Quikee Step problem

[Leeblev]

I have a 2001 Newmar Kountry Star with Quickee step (2 steps). I have noticed it operating sporadically for some time. At first, I thought it was the sensor on the door, because I could clean the plug on the door and on the wall and the step would operate. But then, it got to the point where cleaning no longer worked. I took the plugs out, cleaned the debris (metal) off of the magnet, and made sure the pickup in the wall was clean. Didn't work. I checked the plug underneath going to the motor device and couldn't find anything wrong. It has 12v going to the motor, but not operating the motor, so electric isn't an issue.
When it was working, I did not detect any sign of hangup, rubbing or any interference with the steps opening.
Has anybody had this issue? What did you do to correct it? Any help appreciated.

[Coelacanth]

I can see it from the front, but there is only about an inch of clearance.

[enblethen]

Did you look at other end of linkage for access?

[Coelacanth]

enblethen wrote:
Disconnect the linkage from the motor.
You should have done this before trying to test motor to insure that the step is not bound up!

I would have, but I’m not sure how to access the cotter pin since the steps are retracted?

[enblethen]

Disconnect the linkage from the motor.
You should have done this before trying to test motor to insure that the step is not bound up!

[Coelacanth]

So, I disconnected the servo motor completely. I then attached a negative lead from a 12v battery charger to one motor wire, then touched the positive charger clip to the other wire. Got a spark and a hum from the motor, but no movement. Reversed the process, same thing. My guess is that the motor is bad. Heck, it’s at least 22 years old.

If that’s the case, since the steps are stuck retracted, is there a recommended process for getting them extended or removed so I can get to the motor?

[mike_brez]

Here

[Coelacanth]

I have a similar, but not identical document.
Do you have a link to the one you show?

Regards,
Jack

[mike_brez]

[Coelacanth]

mike brez wrote:

O.K., so these are just wire connectors, big and funky looking, but still just basically a splice? And, the red and yellow wires are both positive (+), the motor is just grounded to the frame?
Therefore, it should be safe the disconnect both wires, hook them one at a time to a 12v power source and see if the motor will respond/move the steps in or out, depending?

[mike_brez]

[Coelacanth]

These wires connect the controller to the step motor. They are housed in a small, rubber insulated metal box.
Can anyone tell me what it is, other than a connector of some sort?

[mike_brez]

My first rv the steps stopped working and went to the local junk yard and got a window motor for 10 bucks.

[Coelacanth]

mowermech wrote:
I had the "stuck extended" problem not long ago.
I got under the step, disconnected the 2-wire connector at the motor, hooked jumper leads to the coach batteries, and tried actuating the motor. Nothing, just clicked. reversed the leads, and the steps started to retract. So, ensuring that hands and arms were out of the way, I retracted the steps fully, then extended them a couple of times.
I re-connected the motor connector, and the steps have been working fine ever since.
I have no idea what went wrong, nor do I have any idea what I did that solved the problem, but the steps are working now
I guess that is all that matters...

Well, I’m going to try jumping the motor one more time. Hoping it doesn’t throw sparks like the first time!? It all seemed so simple?
I’ll let you know.
And, thanks for the help!

[mowermech]

I had the "stuck extended" problem not long ago.
I got under the step, disconnected the 2-wire connector at the motor, hooked jumper leads to the coach batteries, and tried actuating the motor. Nothing, just clicked. reversed the leads, and the steps started to retract. So, ensuring that hands and arms were out of the way, I retracted the steps fully, then extended them a couple of times.
I re-connected the motor connector, and the steps have been working fine ever since.
I have no idea what went wrong, nor do I have any idea what I did that solved the problem, but the steps are working now
I guess that is all that matters...

[Coelacanth]

Gottahaveit wrote:
Had exact same problem..Ordered new motor from Amazon. A few bolts to replace and happy campers again. (put up with the sometimes works for to long)

Since the steps are retracted, I’m going to assume I’ll need to disassemble them to get at the motor?
Any idea why my attempt to jump the motor to extend the steps shorted out?