Power steps acts crazy

[Sully2]

Entry steps acts weird. Sometimes it works properly...other times it only extends about 5 inches and thats it. It always retracts fully...so on the occasions it doesnt extend fully....you have to close the door and have it go in...then try again. It MAY come out fully that time...OR you might have to close the door 3-4 times to get it to act right..???

Does it need some sort of maintenance or a super good lube job..or ???..Any good ideas?

[Sully2]

seatboard wrote:
As above, Lube. Our 2006 Revolution had the same problem. Thanks to being a member of this forum, I had heard of this problem before. I bought a spray can of good lube ($14) and sprayed every joint. Havent had any problems or noise since. I plan to do it as often as it seems necessary.

One of the problems I have is finding spray OIL....I can find silicon lube everywhere...but no oil for some reason.

I have top notch oil products here but have to apply them with the little pump type squirt oil cans

[seatboard]

As above, Lube. Our 2006 Revolution had the same problem. Thanks to being a member of this forum, I had heard of this problem before. I bought a spray can of good lube ($14) and sprayed every joint. Havent had any problems or noise since. I plan to do it as often as it seems necessary.

[Jagtech]

Of course, everyone knows to keep arms and hands clear of those steps when working on them! Especially if they are doing weird things. (the steps, that is...)

[Sully2]

Big Katuna wrote:
If you are a little mechanical and don't mind laying on your back, you can figure it out for sure. You need two people. You need to find the two wire connector and be ready to unplug it when the other person opens or closes the door. Unplug the plug when its halfway through. That takes the tension off the driving arm. Take out the little cotter key and pull out the pin. The steps will be free to swing in and out. They should go all the way up and all the way out with no resistance. THis lets you lube away and manipulate them as needed. If they are already swinging free, you have a bad ground or a failing motor. T

THe two wires are power; one in, one for out. THere is a separate ground wire. I had a ground wire that had a bulge in it and it was a nick that corroded from road salt I guess.

I have a different type of step. No "swinging" with mine at all....its all IN or OUT...and the whole gizmo is covered by a sheet metal plate that has to come off first

[Big_Katuna]

If you are a little mechanical and don't mind laying on your back, you can figure it out for sure. You need two people. You need to find the two wire connector and be ready to unplug it when the other person opens or closes the door. Unplug the plug when its halfway through. That takes the tension off the driving arm. Take out the little cotter key and pull out the pin. The steps will be free to swing in and out. They should go all the way up and all the way out with no resistance. THis lets you lube away and manipulate them as needed. If they are already swinging free, you have a bad ground or a failing motor. T

THe two wires are power; one in, one for out. THere is a separate ground wire. I had a ground wire that had a bulge in it and it was a nick that corroded from road salt I guess.

[wa8yxm]

JohnnyT wrote:
Gary, My experience has been that lubrication is often the cause of step reacting erratically.

That is how I was taught too... That would always be my first choice.

Bad electrical connection can do it too.

[Effy]

Kwikeee makes their own lube. It's liquid and then solidifies to a grease. Works great. Also bad ground could be a culprit. I had to reroute my ground as it was installed on the back of the step box. Wonder it even worked. I filed a spot on the chassis and connected and never had an issue since.

[bsinmich]

UltraKen wrote:
I prefer White Lithium grease in spray can.

X2

[UltraKen]

I prefer White Lithium grease in spray can.

[JR45]

Nothing like a good lube job. Use something like a silicone spray lubricant that will not collect dirt and dust.
JR

[Jagtech]

Also check for bad grounds on wiring to controller.

[Sully2]

Okie Dokie fellas. Thanks

[garry1p]

first thought is lub the steps.

2nd make sure the batteries are fully charged.

[Hikerdogs]

I think JohnnyT hit the nail on the head. The motor controller monitors the amperage draw of the motor and shut it off when it gets to a certain level. If the stairs need lubrication the motor could be reaching the shut off amperage before they are fully extended.

The previous generation used limit switches. A lot of motors failed when the stairs either got rusty or hit an obsticle and wouldn't extend far enough to make the switch. The motor would continue to try to move them until it eventually burnt out. Now at least the motor shuts off before it burns out.