Forum Discussion

Rwake901's avatar
Rwake901
Explorer
Aug 16, 2017

Kwikee Steps won't work

Went out to our motorhome tonight to look at something. The Kwikee steps came out fine, when I shut the door they went up about 3/4 of the way or so and stopped. They won't go up or down. I took the motor off hooked it up to a car battery and it works fine. So I put the motor back on, the steps went out then when I shut the door they went in 3/4 of the way or so and stopped again. They won't go out or in. It got dark on me so I will have to look at it again tomorrow but I thought maybe someone might have a better idea of what the issue is.. Thanks
Class A
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2017
    Rwake901 wrote:
    A1B00902 wrote:
    x2 low battery
    when you took out the motor, did you clean and lube it


    The motorhome is plugged into shore power so I'm pretty sure it's not the battery. Plus I started the motorhome and it still won't work. Yes I cleaned it while I had it off. I think I read on here one time that you can use an electric window motor they are the same thing and cheaper to buy. Is this correct? They look the same.

    Correct, just lay it on your desk and match it up with the photos on Amazon. You can find them in the rv step section or in the auto window section, but will prbably find the latter to be cheaper. You know, it's an RV thing.
    Before doing anything though, I would cut or otherwise disconnect the two motor wires and (STAY OUT OF THE WAY) apply 12vdc directly. Reversing the wires will send it the other way.
  • billyboy's avatar
    billyboy
    Explorer
    Aug 21, 2017
    I just had the same problem, as it got intermittent and then quit. I climbed underneath and found a wire that corroded off, but it was hard to see at first, as it was sitting close together at the button end connector. New connector and it works.
  • Gottahaveit's avatar
    Gottahaveit
    Moderator
    Aug 21, 2017
    Had pretty much the same issue with the step working intermittently. Ordered a new motor from Amazon ($70) and had it delivered to the CG we were at a few weeks ago. Easy install with pretty much 3 screws. Should have done it sooner, works like a charm.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Aug 21, 2017
    Rwake901 wrote:
    Gjac wrote:
    Rwake, how did you make out with your steps?


    Took the motor off and apart it was jammed. So I un- jammed it lubed everything up put it back on and it worked one time then jammed up again. After I un-jam it it works fine when hooked to a battery but when you put a load on it it stops and jam's up. I called Kwikee and they said it was definitely the motor. I have one on order it will be here tomorrow. I can't believe it only lasted a little over two years or course just past the warranty.
    Thanks for letting us know , good luck with the new motor.
  • Rwake901's avatar
    Rwake901
    Explorer
    Aug 20, 2017
    Gjac wrote:
    Rwake, how did you make out with your steps?


    Took the motor off and apart it was jammed. So I un- jammed it lubed everything up put it back on and it worked one time then jammed up again. After I un-jam it it works fine when hooked to a battery but when you put a load on it it stops and jam's up. I called Kwikee and they said it was definitely the motor. I have one on order it will be here tomorrow. I can't believe it only lasted a little over two years or course just past the warranty.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Aug 20, 2017
    Rwake, how did you make out with your steps?
  • BluegrassBill's avatar
    BluegrassBill
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2017
    With the kwikee motor disconnected from the step does it move easily full up ?
    Also the gearbox attached to the motor has regulator plugs that flat spot. Napa and others carry window regulator replacement plugs. There are 3 plugs. A package is not very expensive. The motors very seldom go bad. It is possible that the gearbox gear has lost some teeth, you would hear a grinding noise if that had happened.
  • Rwake901's avatar
    Rwake901
    Explorer
    Aug 16, 2017
    Thanks for all the response's and ideas of what could be the problem. This evening when I get home from work I'm going to take the motor and gear box completely off and tear it apart clean it all up and lube it to see if that helps. Once it goes up about 3/4 of the way it's just dead it won't do anything. If cleaning it up doesn't help I guess I'll order a new motor and give that a try. Sure wouldn't think this would be bad already on a two year old motorhome. Seems like it's always something though.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Aug 16, 2017
    If you have the manual it gives simple steps to trouble shoot the steps. If not you can find theses steps on line. It will test the motor, the magnetic switch in the door and the controller to determine which one is bad. Sounds like you kind of tested the motor and it works with no load and good voltage. Do you have good voltage at the plug that goes to the motor? Will the motor work when it is installed and you help the steps with your hand? With the motor out can you move the steps in and out with your hand without binding?

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