So I finally had a chance to take some photos of my step cover. I found that two pins connected to two arms which run off the motorized long screw (for lack of better descriptor) had popped loose and just had to be snapped back on. Everything worked as it should but recently they popped off again and I will have to find a better fix. Anyway, here's the pics.
http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/djbroughton/media/001_zps430118c7.jpg.html
http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/djbroughton/media/b4dc176d-d943-4e82-a8a6-84cb08e68433_zpsf9bc4779.jpg.html
Directions for removal:
1. pull the step cover out and reach underneath and remove the small screws attaching the cover itself from the frame.
2. remove the 2 pairs of Phillips screws (one pair shown partially removed)
3. whole tray assembly should pull out as a unit.
Any more questions let me know.
Dave