORGIVING in that operation.

But, while lubing them on an "every so often" basis is important, that motor can get corroded and, so can some of the connections. Kwikee, in its later production of those step mechanisms, started using what's called "Weather-Pak" electrical connections which, are triple sealed against weather, road dirt and debris etc.

Good luck and be careful under there.
Scott

[Slojoe72]

Thanks guys
What happen?^^^^

[Valkyriebush]

Bad motor perhaps? Get it fixed ASAP and avoid a potential disaster like I had.

[D_E_Bishop]

See Kwikee Step Manual #888 for full instructions on maintenance and trouble shooting. There may be a manual that is specific to your series and year but 888 is the most current.

If your steps were made by Lippert, Gogle Lippert.

Chris Bryant's blog will probably have both.

Contrary to the Ground police, the most common problem is a bad motor caused by excess friction due to a lack of lubrication.

[lanerd]

When was the last time you lubed it up real good. These things look like they're loose, but they still need lubing. A good lithium based white grease (spray on) works best.

Ron

[dougrainer]

If you can open and close the door and then watch the orange step light underneath. IF that orange light goes ON and OFF when you open and close the door the step magnet switch is operating. IF it fails to either close or open and the orange light is going ON and OFF, HIT the motor with a hammer while opening and closing the door. IF the motor then operates, the motor has a dead spot on the armature and you need a new motor-----This is the most common problem with Kwikee steps for inop or intermittent step operation. Caused by lack or cleaning and lubing of the step linkages over the years. Doug

[enblethen]

Grounds!
There is two. Make sure they are clean. Use some electrical grease after cleaning frame, sheet metal, bolts and wire connectors. I installed a jumper between them so both of my connection points are in the circuit.